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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  Buy this car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Brian & Judy - May 5 - 5:33 pm

  Bought this car new in 2000. I had owned Honda cars in the past and trusted them to be reliable. As of today (5 May 08), my trusty CR-V has nearly 150,000 mile on it and still runs perfectly. All I have done is change all the fluids regularly and drive it gently. I changed the timing belt at 100K, but other than that, it has never been in the shop for anything. Still has the original brakes. Paint is still in good shape, too. I like the fabric seats. Tons of space in the rear. Easy to clean. Id buy another in a heartbeat, but I dont think this one will ever wear out.

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  Very Practical Ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - May 4 - 9:59 pm

  Great Utility vehicle and super reliable. I cant believe how much stuff will fit in the back with seats down. I practically remodeled an entire house without needing a truck.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sylvia - May 4 - 6:43 pm

  I bought this car in 2007 and Ive gotten nothing but compliments on the design. Smooth ride but weak power on acceleration/. My car mileage on highways is typically 28.1 mpg and 27.8 on city roads (based on 87 octane). Seats could be more comfortable as they are a bit stiff, esp for long distance driving. Love how the back door opens up, not sideways, like the RAV4. One of my complaints is that I have to turn off my front lights manually--does not turn off with the engine. Also when you drop anything between the 2 front seats-around the console, its extremely difficult to find/retrieve whatever you dropped. Overall, its a great-looking car with good gas mileage.

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  Luv it, Luv it, Luv it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By crvict - May 3 - 10:25 am

  When we went searching for a new car, I had my heart set on a 07 RAV4. Husband wanted me to look at a CR-V before my final decision. Glad I did! Im happier with the fold down table in the middle of the front bucket seats. Im glad the hatch swings up and not into traffic. I added the removable tray in the back which is a dream after a trip to the store, and the gas mileage is wonderful. I didnt have to change oil for the first time till it hit 8,000 miles! And yes it is true for us, the CR-V was 15% less to insure because it doesnt have the spare hanging on the back. Ive driven it for a little over a year now, and cannot find one thing wrong. And I got the entry level AWD!

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  My Crv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Gabe v - May 2 - 10:30 pm

  We bought a CR-V the frist of January in 2000. We have had it ever since the car is just amazing. Its fuel efficient, looks great, has lots of low end torque, the smoothers ride and just the reassurance of Honda quality. We just bought the lx model nothing special, front wheel drive not the real time. But I have gone over hills and rocks and steep slopes and everything in this car and not once has it ever failed.

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  Always said I would never own a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Blk182@N7 - May 2 - 5:23 pm

  My wife and I were looking for something to take the dogs to the park in, mainly because I dont want them in my 06 Avalon or my 93 mustang. so we looked at many SUVs but we wanted something small with room and reliability. I got mine with 52,000 miles on it and you would think it was brand new. I have read 100s of reviews and the CR-V has great ones, Seems the 05 has issues with the Transmission, i have not experienced any I bought the 36,000 mile warranty so I am good till 98,000.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By James - May 2 - 12:25 am

  Just bought my CR-V last month. It rides decently. However, you can feel the wind push it at high speeds. Does feel a little boxy but handles decently. Has some of the benefits of a traditional SUV but still gets good fuel economy without sacrificing interior room. However, reliability is a question that I have noticed in less than a month. The drivers side headlight just went out with only 35,000 miles. Also it seems the rear door latch is starting to give out. The warning light for the rear door keeps coming on the dashboard while driving even after reconfirming the rear door has been closed. Hopefully this is not the beginning of issues after the warranty runs out.

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  Best Choice.... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Jaysen - May 1 - 10:05 pm

  When my car was totaled in an accident, i wanted to replace it with a small SUV. I am an avid reader of car magazines.. i love cars, and i test drove vehicles from the Freelander and Subaru Forester to RAV4 and Escape. No other vehicle offered the right combination of everything. Standard equipment was optional on everything else. I constantly get 24.6 mpg mixed driving and 29 mpg on the open highway. There is a ton of room for 4 adults and gear and this thing is a lot more capable off road than the reviews say. I looked at the new redesigned CR-Vs and they have lost there SUV appeal and no more picnic table! This has been the best purchase and best of all, no problems!!

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  An excellent experience... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 59er - May 1 - 6:20 pm

  Id a very good experience with my CR-V. From the time of purchase up until this very day, it is funny to drive. I have a manual trany and that has increased the fun 5 times as much.

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  Not happy with my purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Matahari - May 1 - 9:15 am

  I have owned two Hondas before this purchase. This is the first CR-V. I am not happy with it and will replace as soon as possible. The interior is cheap, there are issues with the differential that I learned have been an issue for quote some time. Now with only 22,000 miles I have to replace all 4 tires. Never had any trouble with my Honda Accords. Should have bought another one! Miles isnt as good as I thought either. Drove terrible in the snow and ice.