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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  Honda is the Bomb - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By CQ - May 1 - 6:23 am

  Owned this CR-V from the beginning. Has 165,000 miles on it and no issues or problems. Changed the brakes at 100,000 miles and changing the timing belt next week other then that just the normal oil changes. Hondas and Toyotas are the only make I will buy.

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  Cute CUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - April 30 - 9:39 pm

  This is a great little car. It is super for going to the grocery store or cruising for garage sales. The car is super dependable! I love the short turning radius. One even feels comfortable on long trips. One note: I had a clicking sound in the back at 23K and they changed the differential fluid for free. My wife had the same problem with her 06 cr-v at 39K and they charged her $159 because they said it should have been changed at 30K. My next car? Another Honda CR-V!!

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  CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MANNY - April 28 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV. GOOD BUY FOR THE MONEY. SMOOTH RIDE, GREAT HANDLING. IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN, I WOULD. A+++++++++++++ IN MY BOOK!!!!

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  Honda Doesnt Care -- SRS - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Doesnt Care - April 24 - 3:47 pm

  SRS light on, Honda dealer ran codes, says need new SRS module or something, replacement of entire SRS at cost of nearly $1,000. Vehicle problem began at 105K, just outside warranty. I am second owner, purchased from sued dealer at 88k. Tried customer service, which at first sounded willing and able to to the right thing and fix it as a safety issue. Case worker at Honda says NO. It is a supplemental safety system- secondary and also I am not covered for any warranty consideration. Other 2002 CR-Vs had a recall on SRS. Not mine. Honda recently issued Warranty Extension on OPDS system to 120K/10 yrs., but this is NOT related to the entire SRS failure-sensor issue. Honda Corp-shame on you!

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  Better than I expected. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Love Hondas - April 24 - 7:02 am

  Car rides more like an upscale SUV. 2017 updates are excellent. I compared the CR-V to Mazda CX-5 and went with the CR-V for extra cabin space ESP trunk area. This car is so much fun to drive. I love the technology and Apple CarPlay.

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  Right Choice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By S Schumacher - April 24 - 7:00 am

  I bought this car needing something with AWD and good fuel economy. Ive moved to the country and the roads are, shall we say, challenging. This car has been a gem. Its beautiful and flawless on the roads I navigate through. Weve had a tough winter with much rain which turns to mud on dirt roads. One morning going to work in the dark and much rain I turned on the dirt road only to discover it was flooded. I kept going through a torrent of water (yes I know youre not supposed to!) and this car never faltered for a moment. It was like it knew what to do and where the road was. Im getting about 25 mpg and feel very safe both on paved and unpaved roads. This car is sturdy and nimble

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  Cant beat the Heat - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Fla Rider - April 22 - 10:09 pm

  AC Compressor needs to last more than 47,000 miles. Bought the car recently at 46,500. Less than 1000 miles ac went out. Where is the Honda reliability???

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  Comparing the 2006 to the 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Miz - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  After 364 days my 2006 CR-V was totalled in an accident. I got my 2007 CR-V a few days ago. There are some marked differences between the old model CR-V and the redesigned 2007 one. The 2007 has a much softer, more car- like ride than the 2006, the seats are more comfortable and the engine is more responsive. On the down side there is almost no practical storage in the vehicle, the the cargo nets on the rear of the front seats is gone, the shift knob had been moved to the middle leaving a couple of usless holes where there once was a drawer and box big enough to hold CDs. The passenger underseat drawer is useless to the driver. The flip down center console holds nothing but drinks.

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  Its ok for city driving - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Daniels - April 22 - 2:58 pm

  Great Gas mileage rides nice , you can not have 5 adults in it. ....not a good touring drive ...perfect for inner city driving

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  Somewhat better than the old CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By I like the Honda - April 22 - 4:30 am

  I like the new Honda CR-V, and owned the previous model (2003). Unfortunately I think it looks like every other new crossover-they look like station wagons! Im not impressed with the fuel economy. I also miss the table that you got with the older CR-V-it came in handy for tailgating. It rides well, and is comfortable for the most part. I wish the back seat was a few inches wider, then two adults could sit in the back with a car seat.