Overview & Reviews

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.

Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.

Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.

Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.

Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.

The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.

Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.

In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.

Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.

Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.

In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.

The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Great SUV!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ben987 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV for anyone looking for comfort, power, and quality. Gas mileage is excellent, and the CR-V is good in the snow.

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  Best SUV Ive owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By iss - October 20 - 11:21 pm

  Well short and sweet, one of the best suvs for the price. I know it will last 250,000 plus no problem can anyone say that about their suv.

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  Crooks - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jim - October 20 - 11:56 am

  Like most people with a Honda 03-05 my family has air problems. Last week the condenser exploded, and not only ruined a $300 condenser but did a few thousand dollars in damage. What kind of idiot designs something so that when it breaks it tears up the entire product? If you dont believe this try to use your defroster this winter with the ac not working. This is a known Honda problem that they refuse to fix [via several web sites]. Anyone that has paid out of pocket needs to go to Honda lawsuit and help get everyones money back and save others from this problem. Its defective equipment. They are ripping the public off .

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  Its just a car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan - October 20 - 1:52 am

  The car is just an ok car there is not too much to it. The only benefit is anytime you go over 70mph you get a free body massage cause the vibrates so much we took it to the dealer and it’s something all new CRV do. We mostly get rid of it and get something else.

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  Love my Cr-v - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Terri - October 18 - 5:32 pm

  I loved my cr-v very much. Good on gas, reliability is a plus. I was surprised with the picnic table, thought that was thought of Honda including it. Only thing I didnt like about the cr-v is highway uphills driving. There is a loud noise when you drive 70 mph or more. I hate that it cant handle curves and mountains. Other than that, I love my cr-v. I will be buying a 2006 next time. Hopefully honda has improve the cr-v.

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  This Car Will Surprise You - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By DG - October 16 - 10:20 pm

  We have had several SUVs and still have three along with our new CR-V. When we went to buy a Honda, we had our heart set on a Pilot until we walked into the show room and looked at a CR-V on the floor. We were amazingly surprised at what we saw. Great comfort, styling and looks. After the test drive we were sold. Absolutely love it and cannot find one thing that we dont like. It is our first Honda in a long time and we were very pleasantly surprised. IF you are thinking of it [CR-V vs anything else] you cannot go wrong with the CR-V. Fantastic car for the money. Tremendous value and options for a vehicle in this class.

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  10 Years and Still Lovin It! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Roy - October 15 - 1:41 pm

  The perfect small family SUV! I bought mine new over 10 years ago and as of today it just went over 218,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance I have had no trouble at all with this vehicle. Great ground clearance has allowed me to do some light off- roading with it. As mine is only FWD I was apprehensive about moving to Upstate New York with it, but it handled the deep snows up there in admiral fashion using just regular all season tires. Even though I am thinking of getting a newer Honda (Pilot) I am not getting rid of my CR-V. This is the first vehicle that I have owned for more than 3 years and given its outstanding reliability I plan to keep it for another 10 years.

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  I love my 2002 Honda CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Johnny Rogers - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my CRV on 08/12/02 and drove it in the snow for the first time on the way to work this morning. 09/20/02 and it handles really well in the snow. It shifts so smooth that I couldnt tell when it shifted into Four (4) wheel drive. I love the traction and the fuel mileage that Im getting with my CRV. We have nine months of snow, however, I think my CRV will be up to the challenge of our tough winters. Im getting between 26 and 28 miles per gallon on the road and about 22 mpg in the city.

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  A Good Car to Own - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Good Pick! - October 9 - 5:24 am

  My Wife and I made a decision when we discovered another child was on the way, that we should get the family a new car. We sold our 2001 Hyundai 300 XL and purchased a 2007 EX-L AWD CRV. We had averaged around 21 mpg with the Hyundai and are now averaging 24 mpg with the Honda. The quality craftsmanship difference for the Honda vs Hyundai is huge. You get what you pay for. I feel much better knowing my wife and two daughters are safe with a very reliable car to transport them throughout their weekly routine. I wish the Honda had more power, but with todays fuel prices the fuel economy is more important. My wife had owned a Prelude before we were married, so shes a Honda Gal anyway

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  My Last Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Landfear - October 9 - 1:47 am

  This is my fourth crv, and Honda has ruined it. It vibrates, hesitates, and has a general lack of power. The trim and interior look cheap and the new electronics suck. The superficial design flaws completely obscure the fundamental design flaws. I will be dumping this piece of garbage as soon as I can, as Honda will only fix problems that are life threatening.