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:

• 

  First time owner of a Honda SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Strama - January 10 - 3:20 am

  Must do price comparison, getting internet quotes is a good way to start . Know what safety and technology features you want and what are available in the different model lines. Have a price range in mine. Must be flexible and willing to negotiate. We brought a DEMO which was driven for 2months and had very low miles at an excellent price.

• 

  Very Reliable Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By GeoMan - January 9 - 2:15 pm

  I now have over 70,000 on this car that I bought new in May, 2003. I have had it in the dealership for just one minor issue. One of the front struts was not torqued down to specs and began rattling. The dealer fixed promptly and aside from oil changes, its run perfectly ever since. The gas mileage could be a little better. I can consistently get 25 with highway driving and about 23 with city and highway. The car is very easy to drive. It is easy to park and easy to manuever. Im 62" tall, so it could have a little more leg room. Especially since I rarely have anyone in the back seat.

• 

  Its the Best - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jerryl - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely pleased with my Honda CRV. It is well made, pleasing to the eye, very functional and a pleasure to drive. I purchased the all wheel drive model as I have a long commute to work. It turned out to be a very tough winter weather wise and my CRV performed extremely well. My best description is that I felt very safe in exteme road conditions. All you had to do was drive like you had some brains and the Honda never lost traction. I would purchase this vehicle again and recommond it to anyone.

• 

  I love my red Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Katarina68 - January 8 - 2:09 pm

  I am a mom with 2 kids and I love this car. I have had it for more than 3 years and it never required any attention other than the oil change. Its spacious, yet I can reach to my kids in the back while driving. It feels reliable and safe.

• 

  My First Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Doreen Welch - January 8 - 7:46 am

  In May 2005 I had a vehicle that was about to fall apart. As a college student I needed a dependable vehicle that would hold its value. I was in a car accident five years earlier, so I wanted something safe. My husband and I shopped around and narrowed our search down to two vehicles of similar size and price. We test drove a Rav4 and thought it was the one. But then I read about Honda CRVs and felt they were safer. After a test drive I was sold! It had more space inside, comfortable seats, and ease in driving. So, we bought one. I took it to Virgina Beach this summer and had a great trip. We have had our CRV for five months and are very happy with our choice. We highly recommend it!

• 

  Disappointed honda lover - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By AM - January 8 - 5:27 am

  I travel in and out of state for work so I need something good on gas with awd. I owned my 99 accord 10 years with 230k and all she needed was regular maintenance. In the 3 years I have owned this truck I have replaced the oil pressure switch 3 times, catalytic converter clogged, a/c issues, rear calipers seized, interior lights in dash inoperable, lower ball joints and (the cherry on top) the piston rings went which means my motor needs to be replaced. And I still owe money on the loan. Honda is not what they use to be :(

• 

  Best of the West ! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By SunnySouthwest - January 8 - 3:34 am

  We bought our CRV brand new off the lot in 2002 and it went through 10 years of nasty northern winters and rainy summers and now in the blistering heat of the southwest. Weve had the a/c repaired then replaced and the starter . I know now that gas is cheaper than a starter ! It has 155,000 miles on it and in the shop as I type and needs timing belt, valves adjusted, axle boots, alignment, sway bar and struts for less $1500. - which is far less than buying an unknown used car.

• 

  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

• 

  Great Overall Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Henley - January 7 - 1:58 pm

  This car gets decent mileage. Easy to park. Great driving visibility all around except for the center rear seat headrest. I simply removed it and solved the problem. GREAT in the snow or rain. Only bad thing is going through tires. After a 4 wheel strut change, no problems.

• 

  Love my Honda ! ! ! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CIN - January 6 - 3:32 pm

  Yes, Im a woman, and yes, I LOVE my CAR!!! I only had regular mnt. done and no recalls. Heated seats werent necessary, but now they are. The only problem is the middle area (console). It is basically worthless. If you place anything in between the front seats, you have no cup holders or tray. Now, they dont offer ash trays for this model. I need to carry something for my friends. Otherwise, everyone I spoke with who own this model, love it. I would not sell it, but am now disabled and cannot ever drive I actually cry thinking of selling my Honda. It bothers me more than the disabilities. So, yeah, I love my Honda!