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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  Dependable Car but short-lived AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Yam - August 4 - 12:12 am

  I have my CR-V now for almost 4 years and Im happy with it. But just 3 days ago, the AC system gave up at 49,000 miles. Mechanic told me to take it to the dealership because hed seen at least 4 Hondas with the same problem. The dealership, after contacting Honda, decided to charge me just $160 to change the whole AC system as they realized that this thing has been becoming too common for 3 to 4 yr. old CR-Vs. If ever your CR-V AC gives up on you, contact the dealership before shelling out thousands of dollars at private auto shops. Big chance they will cover it for you even if your car is passed the warranty period.

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  Stay away from Honda product built in UK - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - August 1 - 2:21 pm

  This vehicle fell short of what I expected from a Honda product. I began hearing noise from the rear end at about 15,000 miles. I had repeated problems with the audio system,as well. Most recently at 38,000 miles, the airbag sensor light goes on once in a while. Forget about any help from Honda when the warranty expires. My local Honda dealer charges $100 an hour and does not provide free loaner cars. Im back to Toyotas after this experience with Honda. A UK built Honda can be identified by the the first digit of the VIN being a "S".

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  08 Honda CR-V EX-L FWD with NAV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lancef - July 27 - 5:40 pm

  Needed versatility,comfort,and good MPG. The CR-V fit the bill. We had no intention of getting the NAV system but once we saw what the NAV could do, especially with being integrated with the audio system it became a must have. We checked out the NAVs on Nissan and Mazda and the Honda Alpine unit just blows them away.

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  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By John - July 27 - 6:56 am

  Ive had my CR-V for over a year now, and I dont think I could be more pleased with it. I find it very comfortable on long trips (up to 2 weeks / 4500 miles). Mileage has been better than expected, averaged about 30 MPG, with a couple of tanks over 31 MPG, on the 4500 mile trip with some city driving, and Ive got the AWD version rated at 28! Another, 2500 mile trip was 29+ average with much driving around Austin. Ride and handling are excellent, but the tires (Bridgestones) could be better. Acceleration is very good for a 4-cyl havent ever really wanted for power.

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  A C problem after only 36,000 miles - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Martha Christensen - July 26 - 2:04 pm

  My whole ac unit in my cr-v crystallized after only 4 years old and only 36,000 miles. If I would not have had extended warranty on this car I would have to have paid $4,000.00 to fix it! This is terrible.The mechanic that fixed it said all honda cr-sv do this after 35,000- 45,0000 miles! This is terrible! I am not a happy Honda owner now! Martha Christensen

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  Excellent car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Stretch - July 26 - 9:43 am

  This has been a great car for me and my husband and two golden retrievers. Love that we got an interior with leather, the dog hair would have been awful on cloth. Its pretty comfy to drive in, although my husband (511") complains about the way it feels for him to drive it, his knees bump into the console.

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  Best idea I every had - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By craftyhorse - July 25 - 11:13 pm

  I use to own a truck and needed something that can haul people and stuff and get good gas mileage. This little car has it all. I even pull a trailer with 5 people in it and still get about 23 to 25 mpg. I get about 27 to 29 with the right gas and drive the speed limit. Does tight turns very well and I love to show that off. After I bought one, my parents needed a tow vehicle and ended up buying the 2007 edition.

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  My first Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Usanda - July 25 - 5:06 am

  Its my first Honda and I like it so far except for the fuel consumption. I drive 90% of time on the streets (Los Angeles) and I average 19 miles per gallon. This would be my only concern. On the freeways with no traffic a get about 30 miles per gallon which is pretty good I think. On the positive side, the ride is very comfortable and quiet. Stereo system is awesome with 6 disk changer. I burned my mp3 music on the cds and now I can listen to music for ours without changing a disc. Front and rear seats have a lot of legroom (Im 62). I would definitely recommend this SUV to a friend)

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  My Wifes CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mebo Bugg - July 23 - 10:00 am

  We love our 2004 Honda CR-V. We would reccommend it to anyone who is consdering buying a car, station wagon, mini-van or SUV. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. WORTH EVERY CENT.

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  What a great car...really. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Whitney - July 23 - 2:30 am

  I have had my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it never seems to grow old on me. For an SUV (albeit a smaller one) it has great pickup, is comfortable for all who ride in it, and is very user friendly. It takes 5 seconds to turn the backseat down and create cargo space. As someone who has moved 3 times in 3 years to places 700 miles from each other, the CR-V has been a lifesaver, not just for my moves, but on a day to day basis.