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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  Sadly Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Sadgal - August 25 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased the CRV LX for the sole purpose of traveling. Unfortunately the seats are the most uncomfortable I have ever encountered. In just a four hour trip, I thought I was going to die. I am sadly disappointed in the seats Honda has put in this car. I would not buy another.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - August 25 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car after much research. I test drove the Chevy Equinox and there was no comparison. I wanted a 4 cyl so I didnt even look at the RAV 4s. We have a 2006 Pilot and 1997 Accord so I knew how reliable the Hondas are. I love this car. Fun to drive, plenty of room. I opted for the ex and glad I did. The seats are beautiful and comfortable. I like the fact that the console fold down. So far no problems. It has plenty of power for a 4 cyl and I live in the valley with many hills.

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  Honda CRV A/C Problem - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Unhappy Honda Owner - August 24 - 12:18 pm

  Were very unhappy about having to shell out $1,618 for a new A/C system a couple weeks ago for our 03 Honda CR-V. Vehicle hadnt quite hit 70,000 miles and was no longer under warranty. We didnt want to sweat through a hot, humid MN summer without A/C, and dealership wouldnt even consider a trade-in without it being fixed. So didnt feel we had much choice in the matter. Honda evidently covered about $2,200 in parts, and the dealership provided us with a loaner, for which we were grateful, but still a big financial hit when we could least afford it. Very disappointed in Honda quality. Lots of people seem to be experiencing same problem. They need to do a recall.

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  Transmission failure after 15,000 miles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chad - August 24 - 7:05 am

  We leased our 2015 CRV for the fact we liked the new body style and the fuel economy was great. We leased for wife to drive and this gave me the peice of mind that the services would all be done at the dealership and she was in good hands. All was well with the suv, we drove it from ohio to florida and back for vacation and it had great fuel economy. However on our next trip to Tennessee we had major transmission problems over 100 miles away from home. On the way I was driving and noticed that the rpms would increase and decrease rapidly. I thought maybe some bad gas was causing the issue and stopped to assess the problem. At idle the car was fine and as I increased the throttle there were no issues. Back on the road about 15 miles and the car seemed to get worse rpms surging. We decided to turn back and limp it home to the dealership we bought it from. About 20 miles heading back the shifts got worse and the D light on the dash starts to flash. I immediately pulled over and safely got to a gas station. By the time I pulled into the gas station the rpms were at 4000 just to get the car to move a little and you could here squelling from the transmission. 3hrs later (I forgot to mention my wife was 4 months pregnant and very emotional as the trip was for valentines weekend) we got the car to the nearest dealership to assess the transmission. The CRV only has close to 15,000 miles on it and the codes thrown for the transmission were showing total failure. We tried to get a rental from the dealership, but we didnt have honda care just 24hr roadside assistance so they said no coverage. After many calls to our dealership and the 24 hr roadside assistance (got hung up on a couple times by them) we decided to give up on them. The dealership we were at helped us get a good rate on a rental that WE paid for and decided not to have the car ruin our valentines weekend and I am actually writing this review in Tennessee. I have been a honda fan as they usually have great cars (I have the ridgeline), but I think they may have tried something new and failed. The new cvt transmission seemed good at first, but now I do not have high hopes for it.

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  Trading up, blast from the past - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Honda Owner - August 23 - 11:25 pm

  I traded in my 1995 Dodge Dakota truck for my 2007 Honda CR-V. Its been over a year since the purchase and Im still very happy. Ive owned a 1980 Honda Accord and an 1982 Civic. The CR-V reminds me of the Civic except with all the cool technology, safety equipment, and design upgrades. The handling is very smooth. I can park this thing ANYWHERE! (Unlike my old truck.) I get between 27 and 32 mpg in a mixed highway/city commute 36 miles, 5 days a week(Florida). The mpg meter really lets you see how you are driving. There was obviously a lot of thought put into the interior design of the CR-V. There is storage everywhere. Doors open wider than on other cars. Power plugs everywhere. Buy one!

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  Stay Away from 2002-03 - A/C Nightmare - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Crescentan - August 22 - 6:06 pm

  Weve had our 2002 CR-V for nearly six years and over 100,000 miles and have been quite satisfied with the car. It is incredibly roomy for such a small car, a decent road trip car and economical to operate. BUT Hondas a/c compressors for the CR-V and Element for 2002-03 were badly designed and fail catastrophically, requiring every bit of the a/c system to be replaced at a cost around $3,200. Our first such failure was under warranty at about 70,000 miles in September 2006 and the 2nd 18 months later. We paid $800+ plus labor this time since its out of warranty. Doubtless, if we keep the car, well replace it again in 18 months or so.

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  So Cute! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By iamlysa - August 21 - 11:24 pm

  I gaze out of the window at it all the time, it is such a cute car. It has a lot of get up and go and the A/C is so much better then my Escape was. The gas mileage is better than my 07 Escape Hybrid. I havent gone on long trips or up any mountains, but for getting from here to there, it is absolutely perfect and the 99 styling isnt outdated and still looks like a fairly new car. Just discovered the picnic table. So cool. I live in the Hippie community of Ocean Beach, Ca, and I think this care has finally found its permanent home with me.

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  Very happy with Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jason - August 20 - 3:49 pm

  I own a 2005 Honda CR-V SE and brought it on Nov of 2004 and its been a great car since the first day I brought it. Its been to seven different states and its has given me no problems on the road trip. It has 61,500 miles on it now. I also am very happy with the gas mileage, the best gas mileage I ever gotten on the highway was 37 and close to 40 mpg a few times with the AC off going about 60 mph. With the AC on I get about 32 to 34 mpg on the highway. The worst gas mileage I ever gotten was 21 mpg in town but that only happens a few times. Its very easy for me to change my own oil and trans services and i used the best oil like amsoil for improved gas mileages.

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  New CRV EX-L NAV AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CRV1Buyer - August 20 - 8:46 am

  First I must say I was treated very well by Honda Morristown in TN. The reviews are dead on. This is a great SUV!!! More power would be great but I would not sacrifice mileage for it! Change holder and lighted vanity mirrors would be nice as would Home link--but I have to look very hard to find something I do not like about this SUV! Drive one youll see what I mean!

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  Color me HAPPY! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Karen Walsh - August 19 - 5:20 pm

  Excellent Value... Great performance.