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:

• 

  2016 CRV - theres no way you can go wrong!!! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 3 - 5:08 am

  Our 2nd CRV after owning a 2008 CRV-LX. The 2008 was trouble free except routine maintenance and one A/C clutch repair which cost $700. Other than that was a trouble free car. We traded it in for a 2016 EX as we wanted to have the bluetooth and backup/blind spot camera. Everything else is a plus in the EX model. We couldnt have been happier with the Honda CRV. Some folks have complained or mentioned about the CVT vibration issue. There is none whatsoever. There are a few things we miss from our 2008. The center dash had a few cubby holes for phone etc which are not present anymore. Also above the glove box was a secondary store place which is no longer present. But these are minor inconveniences we can adjust to as theres plenty of storage space in the car. Kudos to the Honda designers whove improved the car since 2008 and keep doing so.

• 

  Sold the car. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John VanDerWege - November 1 - 4:24 am

  I bought this vehicle based on having driven my sisters 2013 CRV. This is a very different vehicle. The transmission never engages. When I need to get in an acceleration lane and get up to speed it never takes hold. If you floor it it really confuses it and it starts to fluctuate up and down. I had a 2005 Honda pilot before this and I was ready to take a step down but the storage and fit and finish on this vehicle is not even in the same universe. The console and door storage are poorly thought out and are near useless. My pilot was the exact opposite. I know Honda is chasing good gas milage to compete but in my opinion this was a big miss. I would go so far as to say this vehicle is dangerous if you are going to take it out in traffic.

• 

  2007 CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JSNK - October 30 - 8:15 pm

  Very happy with this car. I can get 30MPG on the highway, 22 around town, and about 25 to 26 overall. Comfortable, Safe, and the AWD is a dream in the snow. Large comfy cabin, and more space than I know what to do with. Interior is much nicer than anything else I looked at. Exterior styling is a bit strange, but thats not why I bought the car.

• 

  2007 Honda CRV-EXL 4x2 No Nav - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By WJMSEM - October 30 - 6:30 pm

  Picked up this car last Friday. Rear cargo ceiling seat-belt latch cover fell off in-front of sales rep. Disappointed to find no headlight auto on-off feature or Homelink. Armrest got in the way of seat belt latch. No fog lamps and top of head-rest tilts too far forward for my wifes 5 height. Interior design and head-room is excellent. Dash layout is perfectly aligned with driver. My wife pulled down the vanity mirrors and was quite upset to find each mirror without lights. Side-view mirros do not have integrated signals which doesnt make sense given the safety factor built in. Steering connects very "lightly" to the road. Would have liked the tail antenna to be replaced with small dome.

• 

  CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By e suastegui - October 30 - 4:30 pm

• 

  CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By e suastegui - October 30 - 4:30 pm

• 

  CRV Excellent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Surprise - October 30 - 7:00 am

  Best bang for the buck. A lot of features and a surprising comforting ride. Great on long road trips. Excellent cargo space for smaller families. Great gas mileage around town. Love the viewing angles for the driver, very open. Just the right amount of everything to make this car a great purchase without feeling guilty.

• 

  CRV Delivers as promised - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lawrencer2003 - October 29 - 10:17 am

  Picked up my CRV last week. Replacing a beloved 100K+ subie wagon. Tested RAV4, Subie Outback, Prius, Rougue, Accord. Loaded up a pile of camping gear, my 14 year old kid and dogs this weekend. Amazing cargo capacity, great handling and super comfortable. Now as to the critics and some consumers saying the car is under powered. Bull! It moves out smartly, flies up steep grades and passes with confidence on hilly interstates. Nuff said. Im extremely happy with my decision. 24MPG so far and a great stablemate to my 2002 LL Bean Outback.

• 

  Best small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Major Disaster - October 27 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this car to replace full size pickup. Shopped around carefully with all competitors, roomiest, best use of cargo space, legendary Honda reliability and good power from large 4 cylinder, Smooth ride for SUV, Does everything I want it to do and reasonably easy on gas. Handles and rides like well behaved car, can tow small trailer (necessary criterion for me). No problems or complaints yet. Happy with Honda decision.

• 

  Long Term Test - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By GUH - October 26 - 8:49 pm

  The CRV replaced a 2000 Lexus RX 300. I wanted a car that would haul a lot of stuff, be driven around town without guzzling gas, be good on long hauls, behave reliably, yet able to be driven aggressively. The CRV fulfills all the above except the long haul issue. After 38,000 miles and not a bit of trouble, it confirms Hondas reputation in building reliable, very drivable, affordable vehicles. The engine and transmission shine. Although a 4 cylinder, it really behaves like a small 6. Once you start taking drives longer than 1 to 3 hours though, lookout, its not very comfortable. And the noise! Thats always been Hondas Achilles heel. In summary, local yes, long drives no.