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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  1st time Honda owner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck D. - July 7 - 11:23 pm

  Purchase the 2007 CRV because of the new styling. The vehicle has not disappointed me. There are a few things that I wish it include. Automatic head lights, Rear seats that folded flat. Overall a great car. We were driving a full size SUV that was fully equipped. There are some bells and whistles we miss.

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  My Last CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By dave14139 - July 6 - 7:04 am

  This is our second and last CR-V. Has served us well but we are just tired of this small vehicle (we are not large people). Just put second set of rear rotor and pads on the rear at 50,000 miles. Fronts on second set of pads. Need to replace the rear caliper, $375 at dealer for parts only. $74 at autozone. CR-V is alright for around-town driving but too small for a road trip. OEM tires terrible - now on Michelins and much better ride. 26-27 mpg on highway trip at 70-75 mph. AWD works great as we live in Buffalo snow belt. Considering used grand caravan or Odyssey.

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  Smal SUV w/ middle SUV interior room - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By atu - July 4 - 2:50 am

  roomy, quiet, good fuel economy. best in class!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Brian D. - July 2 - 8:09 pm

  The vehicle has been all that I expected and more. I am not one of the morons who buy a car thinking that I will never have a problem. The few issues that I had were either diagnosed as normal or fixed under the warranty. The CR-V is a pleasure to own and drive. It handles well and is good on gas. I am 6-3" and fit in the car well. The interior is well designed (except the silly gear shift lever) and comfortable. The sound system is great. The sun roof is a great feature, never a leak. The fold down tray between the front seats is very handy. There is great small item storage. Mechanically, it is a solid car. Take care of it and it will run and run and ...

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  Honda Crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ramona Favela - June 30 - 2:51 pm

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  Happy with EX-L - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JB - June 28 - 11:49 pm

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  Absolute Winner! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Swede224 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This CR-V is the car of my dreams! It handles beautifully has great gas mileage and is pleasing to the eye. Dash controls are placed nicely to keep your eyes on the road. Ride is smooth and QUIET. Driver sits up nice and high so I can see everything around me. This is the best car Ive ever had!

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  Likeable, Except for A/C Compressors - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Galvdude - June 27 - 11:54 pm

  Bought certified used @ just over 50k miles counting on legendary Honda reliability. Pleased with majority of vehicle, including tire and brake wear, so on with the bad. As of yesterday, 2nd A/C compressor failure. First at around 55k under certified warranty, second 104,500, no warranty, but Honda is covering parts only. Blower control switch has dead spots, not covered when found under certified period, not worth $ for control panel yet. Intermittent auto up and down driver side window. Paint chipping off hood rapidly. Overall potentially the most expensive to maintain and repair out of 35 vehicles (4 have/had 120 - 210k miles w/out A/C problems) Ive owned save for the cert. warranty.

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Not a happy camper! - June 26 - 5:23 pm

  I have only had the car for less than a month and I have filled up at $40 + 5 times so far. My R/T to and from work miles is 60 per day, I filled up on a Sunday night, drove to work (commuter lot) 27 miles away and return on Monday, missed Tuesday, and Wednesday and I am already at 1/2 tank. I must go back to the dealer. I am not getting even 16 miles to the gallon, something must be wrong. Tested with no air, windows closed, sunroof closed and at about 60 miles per hour and its like the gas is just leaking out somewhere. Dont buy this car if you have to commute!

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  NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sherry E - June 25 - 5:27 pm

  The 2016 CRV still has a serious vibration issue and there is no fix from Honda. I had a 2015 first and was told that the 2016 did not have the vibration issue but that was not true. Honda used to be a good car but really dropped the ball on this issue. I would never buy another Honda. Buyer beware!!!!!!