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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  Love it! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Hondamom - December 2 - 2:32 am

  Purchased a 2017 CR-V EX-L AWD. My previous car was a 2008 same model. While I loved the 2008, no mechanical problems at all, this 2017 is amazing. The noise level is gone, seats are super comfortable and the safety features are incredible. I do miss my hard shelf in the trunk area and the floor space between the front seats. The only fault on the car is the info screen. Its clunky and takes several steps to get to the right screen. Dear HONDA, GOOGLE maps would make this car perfect! In the meantime, I have to use my phone for the best navigation. The Honda and apple maps do not compare to google maps!

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  Bait and Switch - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Suzy K - December 1 - 7:23 am

  The gas mileage is lousy. I bought planning my mpg would be 24 - 25 it is 20 - 21. My 2004 I just sold got 18-19. I feel completely taken by Honda. The only way I can get my mpg up a little is to turn off my car at long red lights; use the highest octane gas, leave windows wound up and very little air conditioning, dont have weight in my car; and dont drive over 60 or 65 . Be very careful if you buy this car, many people are complaining about the mpg

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  I LOVE it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bren - November 30 - 6:20 am

  I love this little SUV! I was a little worried about getting an SUV. I drove a 99 Honda Prelude for over 9 years. It was so small and low to the ground, but I have had no problems adjusting to the CR-V! I love Hondas and I fell in love with the CR-V the moment I saw it. When my husband and I test drove it, that was it! It is so much fun to drive and it handles great! I wish the gas mileage was a little better, but hopefully it will improve, as I only have 175 miles on it! It is nice to use regular gas. My Prelude required premium! Its also nice having so much room! I can actually take people in my backseat!

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  Wow...what a car...the Honda 2018 CR-V ! - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Jake - November 27 - 12:17 am

  We just purchased a Honda 2018 CR-V......perfect in every way, especially safety and a proven, excellent track record over the years, as reflected in Edmunds reviews!

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  Awesome! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By magic2121 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I really love this vehicle. It is the family car and definitely my favorite. The Toyota RAV4 can not even be compared to this exceptional Honda CR- V. I would recommend this car to anyone wishing for a roomy, five- passenger car.

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  02 CRV still going strong - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Walker - November 25 - 1:31 pm

  I got it brand new in 2002. First new car I ever bought. Ive had it now for 14 years. Here are the repairs I have done: 1) A/C system was completely replaced under warranty after 2 years. 2) Throttle body was replaced under warranty in year 4. 3) Passenger side door actuator (lock mechanism) failed. Replaced all 4. 4) Struts replaced at 70,000 miles 5) A/C compressor replaced in 2015 Other than that it has just been batteries, tires and brake pads. The A/C systems in these vehicles can be problematic. The door actuators were a cheap design and tend to fail but are relatively cheap to replace. The engine, transmission, electrical system, AWD system, and audio are absolutely bullet proof in my experience. The paint finish still looks like new. The seats could be more comfortable but the material has held up well. When it is just me in the CRV the engine has a fair amount of pep. When you load it up with people and stuff - not so much. But it does get a consistent 25 MPG in mixed driving so Im not complaining. Very easy to park and great visibility all around. The stereo system is reliable but the sound is pretty crummy by modern standards. It is extremely versitile. It serves just as well as a daily commuter as it does a grocery hauler. Currently Ive got about 125,000 miles on it and it runs like a swiss watch. The only real complaint has been the A/C system. Other than that, its been a very reliable and economical vehicle. I should be able to get 250,000 miles out of it if I continue to take care of it. Highly recommended.

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  All in all, I love my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dessiree - November 25 - 4:23 am

  I test drove a used 2006 CR-V right before I drove the new 2008 and theres so many differences. The 08 much more roomy, comfortable, efficient, just all around better. Theres been many improvements. I do have to say that aside from the fuel efficiency this is the best car Ive ever owned. Its going to be the perfect car when my family starts to expand.

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  My 2005 CR-V EX AWD - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - November 23 - 4:26 am

  After test-driving the Tucson, Rav4 and Escape, the CR-Vs interior has better quality, the exterior fit and finish is also superior. Cargo area would be improved if the rear seats folded into the floor; this is a major flaw with the CR-V. Another major flaw is the rear swing door, it should be replaced with an overhead lift door. The CR-V is fun to drive but needs better tires than the OEM BridgestoneÂ’s. They are noisy and hard riding. Honda still needs to put more thought into some of the interior details. Indicator lights need to be added on the driverÂ’s side window controls along with lights for some of the storage bins. Overall, the CR-V is a nice compact

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  Love everything! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jag-wolf - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Looking for all around best value for Mid-sized ALL WHEEL DRIVE SUV with the BEST Fuel economy...usually around 27 per gallon.

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  45000 miles later - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Eroc69 - November 20 - 8:36 pm

  Bought my CR-V in Dec.of 04, over 45000 miles on it. Biggest complaint is the pulling to the right. Have had it in numerous times and they always say "Its in alignment, even tire wear" OK fine, I can live with it cause I put on Michelin Hydro-edge tires and they find the road groove-crown. I cant get more than 20MPG no matter how hard I try. Noisy ride but reliable. I feel pretty safe, feel safe with wife and kids in it. I just had the tranny oil changed, it was black, should be reddish. Had the rear diff. cleaned- serviced. Trans is smoother I recommend it but its no speedy Cross over Vehicle, more of a reliable all weather ride. Needed tires too at 20K