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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  Good but uncomfortable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By avinash - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have 2002 CRV for the last 18 months. It is good, reliable but the ride is very bumpy and harsh (a nice way to put it is "sports" ride with road feel). The tires (Bridgestone dueller) are worn out at 30K. Engine had idling problems - dealer replaced a CVT valve - made a small difference. Seats have very low padding. Thinking of trading for a Highlander.

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  My Awesome CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By meltoibailey1993 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Hondas since 1988 and currently own a 1999 Odyssey EX and my AWESOME 2002 CRV! Ive owned many other makes & have taken them all into high mileage. My Hondas have OUTPERFORMED them all! I intend on teaching my kids how to drive a manual in my CRV (the oldest is 4). I will never own another make---HONDAS RULE!!!

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  Good value--fun to drive - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Cleburne fan - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has handsome exterior styling, a capacious interior and is fun to drive. We liked the black cloth interior, which is hard to find, as well as the moonroof and in-dash cd-changer. It comforts us to know it has 4wd when we need it, antilock brakes, side air bags and great safety ratings. Being a little larger in every dimension than our Forester makes it more comfortable for this 62" driver, especially on long trips. Overall, its a great balance of size, utility, safety, economy and driveability, and its a great value.

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  Nifty SUV - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Al Vingelis - September 7 - 3:17 pm

  Compare other comparable SUVs and the CR-V comes out ahead.

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  Solid SUV with a few minor issues - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Alexei Isac - September 7 - 10:04 am

  1. LX model does not come with the option to add a Honda remote start. To get model that comes with the option, have to bump up model to EX and EX-L. I found there is not much added value to bump up to EX, had to go with a 3rd party remote starter that was installed at the dealer. 2. Speaker and bluetooth quality is not great

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  Happy as a Lark - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff - September 6 - 7:46 pm

  Everybody complains about the power. Well the later year CR-Vs, you got what you asked for, and the MPG dropped right along with it. Now the gas prices are out of sight and the most fuel efficient SUV of its time now gets a lot less than the 25 MPG it got in 2000. Ill never get rid of my 2000. It goes anywhere that any SUV can go. Great in snow. Roomy. Great on gas, and looks good. What do you want?

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  02 CR-V - BAD CHOICE! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By NoCRV_4_Me - September 5 - 10:20 am

  Pros: Door height - I dont bump my head getting in/out. Good little engine - strong, reliable Comfortable for around town driving Cons: 1. Air conditioning has gone out twice in last year. Bad compressor and dealer didnt offer me any deal, only a $3500 estimate. 1st time seals blew out, 2nd time bearings failed. 2. Black paint has white undercoat so every little scratch shows and it scratches VERY easily, despite frequent waxing. 3. Back seat legroom limited OK for kids, tight for adults. 4. Has irritating rattle since new, especially when turning right. Dealer couldnt find cause under warranty. 5. If quality is so good, why does Honda have the worst warranty in the business?

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  best buy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By theresad - September 4 - 10:00 am

  this truck handles like a car..its a pleasure to drive

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  Love Me Some CRV EX-L - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bev Victor - September 4 - 1:01 am

  Great vehicle! Honda holds its value so well, I got more than book on trade. Reliable, economical, and all you need in an everyday car, and then some!

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  Love my Honday - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - September 3 - 3:28 pm

  I bought this last year and love it. Ive got 228,000 km on it and it still runs like a charm. Its the 5 speed and Ive still had new people drive it and thinking they stalled it, tried to start it again as the motor runs so quiet. Runs like a charm.