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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  Nice for a smaller SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Midwest - June 25 - 5:16 pm

  I have enjoyed it over the past year. It rides well and has tight steering. Brakes are a bit sensitive. The only problem I have had is a burning rubber smell from the rear wheel well on the passenger side when driving through the mountains and have actually seen smoke once. I see others have had the same problem under different road conditions but know one knows why this happens.

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  Beware The Roadnoise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Benton - June 24 - 7:43 pm

  While this is a pretty neat auto the road noise will take away many points. We traded a 2004 Ford Explorer on this car mainly because of the horrible road noise we got with the Ford. We have a neat new auto with almost the same tee same level of noise. We did not notice on the 2 test drives as both days were extremely windy. The dealer now tells me that there is no insulation on this vehicle as it is considered in the Civic family. We were told that the top end Accord and Oddessy would have insulation and be much quieter. Great! The fuel economy is not that great for a 4 cylinder either.

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  my CRV performs - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By navycmdr - June 24 - 7:40 pm

  great utility car .. quiet .. comfortable ... economical 23-25 mpg ...extremely well built room for 5+ .. space for weekend trips to the mountians or Home Depot :-)

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  The car I never bought - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AZ Bob - June 23 - 4:36 pm

  This vehicle is great love everything about it except the price--would but it in a minute if the price was better--unfortunately my dealer has a love affair with cars and we were NOT able to reach a sale

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  my crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jean carlson - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car and have enjoyed two trips with my golden retriever who loves it also. Seats are very comfortable on long trip

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  For small drivers only - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By giovannais - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For a Honda devotee, this SUV model is somewhat disappointing in the comfort department. If driver is taller than 55", get set for cramped legs. No ability to extend front seat for comfort. Moon roof does not open to a fully opened position. A pressured vibration exists when one window is opened, only subsiding when two or more windows are opened. Floor controls for gas and hood release take up so much space that left ankle is forced in an awkward position.

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  Issues with 2015 Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By pramodk - June 21 - 3:46 pm

  I have brought the new 2015 Honda CRV in NJ and from the day one I noticed a vibration on the front seats, I report that to local dealer and American Honda. Dealer checked it with other new 2015 models and confirmed that this is with all Honda CRV 2015 Models. I reported the same to American HOnda and they told me GET LOST. The vibration is not always but few times but is strong that you can literally feel it at the back. Very sad that HONDA put my feedback under the carpet and washed off their hands with there responsibility. I told them that the vibration is so strong that my driving get distracted and I get a feel of discomfort but they did not listen to me and closed my case :-(

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  A car thats hard to love, but hard to hate - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By BRIAN EDWARD - June 21 - 6:31 am

  There is now WOW factor even for 2018 offering - especially for any model previous Honda owners. Interior parts like overhead light switcher are the SAME identical breakage prone switches found in a 2004 Accord. REALLY. For a few dollars Honda should freshen/modernize interior gadgets. Engine and Transmission preform phenomially.

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  Dont buy it!! Try another vehicle! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Esther F - June 20 - 7:45 am

  I financed a CRV SE in September 2016 and two days or so after having the car I had to go back to the dealer complaining about this vibration that is only felt when the car is idle or when stopped at a light and/or traffic. I feel very disappointed in Honda for not having a fixable solution to this problem. The dead just tells that "its a V4 what you are experiencing/feeling its normal" there no way in hell that you can say that a car thats clearly vibrating and that you as the "tech or mechanics" is also feel that theres something not right on the vehicle you can tell me its normal!!! The worst part is that they tell me that they can get me into another car but its going to put me a negative equity or something thing like that which means that they are going to give me a quote on how much the CRV is valued as of now and they are going to deduct what the consider out it and then Ill owe the rest! Totally not fair.. I feel that as a "respectable" brand as Honda should have more respect and transparency with its customers and fully advice them of this problem! But, thats not all the "AWD"crap is BS.. I had such a hard time driving in the snow this Winter and to make it worst I was stuck!!! In the snow. I had to get out and shovel my way out and just so you know I have a bad back! No its totally unfair to be paying all that money to get into a car thats not even going to give you half of what you are paying for, so do yourself a favor and dont buy a CRV..

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  Best SUV For The Money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Brad - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  I say I have to agree with most of the reviews. Its still hard for me to believe how much room is inside. Also the foolproof service display tells you when to change your oil, rotate tires and much more. Love this SUV and its looks great. Fun to drive!!! Great job on the new design!