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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  Transmission going - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mary - August 19 - 3:25 pm

  76,000 miles, had new brakes at 50,000, now need new transmission. Whats going on? I thought Honda cars lasted forever. What causes transmissions to go? What will the car do when the transmission goes? This car needs more zip & doesnt like sharp turns. I can feel the tendency to turn over.

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  Honda Always!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 60-something - August 19 - 4:46 am

  Just got my new 2007 Honda CR-V EX after having an Accord and a Civic in past years. I love it! Its about time they got rid of that ugly wheel on the back door! Im 60-something and thought it would be too big to handle, boy, was I wrong!! It handles very well! It is so comfortable and roomy. I can haul anything now from Home Depot stuff to furniture. Honda has always been reliable for me. My Accord went to 180,000 miles before I traded it in (and I got good trade-in $$) so I expect my CR-V to do the same. Good job, Honda! (especially for getting rid of that wheel 8).)

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Hugh - August 17 - 7:29 pm

  I bought this CR-V with 41,000 miles on it, and now have 156,000 on it. Change oil at 3000 miles always with a Honda dealer. Have had 2 minor brake jobs, set of struts, 1 radiator, 1 back-up light, timing belt with belts and water pump (at same time) these were not generic. My son is a cert. mech. wiper blades 2 times,2 tune ups, 3 sets of tires. Only lasting problem is in the hot Texas summers my auto tranny does not want to shift at certain times, it kinda hangs in gear until I give it more gas. I take it in and have the tranny oil changed (3 qt.) 3 times a year, thats a lot cheaper than an AT overhaul or new tranny. Gas mileage never less than 24 to 25 tollway/city.

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  Love our CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Grayczyk - August 17 - 6:29 pm

  Zero repairs. Good view of the road. Brakes last forever. 21 mpg city 33 mpg Hwy. Could do with less road noise. Large cargo area with seats folded down.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheryl - August 17 - 8:33 am

  This just might be the first automobile I can honestly say, "I Love." It handles superbly in bad weather. For a small SUV, it is amazingly comfortable. I highly recommend this truck.

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  Best vehicle ever own - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - August 14 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my CR-V SE back in Nov of 2004 and still own the car today with 61,500 miles. So far I have been very please with my CR-V because there have been no problems. I change my oil every 5000 to 7500 miles with Amsoil motor oil. I services the transmission myself every 15,000 miles. Its easy because it has a drain plug just like changing the oil. I highly recommended any type of Honda vehicle to anyone because my has been so reliable, my mother and brother both own a Honda. All three of our cars get great gas mileage better than what the window stickers says. I am thinking of getting a new Honda CR-V Turbo Diesel when its comes in late 2009 as a 2010 year model because of the better MPG.

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  This is quality - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Patrick in KC - August 14 - 12:01 pm

  We are now into our 11th year with this gem. We have 158k with only minor maintenance (new radiator, 2nd battery). This car is an absolute joy to drive and is excellent in the snow/rain. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and would recommend a Honda to anyone. I will own it until it dies.

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Archie Hayes - August 13 - 12:36 pm

  The only drawback on this vehicle is the road noise but the three Hondas we have owned have never been very quiet. The car drives great and the fuel economy has been surprising. Really good!

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  Reliable but Cramped Leg Room - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - August 13 - 9:26 am

  My CR-V is a great car for someone who is less than 6 feet tall and doesnt want to go off road very often. I am 6 2" and cannot drive it on long trips because the leg room is cramped. Also, the AWD uses an open transfer case with open axles, meaning you really have one wheel drive. The CR-V is great for urban moms who want a large rear trunk area. Very reliable and good gas mileage, great build quality.

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  CR-V almost killed us - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By dld1672 - August 11 - 8:58 am

  I am very disappointed with my CR-V. As a matter of fact it was just towed away this morning. It broke down on the highway last Fri while I was doing 65 mph with my 9 yr old in the car. We could have been killed. The car was inspected last month by the dealership and it passed. This is the final straw. The car has been slowly falling apart. The glove compartment does not open. The rear door does not open. The seatbelts lock up for no reason and choke you. The clock broke long ago. The radio has stopped working at times. The key fob would not open the door for about a year and now that works again. It had to be opened using the key. Its been one thing after another.