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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  Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm

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  Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm

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  AC problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Moore - February 8 - 5:22 pm

  Before purchasing this CRV, be VERY CAREFUL. The air conditioner has gone out the past three years every June. I have a great foreign car mechanic that will work with me and keeps great records. He was able to get a compressor for half price since I have had such poor experience with the AC unit in this car. I amnow considering something I never thought I would, changing brands to a Toyota. These AC repairs are killing me.

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  Very Happy With Our CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By David in Michigan - February 8 - 9:12 am

  We have had this vehicle since the first year it became available in North America. Shortly after we purchased the vehicle, Honda replaced the auto transmission (apparently there was a design flaw). We have been extremely happy with everything about the CR-V and will keep it until it dies.

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  A great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T-luv - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V EX is the best value for your money. It comes loaded! Lots of room inside for a small size outside. Our labs love the roomy back seat! It handles very well but it rides a bit stiff and has a lot of road noise even though we replaced the tires with some top-quality Michelins. Gas mileage hasnt lived up to the sticker numbers, we get only 21mpg in mixed driving. Overall we like it a bunch.

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  My 1st SUV - Love It - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By UsObnox - February 8 - 2:00 am

  After being in two accidents this year I decided to get a vehicle that was a little bigger and safer. I actually enjoy driving again. It handles well and I get great gas mileage, which was a concern. I have been averaging 31 mpg. I also love the space, I no longer have to borrow someones truck to get larger purchases home.

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  Hondas are great!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By S. McIlhagga - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Honda CR-V in May 2002. It is a fun vehicle to drive and is a great winter vehicle. Last year I drove it from NY to SC and it was a smooth ride all the way.

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  Fabulous Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kristie - February 7 - 8:23 am

  We have only owned this car for 3 weeks. This is my husbands car to commute back and forth( 60 miles round trip) to work. Lots of room- husband is 64 and is able to comfortably drive yet it has good fuel economy. We can put all three kids in the back with ample room. Rear center seat position has head restraint and seatbelt system with a flat floor-no more whining about having to sit over the "hump". The Toyota Matrix did not have the roominess or a true rear center seat position. We chose the LX 4WD CR-V and were impressed by the standard equipment such as ABS with stability assist, MP3 player and side curtain airbags. Hubby now likes to go to work because its so fun to drive it.

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  Like it so far - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Billl A - February 5 - 7:43 pm

  I am really enjoying my V so far, the ride is firm, and it handles well. Tire noise is noticable, but wind noise is minimal. Steering input is great, no play and enough road feel to let you know what the tires are doing. The V is very stable at speed, Im sometimes surprised at how fast Im moving. The engine, is smooth, quiet,and revs freely. Power is more than adequate for most situations. The transmission shifts readily, but does not hunt gears do to the grade logic system. This is an English made V, fit,finish, build quality seem very good. Materials are of a high quality. I did notice some minor orange peel in the paint (Black pearl). Avg MPG 26-27

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  Catch Review - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John G. Dyson, SR - February 5 - 2:05 pm

  I am thoroughly pleased with my new 2016 CRV. This is my 4th CRV. I have been purchasing and trading my CRVs with colonial Honda since 2004. Colonial Honda is worth the drive for the value and comfort of their automobiles. I highly recommend Colonial Honda for all your automobile needs!