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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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Rickari Review - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rick Taylor - April 22 - 1:15 am

  This car does wonderful in the snow and handles great on the road... It is very roomy and me being 63 it had plenty of head room.. love the car..

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Rudy Leem - April 21 - 9:26 am

  shop around through different websites : Edmunds.com; Truecar.co; Carmax.com; Crafax.com

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  New to this model - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By diggy415 - April 17 - 7:20 am

  Well my third type of Honda, so far so good, 6cd changer, moon roof, lots of doggy room to boot, Will be taking this off road a lot. Dont know how it handles in snow yet, but love the comfortable ride it gives and the stereo sound.

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  Not bad, very good for now. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By franco - April 12 - 6:59 am

  Well I got this vehicle because it was the first car. My dad liked it when we visited Saturn of national city, I was trying to get the 04 trailblazer because it was more roomer but thank goodness I got the CR-V with gas price is increasing, I love the CR-V and made a lot of modification to it but, I dont like the road noises, wind noises and the bumping sound every time you hit the bumps. I hate that. I do also love the CR-V because I have it for three year now and so far no problem with it yet and I only got 60,000 mile on it and its still drive like new because I do every 5000 mile maintenance. So overall. This Honda crv is a good car for its price.

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  Not Again - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - April 12 - 6:50 am

  Have had my AWD 2015 CRV since October. When buying I had asked the salesman @ Stevens Point, Wi. Honda when the 16s were coming in. He stated in the spring. A month later the 16s were on the lot. So he lied to me to make room for 16s. This vehicle is made for those about 58" or less. Its a little cramped. When the front seat is all the way back you can not fold down the back seat all the way without hitting the back of the front seat. The AWD doesnt tell the driver when its in AWD. Driver has no idea when the vehicle is in AWD. I am sure this is a decent vehicle for the city but if you live out in the country in WI, MN or other snowy states this is not the vehicle for you. My driveway has a small hill. When its slippery out the front wheels spin. The AWD never kicks in. In other words, I dont actually know if I have AWD. The radio system isnt user friendly. The CD system behind the screen is a little weird. Mileage has been good getting between 32-35 on highway. 28.6 overall since owning.

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  First Review - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By JstBghtIt - April 11 - 2:08 pm

  I just bought this from a dealer for gas savings and family purpose. I have not a chance to do anything to it yet but only to drive it. So far, its been an excellent ride. Ill be replacing all the fluids out of it and if needed give it a tune up. Ill be back for second review maybe after six months or so.

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  The Ride Inside Is Hella Bad - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By No1B4Me - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Got me a CRV EX model, cool ride and nice looking from inside and out. At first I was wondering about the 4cyl engine that wonÂ’t have enough horsepower like my old car V6. But after a month of driving it does have enough horsepower more than I expected. Why did Honda choose not to put on fog lights, front tire splash guards, roof rack and a bigger wheel for a high end model like other SUV in it class. Other then that this is an Excellent SUV for the price with good gas mileages. For all Honda owner, who interests of adding additional Honda OEM accessories go here cheaphondaparts.com IÂ’m in the process of adding fog lights and front tire splashguard.

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  1 Week with the new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By myblackz - April 9 - 8:50 am

  A great little ride. Havent had any problems yet. Wind noise is a little bit more than used to especially with the roof open but not overly harsh. Fit and finish of the usual superb Honda quality. Love the way the dash looks at night....very informative. Respectable 24 MPG mainly city but hoping it will improve greatly as the car ages. Very comfortable driver and front passenger seat position. Dont know how I ever did without steering wheel radio and cruise controls. Car feels like its on rails and seems as if it can corner rather sharply in turns.