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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  Unbelievable Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie Garnett - May 31 - 12:41 pm

  I am not one to complain about small things, but the vibration felt in my new 2015 CR-V detracts from all the other positives in this vehicle! The vibration only occurs once the car is warmed up and is so bad that it makes the sunglasses on my face vibrate! I have never written an online review for anything, but I felt that others should know about this major flaw. If Honda is able to fix this issue, then I would recommend this car. Otherwise, I would not. Hugely disapppointed in this purchase.

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  Better When New - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jay - May 30 - 4:00 am

  Loved this car when we first picked it up after driving a couple of 10 year plus old cars. But with some time behind the wheel the CRV does have some faults. Seats are uncomfortable, very noisy, cheap interior materials, tire monitor light that comes on when its cold out, and try rolling down the back windows at highway speed, terrible wind rumble noise. Performance and reliability should be good and of course the safety factor. All in all a good car but not one to fall in love with.

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  OIL SENSORS - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SOUP FAMILY - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  We are very disappointed in our CR-V. It is our first Honda. Even with perfect maintenance, we have had two oil sensors go out which causes the engine to choke. We were traveling at 70 mph the second time and were almost hit. We have had to replace the cam shafts also which is very unusual. At 65000 miles, our air conditioner blew a whole in the condenser. As you can see, we feel ours was built on a Friday at 3:00 p.m.!

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  Honda cr-v 2015 still vibration after 3 modes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vale - May 28 - 2:14 am

  Honda company is disregarding the issue of the Honda cr-v vibration. It is been 7 months after some many vibrating trips to the Honda dealer to fix it and no solution. I am discouraged, disappointed, and unsatisfied with them . They trick people to buy this garbage with out letting them know that there is an issue. I am alerting those buyer dont be a victim like me. NEVER MORE BUSINESS WITH YOU HONDA FULL OF HYPOCRISY

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  Not crazy about CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HDONEILL - May 27 - 9:22 pm

  Both my wife and I are not thrilled with our CR-V. Mileage is poor 23 on highway or around town, seats not all that comfortable. Very uncomfortable on long trips, black stickers on door pillars peeling-rear differential was howling and had to have fluid changed (on going Honda problem) tires almost at wear indicators with 20,000 miles- we have had regular maintenance. Honestly we are considering getting rid of it and replacing with a RAV 4.

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  Great vehicle - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By liz - May 27 - 4:29 pm

  I had my CR-V for 10 years and it is 230,000 miles on it. I still have it because I have not found anything better. I recommend it highly.

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  The Higas CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By patso - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Great price for the quality of vehicle.

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  Good Deal - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ATL - May 26 - 7:29 pm

  Fun and easy to drive. Sometimes lack power, but it is expected with a 4cyl. Have to change the AWB drive fluid every one-two years to fix the squeaking noise when making a sharp turn. Gas mileage ok.

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  Sensible compact SUV choice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By aerojack - May 23 - 8:06 pm

  As best as I can remember, one editor from the Car & Driver once wrote about the 03 (or 04?) Honda Accord: "...the richness in quality and in contents embrace its owners so much that they dont care if the prestigious cars are parking next to them..." This phrase also applies to CR-V SE. Parking next to my brothers 03 Lexus RX300 and I dont care if people want to make a comparison. That is because I own 05 CR-V SE.

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  Decent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jm - May 22 - 1:16 am

  We have about 600 miles on our EXL. Generally very satisfied except tire noise on certain road surfaces is noticeable at 70-80 mph fwy speeds. Theres also some wind noise around the doors. Not sure if different than competitors. The high stereo with subwoofer (which is nice) is not an excuse for marginal soundproofing.