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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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tammee - September 2 - 3:08 pm

  This is our 3rd CR-V. I LOVE the new flip up tailgate-that was the only feature I didnt like in our prior CR-Vs. The ride is smooth, it fits all of our stuff. Plenty of storage. I really like the new cover for the cargo area. I also love having a big car feel but small car gas mileage. I dont find any blind spots, I love the instrument panel, very user friendly. We love our Hondas, never had any problems with them. Cant imagine owning another small suv.

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  Great Value - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bkrell - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great value and those of you looking into the Explorer or comparable sized vehicles should check out the CR-V. It has a ton of space and is much better on gas than an Explorer. About the only reason I could think to opt for something bigger would be towing. You dont get a good towing capacity with the CR-V, although its load capacity is equal to or greater than some larger SUVs.

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  Good car, good price - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gary in Central Virginia - September 1 - 9:15 pm

  Bought an LX FWD for $21,687.82, not counting tax and license fees. I bought at the end of the month and bid it out to six dealers. Although this is the most basic CR-V, the features are quite good -- the only one I miss is hands-free entry, which is available on higher-trim models. One month in Im pleased with the car in all respects except one -- that being that I find the steering feel to be rather heavy. Otherwise, everything seems fine. Gas mileage is amazing for a vehicle this size. Performance is quite good -- the CVT is quite peppy at low speed or from a start, though it still has that CVT high rpm response when accelerating from higher speed. The space in this car makes it practical for long trips or hauling stuff. Performance is good, and the 2.4L engine puts out very adequate power while getting good gas mileage. All things considered, this is an amazing value for a vehicle, especially the LX FWD.

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  First Ricer - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Joe Dokes - August 31 - 9:52 am

  no passenger arm rest....usb wont work with android.......no lights on sun visors.........the four bannger runs well at 80 around 2300rpm with acceleration left.... Drivers seat is comfortable for long trips...... no random play with thumbdrive but a 32 gig formatted to fat 32 will work with usb cable.......Bluetooth works ok.

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  Less than thrilled - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Artman - August 30 - 11:33 am

  Today is my CR-Vs 4th birthday and I have noticed fading paint, rock chips on the nose that have started to rust, and scratches all over the car. This alone will bring my resale value down at least $2000. I will take the vehicle into Honda but Im sure they will not take care of it. I would recommend not buying the midnight blue pearl color. Better yet buy a Toyota.

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  Love, but... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gloria Liu - August 30 - 2:50 am

  Havent had this vehicle long enough to rate the reliability (repair frequency, dealership support, engine, transmission, electronics) or Value (maintenance cost, purchase cost, resale value, warranty). Previous car was a wider and longer, but lower on the road sedan. Glad to be in an SUV to be able to see farther among other big vehicles on the road. Road handling is stable. Tight turns. Glad theres am mpg meter which is already changing the way I drive. Nice to have rear camera for easier reverse & parking. Nice to have bluetooth to play music from portable devices. Nice to be able to place calls & receive calls through the car sound system. Not sure why occasionally the receiver has difficulties hearing me. When the mpg is displayed, the clock is placed low and to the right of the screen. While the driver can see the clock in this position, passengers in the rear seat cannot easily see the clock. Drivers side button window controls is next to and almost the same size and shape as the door lock button. Have to look down to see which button Im pushing.

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  Nice SUV for the price may need little more power - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Prasad Avala - August 29 - 10:12 am

  Super good mileage compared to other same line of SUVs. I have a 2002 CR-V with 250K miles still running strong. So i pulled the trigger for 2016 CR-V with 0.9% honda finance. Nice features compared to price for EX AWD. im getting 26-28 MP in local(if i watch my foot) and 31-33 freeway currently. I heard about vibration in 2015 which screwed the fame of CR-V . looks like vibration reduced significantly in 2016 but not completely. I have purchased all weather mats(OEM) , Trunk Tray(OEM) and body side moldings(OEM) online and installed myself and saved nearly $400. I got a quote from honda care(online dealer) for extended warranty of 8 years/100k miles for $950 which was almost 50% less than my local dealer price. Upgrading to LED interior lights and custom fit seats to protect the interior from Kinds. So far so good . Time will tell about reliability :). Looks like other features in touring are really good if the price is affordable for you.

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  Not fuel efficient in city driving - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ghasbun - August 27 - 10:59 pm

  My CR-V does fine in Highway 27 MPG but very poor in city driving, 16.25 mpg.

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  Loyal Honda Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By msln - August 27 - 8:57 am

  Bought new in 04. At 71,000 miles, the A/C compressor blew, contaminating the whole system. Estimates cost anywhere from $1800-3000 to fix.

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  No more BMW - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By DAVID NELSON - August 26 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2002 BMW x5 for five years. I bought it new. I have never had a vehicle loaded on a tow truck as many times as the BMW. My wife bought a 2007 Honda cr-v. It was "cute". We went to Florida last winter from New England. We decided to take the Honda, because we had no confidence in the BMW making the trip without issues. During the course of the winter in fla, I became a Honda fan. The gas mileage was very acceptable. The trade-off for comfort was not that noticeable. I trusted the car. I have just sold my BMW x5, and will be buying my own Honda cr-v. It is a great value.