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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  Bought It and Love It - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Donna in New Mexico - March 6 - 3:52 pm

  I was driving a 98 Honda civic HX around town and a 2002 Acura MDX for the interstate. It was time to consider just one car that would satisfy the features of my old cars. I usually buy used but decided to look at the 2017 Honda CRV. I briefly considered the RAV4 but vetoed that. The reviews of the CRV impressed me enough that I bought it sight unseen and no test drive (who does that!). I got the color and model I wanted. I now have a little over 2000 miles on it and have been very satisfied. Pros: not cramped. I was afraid that coming from the MDX the CRV would feel cramped but it isnt bad at all. The trunk area handles my large dog easily. Really like the ease of dropping the rear seats forward. Like the ease of console and touch screen. Everything is within reach and intuitive. There is enough power to pass on the interstate. Was pleasantly surprised at the quietness of the ride and ease of steering. I live in rural southwest so keeping a car clean is a challenge. The desert sand color doesnt show the dirt like some other colors would. Overall it is big enough for the interstate but small enough to drive around town. The capless gas tank was a welcome surprise. With all the technology and ease of pushing buttons I laughed out load when I found the manual lever to open the gas door. Over all the safety features are awesome. Cons: I had real wood in my Acura so could have done without the plastic wood. Just doesnt work for me. The cruise control doesnt hold well on the downhill. It creeps up to 5 miles over the set speed. There is an uneven surface on the back seats when they are let down. I lower them for my dog and the fabric stretched out of shape when she stood on the seats. I am not too crazy about the leather covered steering wheel. The stitching is bothersome.

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  The best car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Jadwiga - March 6 - 3:18 pm

  I own this car for 11 years, and if it ever give-up on me the next one will be Honda CR-V. Except for changing things like tires, brakes, and oil of course, nothing ever stop me from driving it. It is the best car not only for the money, but because it is the best.

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  Not up to Honda Standard - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Asiagtmn - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I am Honda customer since 1985. I bought this CR-V new(2002 model), drove for two months, every time I stopped. I can smell burning ribber at pessenger side rear wheeel well. Take to dealer many time, They cant find anything wrong. Second, I never get better then 20 miles per gallan. very poor mileage.

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  A great little truck - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John Maz - March 5 - 10:30 am

  Have had this truck since October 2004 and so far it has been great. I love it.

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  A Lotta Bang For Your Buck - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kashiwa - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Before I bought this car, my main two concerns were price and reliability. Everything else would be icing on the cake. Shopping around, I realized that most the cute-utes were comparably priced depending on the model and options; so next up was the "outliving my watch" factor. All reviews, ratings, research, etc. lead to the CRV. I bought it without much worry and have been very pleased. Its not a 6-banger, but I live in Houston where hills are antbite-sized so the power from the i- Vtec remains steady and peppy. Its remarkably spacious and can hold five passengers even if not in complete comfort.

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  Impulsive purchase... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MS - February 29 - 8:10 pm

  Went in to have headlights changed on my former (03), saw the new model, and purchased it within a few minutes. The design, both ext. and int., is aesthetically pleasing. Whats improved over former design? New dash, loss of spare on rear door (which opens up), handling, shifter below center console, seats are more comfortable, int. space remains approx. the same. Wheels (17") afford a more contemp. look, although the drivers seat is set a tad lower than the former. Windshield is slightly more pronounced in slant; wind/road noise is decreased markedly over previous. Avail. colors are excellent, each most appealing. I had a time of it deciding. Interior storage needs improvement--cen. console

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  Total Improvement - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By neil - February 27 - 11:06 pm

  Improved in every way. No vehicle compares for thousands more.

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  Love our CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 98accordex - February 27 - 4:28 pm

  This is our first CR-V but fourth Honda and its proving to be just as reliable as the others (now 3 yrs old with 32000miles). Mileage is worse than our other Hondas but its a SUV. We have used all 72cu ft of cargo space more than we thought we would, cant imagine how we lived without a SUV before. For those complaining about road noise I suggest Goodyear Comfortreds, helps a lot with noise and its a good tire as well.

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  First Time Honda Owner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jack - February 25 - 5:20 pm

  Overall its a great suv, however, Ive had two problems. The TPMS light went on two weeks after my purchase. A more serious problem occurred last week and again today. The front passenger side door has locked and wont open no matter what I do. I cant open it from the outside with the remote or from the inside with the handle. Today the back hatch locked and wont open. Im taking it in tomorrow to the dealership for repairs. This isnt what I expected from Honda.

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  Just bought it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By peachyt23 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my new 2003 CRV EX last Saturday. I traded a 98 Acura Integra and put some extra down. I had a great Sales person, but I mainly dealt with the numbers guy..They low balled me on my car, but I had researched on this site previously and was pretty confident. He tried to sell me the car for $26k which included a $1200 markup. I said no way.. Ended up 8k for my car, $22k (the asking price on the CRV) and put some down. Walked away feeling great about the deal. I love the spacious interior and the CD changer in dash. Lots of room and fun to drive.