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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  Winter noice - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MKP - August 10 - 7:56 am

  In the winter when I start car it is special noice like my car cry (ooh). If break or slow car and start pick up, it is again ooh.

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  Winter noice - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MKP - August 10 - 7:56 am

  In the winter when I start car it is special noice like my car cry (ooh). If break or slow car and start pick up, it is again ooh.

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  CR-V for life - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kelvin Parker - August 10 - 7:51 am

  I have owned 6 Honda CR-Vs. They are very dependable, low maintanance and the resale value is great.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mar83 - August 9 - 10:49 pm

  Overall, a truly excellent car. Fuel efficient for an AWD SUV, versatile, comfortable, and fun to drive. The engine, though somewhat underpowered, is still responsive and the CR-V is fun to drive, particularly with the manual transmission. I bought it in 2005 with 68,000 miles and now have 136,000 on it, and I have only had to fix one thing that wasnt standard maintenance (drivers side power window). Highly recommended for anyone who wants a reliable, safe, and fun small SUV. Have gotten about 25 mpg overall mileage-wise, which isnt bad considering the AWD.

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  Shame on American Honda ! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By formerhondafan - August 9 - 6:02 am

  As a huge Honda fan and owner for the last 15 years, I was thrilled when I bought my 04 CR-V. Sadly, that excitement only lasted as long as the warranty. 2000 miles past the warranty it just stopped running. Took it took the dealer and they said it was a "sensor" and it cost me $280! But as frustrating as that was, it pales to what just happened to me. Just like all the other CR-V owners out there, my AC compressor blew up, and American Honda just snubbed their nose at me like they have every other owner. Shame on you Honda! Fortunately, my dealership helped me out with the whopping $3,000 bill, but Honda is doing nothing to help its loyal fans. As a result, I am selling all of mine!

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  Disappointed in Ontario - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By G Davis - August 8 - 1:07 pm

  Recently traded my 2000 Pontiac Montana for a 2003 Honda CR-V. After 3 years of constant repairs on the Montana I was so excited to own a "reliable" vehicle. Well, last week the compressor in the air conditioning unit went and I now have to fork out $1500.+ to replace it. I am very disappointed. I have owned several Hondas and they have always been reliable & reasonable to maintain. After reading the reviews, I may just fix it and sell it as this seems to be an ongoing problem. Heads up, Honda. The North American car manufacturers have let the buying public down horribly with their poorly designed and built vehicles. Dont follow suit! Gas mileage also not as good as expected.

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  Good Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By dcbronson - August 6 - 11:46 pm

  Im well satified with this car, my first foreign model. The mileage is better than advertised. We drove across the country, 1800 miles and got generally 31 mpg. The pickup is adequate for a 4 cyl. but still would like more hp. I traded in a 275 hp Eldorado on this conservative car so the lack of oomph is obvious. All the standard features are nice, but now I wish I would have gotten the nav. system with all the other upgrades.

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  Everything I needed - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Abhi - August 4 - 9:59 pm

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  Good bye 13 CRV EX-L, Hello 17 CRV Touring - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By BM - August 4 - 7:44 pm

  I took my wife to the Auto Expo a few months to look at all the new cars. Big mistake! We saw the 17 CRV and knew that would be in our garage soon. It was a no brainer for me. The 13 that my wife drove was a spectacular car, very low maintenance, excellent ride and very comfortable on long trips. The only ding against it was the lack of power below 5000 rpm. Problem solved with the 17 CRV. The little 1.5 Turbo is a sweetheart, its a bit loud on full throttle acceleration, but the torque around town makes it easy to get around slower and distracted cell engaged drivers. The ride is super smooth, and the steering is to die for. The new interior is much roomier and the seats are greatly appreciated for my glass back. Tall drivers will love actually having enough legroom. I am 6ft 2 and have plenty of legroom in the front and back. Lots of technology not found in any vehicle in its class. It is a lot of car for the money, Honda is back at the top of the game again!

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  Saved My Life - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JD - August 4 - 5:34 pm

  Had a hard side-impact collision (T- boned by a pickup truck) on 7/30/08. Car was totaled I was not injured. Thats good enough for me. Im buying another CR-V. I bought it for the safety and Ill buy another one for the same reason.