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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  Piece of JUNK! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - July 22 - 7:29 am

  I have less than 53,000 miles on my 2003 CR-V and have spent over $4,500 on it in the past 8 months. New AC, new struts, new ABS brakes, new emissions controller, new SRS controller and more. And of course, all this started happening very shortly after my warranty expired.

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  Love our new honda crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Clair Segovis - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We have driven our new 2002 crv for 2000 miles and just love it so far. Getting 26 mpg combined driving. Engine very strong for its size. Transmission shifts really smooth and at just the right times. Nice quiet ride except for some road noise from tires. Handles extremely well with little or no lean in corners. Nice center feel to the steering.

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  Best crossover SUV! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Clinton70 - July 20 - 11:17 am

  What is a SUV that can get the mileage of a car? The Honda CR-V is the answer. If youre not a lead foot, gas mileage is always in the 20s and can be up to and in excess of 30. An SUV where you can get sunroof, leather, and everything save for the navi under $25k. Drives and handles nice for a SUV. Wish the leather was more plush but this is probably better for long term drives and for your back. Center console is nice. As is three power outlets. Plenty of storage compartments. Cant go wrong with this car. It is consistently a value holder and a reliability champ! Two wheel drive is all you need unless you live in a ski resort or next to the Great Lakes.

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  CRV SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ray - July 20 - 5:16 am

  This is a great little SUV, fun to drive, handles well,is comfortable and has a great storage area . I test drove, and researched many, and definitely recommend in the small SUV class!

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  Super Reliability - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ibjcus - July 19 - 8:12 pm

  Bought this 5 years ago and have had very few problems. The cheap tires that came with it had to be replaced after one year. We have also replaced the backup light switch and a relay for the blower motor. We just replaced the rear brakes at 105,000 miles but the front still had some life left. Gas mileage isnt great at 23-26 mpg. Great in the snow once the original tires were replaced. This car wont win any races and if it does the gas mileage will really be poor. However the engine is still pretty powerful up in the mountains with a full load, and you can pass confidently on the highway. Super maneuverable in parking lots and tight spaces. Very noisy on the highway.

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  My 3rd Cr-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed from KC - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  Although this SUV is considered small, it is surprisingly large inside with great access and lots of space for stuff.Better pick-up than the older models plus a sunroof really makes it fun to Drive, adding a passenger side armrest pleased my wife as that was a complaint of hers on our other 2 It is easy to get into as I am 57". The heated seats are great and you sit high enough in the vehicle to get a great view of the road, Its easy to park and the gas mileage is good, I know 2 people who rode in mine and bought one and I said less to them than I have in this review so....

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  Unusual noises - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - July 19 - 1:18 pm

  It makes loud brake noises, especially at low speeds. In addition, I hear the chip noises go on and off every time I accelerate the car. I dont think my next car is a Honda again.

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  07 HONDA CRV LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By THONGCHAI DANIEL - July 17 - 5:16 am

  I love honda cars. This is my 15 honda cars. This cr-v,one of the best on the market today to own one.

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  Beware of Air Compressor - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fored - July 16 - 4:56 pm

  Yes, the air conditioning unit will fail abruptly. Just my luck it blew out in mid-July in CA. I took it to the family mechanic who said this was the 4th CR-V hes seen recently with this exact problem. Bottom line-you can get a new compressor for $250-$800 (depending where you get it), but its the WHOLE UNIT that needs to be repaired. After so many complaints, Honda still does not have a recall on it. I can go with mechanic who will charge me $1,300. Others that have gone to dealer pay about $3,000. I called my dealer and was told theyd try their best "to take care of it" for me with "no additional cost." Well see after I take it in. Brakes have also been repaired a couple times.

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  Another Outstanding Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By John Allen Albree - July 16 - 11:03 am

  CR-V is Alabaster Silver with gray leather. The ride is very quiet and much better then my 2008 Honda Accord EX-L which I traded in. My wife loves the seats and the vehicle tracks beautifully on the interstate. The first tank of gas only local driving was an acceptable 20 mpg.The XM sound system is better than before. Transmission is smooth and quiet. We love this car.