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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  Very reliable but a bit uncomfortable - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By shawn - June 17 - 8:32 pm

  Great car this one. With oil changes it goes and goes with only minor repairs. I will definitely buy a Honda again just not a CRV. Our kids are getting older and the back seat is the most uncomfortable rear seat I have ever sat in. The kids hate it! Very poor rear seat design. Other than that a good little car. Perfect for two people.

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  why i chose honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By loren steinfeldt - June 16 - 2:00 am

  After having 2 American-made cars, I love my Honda. I feel safer, and, after much research, it was the best value I could afford, offering the most standard equipment and perks for the price.

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  MY WONDERFUL NEW 2016 HONDA CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SHERRY COOK - June 15 - 5:54 am

  ONE WONDERFUL vehicle. drives like a pleasant dream. cruise resumes very gently and nicely, no gravity pull at all. Awesome graphic interface, turn up to full brightness and the display is sharp and clear and visible in any light. Simple graphics to operate. Back up camera has a lens in the passenger side so when you signal for right turn, you can see whats beside you in your blind spot. AWESOME. You can use that for parallel parking, too, to see how far from curb you are. WE LOVE THIS CAR. the wheels are GORGEOUS, too.

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  Traction Monster - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By CHUCK - June 14 - 10:53 am

  We bought a house with a steep driveway. Our Accord struggled to get to the top when it was snow covered. The CRV with AWD climbs right up no problem. This is our third CRV. Only 1000 miles so far, but pleased at this point. CVT works well, and the interior is comfortable and quiet. The radio and ac controls are better than the 17 Accord we traded in, but still not quite to our liking. Would love to show a Honda engineer what we don’t like about it. Overall a very nice car.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - June 13 - 10:18 pm

  Bought this car used with 61,000 miles as a certified Used Honda. This vehicle is unbelievable. Now have 183,000 miles on vehicle and going strong. Just routine service and changed timing belt as normal service at 91,000. One tune up so far. Motor still sounds new. Will keep this car until it falls apart.

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  Great Mundane Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dollarbill181 - June 13 - 6:24 pm

  As far as reliability goes, the CR-V is fantastic. Ive used it for several road trips and covered close to 25k+ miles a year. Besides basic maintenance nothing has failed (its a Honda, need I say more?). The main downside is the ride is uninspiring. there is little road feel/feedback and performance is lacking. You wont be excited to hop in the car and go for a spirited ride. However, it will take you from point A to point B with little to no surprises. For its purpose, it works.

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  Nice little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Dana - June 13 - 2:59 pm

  We bought this little guy to replace our 1992 Accord wagon (totaled from behind!), and its been a pleasure driving it. The leather interior is very comfortable and of high quality. The only thing Im *not* keen on is the lack of ability to "punch" the gas when you need a sudden acceleration (and in Miami, which has more idiot drivers per capita than most other cities, this is a *must*). You can give it a slow push and it will accelerate relatively well, but if you try to punch it, it just kind of dies. I guess thats what you get with a 4 cylinder engine: you trade a little bit of safety for fuel economy.

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  6-year follow-up - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HD - June 13 - 2:36 am

  Purchased vehicle new in January 2002. Currently have 60k miles and have been pleased with the overall performance and reliability. No mechanical issues except the a/c compressor mentioned in other posts. However, our mechanic (Honda of Fredericksburg, VA) did a little research and found this problem to be occurring with more frequency called corporate Honda and replaced the a/c free of charge. This when the car already had 50k on the odometer (and no extended warranty). Its worth the time to question Honda on this one. The one complaint would be that, although Honda makes a great, reliable vehicle, they seem to go light on interior design quality.

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  CR-V forever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Love my Honda - June 12 - 7:40 pm

  This is my 4th CR-V. Love the reliability. Traded in my new 2007 cr- v for the boxier model. The 2007 was to much like a car as apposed to a small SUV. Only real downfall is the gas mileage. The 2007 got 400 miles to the 15 gal tank. 2005 gets about 1/3 less, makes a difference when gas is over $4/gal. Great for "home depot" trips.

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  Good choice! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bshannon - June 10 - 10:59 pm

  This suv is fun to drive, has plenty of room. Its a bit noisy, but way less than any truck Ive owned. Bought it with the miles of 2006 (as an 04 in 2008), and am very happy with it.