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 engine issue - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Gloria - April 8 - 10:35 pm

  56,000 miles check engine light came on. Found codes P0301,302, and p1399. Search revealed Honda sb 03-038. Probable cause 1 or more cylinders have receded into the cylinder head. Corrective action-inspect the valve clearance, if necessary replace cylinder head. Car brought to fox Honda in auburn, NY they were unwilling to remove the cylinder head. Wanted to replace ignition coil and do tune up for $500.00+. Advised me I could continue driving until car wouldnt start without harming engine. At home removed cylinder head and found 2 valves out of adjustment. This is a documented problem w/these engines. Honda response - the dealer I went to made a mistake for $100 more I could have tried another...

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  Love It - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Happy Honda Driver - April 6 - 6:27 pm

  No worries. Replaced tires and brakes, oil and windshield washer fluid ... and of course gasoline. Thats it. Like Timex, it just keeps on ticking. My husband wants me to get a new car, but I love my CR-V and dont want to change!

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  CRV Review - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By cmac27 - April 6 - 8:30 am

  Test drove the RAV4, Forester and CR-V. For only $1K more the CR-V had moon roof, alloy wheels privacy glass and a hundred little gadgets like tire pressure monitoring, extra engine maint. gauges, trip estimates and a better sound system (w/ ipod input jack). The CR-V had better interior than both the RAV4 and Forester and was much much quieter. Was somewhat disappointed in fuel economy. Sticker says 22-27 but Ive been averaging about 19 mpg with half city/half hwy driving. Though I took it on a road trip last week and averaged 28.5 mpg w/ cruise on. Also, your not going to win any races with this car. The performance is adequate and responsive but not extraordinary.

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  Our best Honda yet! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BullDurhamBlue - April 6 - 7:11 am

  Honda just keeps getting better. The wife has driven this hard for 9 months and 14,000 miles now. I suspect the car is not even broken in yet, still drives like brand new. Comfort and driveability is a strong point. Im a big 6-1 and after a three hour trip behind the wheel, I feel like Ive been sitting on my couch relaxing. A lot of thought went into the details, from the way you can configure the fold down seats to auto open for the moon roof. Every button seems to know exactly what you want to do. Gas milage is surprising for a car with this much room (seats five+stuff) 24 around town, almost 30 open road. Turning circle is crazy tight, feels like you can do a U-turn in your garage.

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  Bad AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Josh - April 4 - 9:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2004 Honda crv lx.. Had owned 3 Toyotas previously. And a Honda Prelude at one time. Was always reliable. I thought the same would be true for the Honda crv. I was mistaken. Bought it with 46,500 miles. AC went out at 47,400. Never had this problem with my Toyotas or my 1988 Honda prelude. Very disappointed. Starting to Wonder why I am considering imports anymore. Reliability is not the same but they are still at a premium in cost.

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  Best vehicle yet owned (Im 60) - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By nodhimmi - April 4 - 6:31 pm

  Dealer quality was a major factor here: this was 3rd Honda purchased new - all of which came with a "Platinum Package" providing free oil changes, state inspections and other great discounts. Have learned that package is no longer offered ( too good a deal). Maintenance costs of all Hondas Ive owned has been very low, so far with this CRV its been the best. Love the car in all aspects except for noises: rattles and jingling in the back and annoying plastic clattering noises in dash/windshield area. Dealer has not been able to find easily, and Im not willing to tear the interior panels apart to find what it is at this stage. Other than noises, I have high hopes that the CRV will last to 150K miles.

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  Great little CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Luv my CRV - April 4 - 1:35 pm

  Purchased Memorial Day 2006. Replaced 2004 Silverado. Performs normal household hauling duties quite well. Taken a couple of short trips with excellent results. Consistently good mileage. Comfortable for four adults. Great egress. Great visibility. Plan to have it for many years.

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  New to Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rocksmom - April 3 - 4:02 pm

  I am a first time Honda owner after trading in my Nissan Maxima for the 2007 CR-V. I dont know if it is because I am only 53 but I am having a difficult time with visibility while turning corners and changing lanes. My 2nd issues is mpg, I am a conservative driver but still only managing 21 mpg in town and 26 mpg hwy. The one feature I could not give up was my Homelink system. My dealer installed an Acura mirror with homelink as part of the deal, as well as a rear cargo cover & remote start. I prefer the plush leather seats of the Maxima for long distance driving, but for in town the CR-Vs are fine. I am amazed and delighted at how well the CR-V has handled winter driving.

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  Mostly happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kat - April 3 - 9:14 am

  Weve had this CRV for 4 years now for the most part were happy with it. But, paint application is so weak that a simple fingernail rub or anything brushing by scratches deeply, and bugs splatted on the hood during a long trip ate to the metal by the time we got home. Interior plastic is the same story. Weve had to replace the tires, battery, and muffler (our 92 Honda Accord has never needed a muffler replacement). It was out of warranty, but Amer Honda gave us 50% off. So why is repl muffler a lifetime warranty? Ave city mileage: 18-20. Ave highway: 25-27, depending on A/C usage. This unit was manufactured in the United Kingdom.

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  Everything ADDS UP!!!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rusty - April 3 - 4:46 am

  The 2006 Silver Moss CR-V LX Fwd was three years in coming for me. Had driven some of my family members CR-Vs and simply was amazed with its looks, comfort, value, & reliability. With the addition of traction control, vehicle stability control, Electronic Brake force distribution, side air-bags & side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, 16" tires and 5 star safety rating for 2006, purchasing the CR-V just made real CENTS! ALL for a selling price of $19,467 with front mudguards and Honda "H" Logo pinstripe, I HAD MY CR-V plus got a 7yr/80K w/ $0 deductible Honda Care Extended Warranty for $680 (other dealers wanted $1,499 for same item). Would highly recommend the Honda CR-V to anyone!