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:

• 

  Sweet! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By dantheman - September 24 - 3:43 am

  I bought this car because my older VW was getting to be a pain to fix all the time. I figured I needed a 4x4 for the winter, and I needed the extra room as our civic is a little tight on long trips. This is my first CR-V and I love it. The drive is smoother, the interior is nice, and the fuel economy is up there. I read others who were complaining about things missing that I have on my EX-L. I have only driven the car 500 miles so far, but theyve been flawless so far. I will be taking my annual trip to NC this summer which is around 2000 miles round trip. I look forward to it.

• 

  Love for the CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Love - September 21 - 6:28 pm

  I got my CR-V 7 years ago and it had 60,000 miles on it. Now it has 215,000 and the transmission is JUST NOW starting to act up. I LOVE my little car and its breaking my heart to have to say goodbye. I have only had ONE major issue with it (besides this) and it was because I ran out of gas on the freeway and the Cat-converter went out. Other then that this car has been the best I have ever had. I would recommend this car to EVERYONE! The only grip I have (well passengers have) is the lack of a second arm rest. I have told them all to lay down the $250 to add one and I would get it for them. As for the guy with the code issue take it to a stereo store maybe they can help.

• 

  Pagelims review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By PageLIM - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Great sales experience, surprised that you could get a reliable small SUV for the price, love Honda durability and reputation of quality. Would like better gas mileage still, but otherwise a great car.

• 

  Love CRVS - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sancar - September 21 - 10:00 am

  We researched small SUVs for quite a while. After driving all of them, the Honda won hands down. It is roomy, comfortable and the cargo space is as large as some of its big competitors.

• 

  Luxury of a Cadillac in aMid size Honda CR-V Touri - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Blaine Darrah - September 20 - 5:59 am

  To get the owner features found in my Cadillac SRX I had to buy the CR-V touring. Like the ability to open my garage, good bluetooth connectivity with my iPhone. The new right side rear viewing camera is very handy during changing lanes.

• 

  Love mine - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Karl - September 18 - 11:12 am

  I love my 2002 CR-V. Anyone who wishes a quiet and more comfortable ride try the Goodyear Assurance Comfort Tread Tires. These tires are quiet. And they are not called comfort tread for nothing. My wife and I both notice a difference in the ride and handling.

• 

  Great Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By bigsr120 - September 17 - 12:03 pm

  I previously drove a 2004 Honda EX CR-V on a lease, which I turned in about four months ago. I purchased the 2008 EX CR-V about four weeks ago and absolutely love it. It is so much better than my previous SUV in comfort, ergonomics, technology, and overall style. I am averaging approximately 24 MPG, in mixed city/highway driving. My 04 CR-V was a pleasure to drive, but this total redesign really blows it away. The safety features are terrific with full side curtain and seat side airbags. With included traction control and vehicle stability assist, I feel so much safer driving this completely redesigned version. The CR-V handles nimbly, rides smoothly, and is much quieter than my 2004 CR-V.

• 

  Almost 4 yrs later and going strong. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By michelleinmo - September 17 - 8:23 am

  Have leased this vehicle for nearly 4 yrs now and its been pretty good! No mechanical issues or anything and at 42K miles its still going strong. We are upgrading to a new 2009 Pilot and Ill miss the zippiness of my CR- V! What I wont miss is the discomfort of the drivers seat. I cant get any lumbar support and the seats just seem small. My son sits in his car seat forward facing in the back passenger side and therefore the passenger seat needs to be nearly all the way forward in the front, total pain. Love all the cargo space!

• 

  Made for short Females - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Nate - September 12 - 12:10 pm

  Totally made for a female. Raising the drivers seat up sends the whole seat closer to the front of the vehicle. Not enough leg room. Armrests are super tiny, my elbow is always on the edge of the rest. Other then those items, its great. Drives like a sports car. Plenty of power, good gas mileage.

• 

  Great and Practical Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Neha - September 10 - 9:03 am

  Overall, I find this car running smooth and well. I went through a lot of dealerships to get this car and dealt with some shady ones that wouldnt honor their written quotes, especially Hayward Honda in CA. Dont go there! They say one thing and mean the other. Exterior and interior are built well and comfortable to sit in. There is plenty of room in the cargo area, easy to take someone to the airport with lots of luggage.