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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  Oklahoma Square Root - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By J. D. Carter - October 8 - 6:46 pm

  Having never owned an SUV before, I truly enjoy the driving experience of the new 2007 CR-V. To go from an 03 Civic to the 07 CR-V is nice and I love the higher view of the road.

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  Final Vehicle! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Seagrave - October 8 - 12:51 pm

  As a retirement purchase this likely will be our last new car purchase. We researched and test drove 6 different SUVs before settling on this one. Easy to get in and out of, understandable modern technology, comfortable seats and ride, great visibility, and lots of standard "options" included in the package. Honda got this one right.

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  May new Honda CRV EXL Is Somewhat Of A Disapointme - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - October 5 - 7:10 am

  My new 2017 Honda CRV EXL is somewhat of a disappointment because : A. It didn’t come with roof rails and crossbars, B. Back window on rear hatch doesn’t open, C. I don’t like there climate control , when using autostart during the winter at times my fan speed that I set on high does not always engage on high. I’ve called Honda Customer Service in the past about goodwilling and installing new roof rails and crossbars and the person I spoke with could care less telling me that it was my problem. All CRV’s should come with a roof rack especially if the rear window doesn’t open.

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  CR-V is awsome - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By joshua2223 - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Price is aswome and you get a SUV that is extremely roomy and versatile. The most important thing of all is that you get peace of mind knowing that you have honda reliability. This is my third CR- V. I put nearly 100,000 miles a year on my car because of business. My last CR-V had 223,000 miles with no problems at all other than tires and brakes.

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Caudle - October 2 - 8:27 pm

  My 2002 CR-V EX is the fourth Honda I have owned and my eighth vehicle. My last four vehicles have all been Hondas. I dont have much negative to say about it. The only trouble Ive experienced, has been with Gas Filler threads causing the Gas Cap to be a little hard to put on. I had one of the front stabilizer links to pop off on one end. Other than that it has been a great vehicle. It has over 100,000 miles on it, but looks, drives, feels and sounds like it only has 100 miles. I will probably never own anything but a Honda.

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  Look at accessory photos before you purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By J.McGuchi - October 1 - 2:38 pm

  I am slowly liking my new car more and more. Ive owned the CRV for one month now had have driven approximately two thousand miles. I average 500 miles a week. I have no mechanical complaints. The new variable transmission is a little whiney and noticeable at times . But nothing to complain about. My former vehicle was a fully loaded 2012 Odyssey except navigation to a base model 2015 AWD CRV. The two vehicles are very different. I was trying to downsize, get better mpg, and AWD. My chief complaint is that the accessories I had put on the CRV were not the same size as the Odyssey. The raised roof rack is not the same as the raised roof rack on the Odyssey. The tow package with the 2" ball is not what I expected either. My kids say the back seats are uncomfortable . I am going to get memory foam back support pads for them. They also miss the XM radio and entertainment package. I did buy a portable XM radio receiver it was free with subscription . The rear view camera is much smaller. I must say I really enjoyed working with Phil Ha at Stevens Creek Honda in San Jose, Ca.. Phil got back to me within minutes every time I contacted(email,text,voicemail) him. Phil give me the best price for my CRV within a 500 mile radius . I had contacted 4 other dealerships and Phil still had the best price. I really enjoyed working with Phil Ha and edmunds. I would recommend working with Phil and edmunds.

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By vmb63 - October 1 - 11:23 am

  We puchased this SUV to replace my wifes Passat Wagon. We werent sure which we wanted, another wagon - Volvo XC70 or an SUV. We saw this on the road one day and the wife loved it. It has just enough cargo space, spacious passenger cabin, fun and easy to drive, very safe, the award winning VTEC Honda engine and great fuel economy for a decent sized SUV. Nicely equipped, excellent build quality and famed Honda reliability. The engine is responsive and quiet. We were sold on the CR-V after the test drive.

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Anita - September 28 - 5:06 am

  Traded an 03 Odyssey (which had problems). CRV isnt as plush as Odyssey but more fun to drive. Only 18-20 mpg city so far-will update later. Kids like having "real" doors with windows that go down (Odyssey didnt have and they suffered when the AC went out in June [in Texas!!] when van was only 3 yrs old). Love it so far!!

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  Highly Recommended - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dawelch_in_AK - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Im finally back to owning a Honda again! I cant believe Ive owned other vehicles; shame on me. The CRV is a dream to drive, and compared to my last SUV (Isuzu, ick), the CRV gets Amazing gas mileage. Im averaging 27mpg, which is better than EPA estimates! I feel much better having a Low Emmission Vehicle in Fairbanks; a city that suffers from Smog in winter. Im the very proud owner of a Honda again (last honda was a prelude, loved it). Im even thinking of giving my CRV a name, like I would a pet!

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  Probably Not Again - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - September 26 - 1:34 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in Nov. 2003. I now have 98,000 miles on the car. At 97,000 miles the entire A/C compressor, clutch and coils blew. After fighting with Honda they ended up paying $600 or the $1500 price tag to replace the A/C. The cars fit and finish are sub par for a Japanese car. Squeak and rattles abound. The exterior paint is easily scratched. Honda has known about the faulty A/C problems with the CR-V but refuses to extend the warranty on them. I owned 2 Subarus before this car and will go back to Subaru once this car dies for good. Honda gets high marks in most of these postings but most of the postings are from people who just bought their cars.