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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  Nice Peppy SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GaRebelRunner - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I chose between this 2002 model, a 2004 Toyota Corolla and a 2003 Chevy Cavalier. It easily beats out the Cavalier. But I was really torn the first month if I had made a good purchase. But the more Ive driven it the more Im impressed. Very easy to drive, smooth, quiet, nice turning radius. Easy reach to cruise control, radio and console. It has great pickup for passing the 18 wheelers on the interstate. Im getting 24-26 miles/gallon. Its just fun to drive.

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  2016 CR-V View from the Experience of a 2003 Owner - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By paula wilcox - December 25 - 11:58 pm

  Love Hondas. Ive had four of them. I loved my 2003 CR-V. After 13 years, it still ran great. It never demanded much maintenance. It just seemed time to get another. I bought a 2016 CR-V EX. The drive is smooth with a little wind and outside noise. It turns easily, which is good for U-turns and pulling into parking spaces. Gas mileage is better in the 2016. With the econ on, it gives 30+ mpg in the city as opposed to the 23 mpg in the 2003. The 2016 feels roomy and gives the sense of being strong and solid. The seats are comfortable. Whats wrong with it? What do I miss that my 2003 CR-V had? What I loved about the 2003 were the storage areas, big and small. That set it apart from just a regular car. The 2016 has less immediate cargo space. I expected the back seat to pull forward, if necessary. It doesnt. The backs of the seats do fold down perfectly flat, however, which will help for really large items. The 2016 has fewer little storage areas in the front. The center console typically lifts up and has a little storage room; but, because all the electronic ports are located in there, it doesnt have much room for storage. The glove compartment is adequate. The small cargo area, the glove compartment, and the small console area--thats it for storage. I miss the little niches in the corners of the console/table of the 2003. I slipped the handles of litter bags in those niches. Now I hang a litter bag on the blinker stick. A woman needs a litter bag in the car, particularly when her passengers are children. The rear door lifts up just like every other SUV. The 2003 rear door opened out. A door that opens out means it can be hip-bumped shut when your arms are full of grocery bags and other stuff. A door that opens up means you need a free hand to lower the door or push a button for it close. It means another trip to the car just to close the rear door. These are minor issues. The 2016 runs smooth and feels tight, secure, and roomy. But, it seems Honda made the interior more like a car and lost some benefits of being an SUV.

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  Awesome Little Red Wagon. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Claude Lafler - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. There have been many of all genres and price. Since 2008 there have been many technological advances. However at the time my CR-V was on the leading edge. It is comfortable, economical, and trouble free. The beautiful red makes it a standout

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  So Disappointed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By So Disappointed - December 22 - 11:04 pm

  Bought this as my first new car after driving it in 4 inches of snow and being very impressed at its performance there, and finding a 2007 on the lot in December. Since purchase, have been nothing but disappointed. Terrible gas mileage (21 on mostly highway), cheap radio, slow acceleration, rough ride performance, ridiculuously cheap-looking base wheels, no covered storage in front besides glove boxes, nearly-useless table between seats, uncomfortable driving position, difficulty in seat belting child in with booster seat, and much more had me looking up trade-in value in the first month. This car makes me miss my deteriorating 2000 Taurus with 110,000 miles greatly.

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  CRV Experience - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff - December 21 - 9:40 pm

  This car has been everything that we expected. It is reasonably quick, expecially in 3rd gear and is almost as quick as my Civic Si. It is great on trips with our two children and has a lot of back seat room.

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  Why would anyone need more? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By farsider - December 21 - 3:13 pm

  Ive driven a number of cars in the past, but this CR-V SE is one of the top. Good mileage, great ride, very comfortable and easy to get around in. Dont believe the info about "too much engine noise" - its surprisingly quiet and has some features you used to find only on BMW or Mercedes. I will never go back to $50k autos.

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  Excellent small SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By wyf - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Have about 18000 miles on my 2002 CRV EX and only experienced one check engine light problem when I hit a pothole. The dealership resolved this in no time. (Resetted the computer chip) Otherwise this vehicle has been terrific in terms of reliability, driver confidence, quality and style. I am constantly getting compliments from passengers and passers-by when they get in/see my silver CRV for the first time.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JoeCarguy - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price! Very dependable and easy to handle. Not the best ride quality but you only paid 20K for it so dont expect luxury car ride. Adequate acceleration, good exterior/interior design Lots of space Shop around and negotiate a good deal!

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  Love my CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By renee - December 20 - 1:55 pm

  I have owned my 2007 CRV for about 3 months and love it. I have owned the 2 previous model styles of the CRV and this one is the best. It looks great on the interior and exterior. I have been impressed with the gas mileage esp. compared to the previous 2 models. I average 22-23mpg in town and have been averaging about 28 mpg on the interstate on long trips. I have used the AWD in the snow and on hilly gravel roads where I live in SD. The AWD appears to work rather well on the snowy roads in our area.

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  Love My CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Winfred Smith - December 18 - 8:03 am

  Ive been driving big cars for somewhile and made the switch because offuture gas prices. The CR-V is really fun to drive and Im 63". There is a solid feel to this car that I have not seen for a long time. There is plenty of power and the handling is very nice. I got 28.5 mpg on a trip last week. The room in this SUV is amazing. My CR-V was built in Japan which explains the high quality of this car. I may buy another one for my wife. Remember $3.00 gas by mid summer.