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:

• 

  Great Car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Roe - June 10 - 11:24 am

  This is my SECOND CR-V and I am planning on buying a third within a year! It has been reliable all the way. I am not afraid to drive it in bad weather (including snow, sleet, etc.) It has all the room I need and then some. Passengers are comfortable. I get a lot of good comments on my baby!

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shari - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is our first SUV and we love it. Test drove the Jeep Liberty and this was by far the better. Its fun to drive and looks great. The cargo room is really impressive and I love the fold down tray so I can put my pocketbook there when there is someone in the passenger seat. I also love the gear shift up on the dashboard. Ive always liked by cars and this has that feel.

• 

  My Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - June 8 - 8:39 pm

  It is likely more typical to write a review when you have had, or are having, a problem. This thought occurred to me reading through some of the posts here re: unexpected and expensive problems. Thought I would tell you about my experience. Bought my CR-V used in 2006 with 52,000 miles on it - now, 106,000. Other than changing the oil with high quality synthetic every 3500 miles & buying a new battery, I did nothing else to it until last month. Had to get new tires and the back brakes done. Also took it to the Honda Dealership & had them do all of the scheduled maint. to date (overdue). Every fluid changed - $600 poorer. But think Im good now for another 100,000 miles. Love the car.

• 

  Terrific, and not as small as you think - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HiroProtagonist - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Like our old Accord, the CR-V handles very well. Its actually a lot of fun to drive quickly. However, the main reason I got this car is for its practicality. As parents of a young child, we were really looking for a durable family car, and the CR-V delivers. The car is extremely well designed inside and out. Its also much roomier (especially in the back seat) than the Escape and Rav4, both of which I have ridden in several times. Combine that with the 4WD and youve got a terrific all-weather family car. The smooth, high cubic-inch 4 cylinder is plenty for everyday drving and gets better gas mileage than a 6.

• 

  Do the 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cogo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle has certainly lived up to my expectations. I am still excited about the projected resale value! Although the CRV is not made for difficult off road travel, I have taken it into the woods camping on several occasions without any problems. It performs like a charm.

• 

  First SUV, recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By midkid72 - June 4 - 1:37 pm

  My husband & I were looking for an SUV that wasnt to expensive because I just paid off my Honda Civic, & needed something bigger. We found this CR-V @ Salsbury Dodge Used Cars, (my husband works for them), & we decided to go look @ it on the lot & feel in love with it, so we traded in the civic & bought the CR-V. Ive had a few problems with it -radiator & tires. But where I work, @ a building supply store, there are nails or screws that I get in the tires. I wish I could find some tires that dont go flat - lol!!

• 

  Good and bad about CR-Vs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Arnie Orloski - June 4 - 11:16 am

  Had great success with 98 CR-V, so we bought this 03. Like the peppier engine, but like some others before, we bought one when Honda was having trouble with AC compressors. In addition, spent $600 on new brakes and now need a new clutch, and we still havent hit 50K. With the 98 CR-V, we traded it in at 110K with the original AC compressor and even original clutch! Nonetheless, in very snowy northeastern WI, the AWD has performed well, mileage is okay, and amenities (sunroof, 6 CD player, etc.) are nice.

• 

  Tons of Room! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tinydancer - June 1 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased my CR-V with about 22,000 miles on it and it now has nearly 55,000. It is a reliable vehicle and drives like a car. I feel very safe in it and it has room to spare. The CR-V gets decent gas mileage for an SUV, but it could be better. I commute about 50 miles per day, round trip, and road noise it a bit of a problem on the highway. Ive also been noticing an increasing number of rattles. Unlike many others, I have yet to have a problem with the air conditioning (knock on wood). Overall, I think the CR-V is a good compact SUV, but Im thinking of trading mine in for a smaller car since gas prices are so high and dont appear to be dropping anytime soon.

• 

  Excellent - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bladebeme - June 1 - 6:16 pm

  What a great small mid-size SUV. Only problem is lack of power, but other than that its a SUV that rides and drives like a car.

• 

  of all the SUVs Ive had, this is the best - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By cece - June 1 - 9:32 am

  LOVE the mileage - getting 30 in town! Much better than my 2010 ford escape which I owned previously. Comfortable and fairly quite. Enjoy the heated seats but was driving over the holiday (outside temps in the teens) and it took a while for the interior of the car to warm up. Love the fit and finish, the interior, the outside color and grey interior, etc. The only real issue is that I have had a problem with the rear wiper - the bracket is broken and Ive lost two wipers in the past month. The dealership has been good to replace but Ive called them about getting another replaced and hope they will not only replace but fix the bracket in which it fits so I dont lose another.