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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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  You get your moneys worth - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald - September 26 - 4:55 am

  This was purchased as a family (2 adults) car that could be towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome. It worked excellently in that capacity. The main weaknesses in our experience are: 1. battery may be undersized. If we park and try to listen to the radio for more than 10 minutes the battery loses just enough power that the car computer decides the voltage is too low to even try to start., 2. this is not very comfortable, probably due to the short wheelbase. We feel every bump.

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  Theres nothing negative to say - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Emily - September 25 - 10:11 pm

  I love this car. Thats all I have to say. It runs like a champ. Its quiet, comfortable. Has great visibility and roominess inside. You wont feel claustrophobic in this car. Has plenty of room for backseat riders as well. Ive only owned mine for 16 mo. but I love it and I dont think I would ever own another vehicle. The cargo area is nice and roomy and yet the crv manages to be a small suv with great manueverability. I just love this car. The cup holder in front of the control dials can be annoying if you have a really large cup, but if thats the biggest complaint, thats more than you can say about most! :) BUY ONE! Youll love it!

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  My Mid-Life Crisis Car - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By IT Guy - September 24 - 11:04 pm

  I was looking for an all wheel drive utility vehicle that didnt drive like a truck and would be reliable for 150k miles or more. Im very satisfield with the ride, gas mileage, handling, and acceleration. Other competitors I test drove (RAV4, Forester) didnt seem to have the handling and smooth acceleration of the CR-V.

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  CR-V review - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - September 23 - 12:43 am

  I recently purchased my CRV in Nov 2008 to replace an aging Nissan Frontier. While the vehicle drives well and gets great fuel economy (about 25 mpg), there are some minor things that bother me. The seats are very stiff and get to be uncomfortable on long drives, the dash slants away from the driver, so you have to lean forward to get to the the controls (radio, HVAC, etc) and the external mirrors are too small. They LX model has a foldable tray, for about $10 in material they could have put in a full center console as well. Other than those minor issues, this is a great vehicle.

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  Why I picked CRV instead of Element - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joshkuo - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was comparing between the Element and CRV, and went with CRV. Ive had it for 6 months now and I am very happy with my choice. CRV seats more people (5 instead of 4), and is quieter and less bumpier on the road. It handles GREAT, I have driven quite a few cars, and this is by far the easiest to turn and handle. Fuel economy and horse power are decent. The car feels very spacy (and it is), while small enough to drive around the city.

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  Great Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By acuradrian - September 22 - 10:00 am

  People laugh when I tell them that we cross shopped it with RX330 and a MDX. We added leather and larger rubber, and a navigation system;thats it. My wife wanted a 5 speed and its definatly the most fun to drive of the 3. Its almost as large with better MPG and tires that chirp through the gears. Honda listen up. Go with the larger tires. Its quieter and handles MUCH better!

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  spirited mini-ute - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gusgus42 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  We love our CR-V 2003 5sp EX - nimble, and peppy with the 5-speed. I am impressed with our honda- space and all the comps we did to others small suvs - safty, room and heck 0-60 the CRV stood with or above other larger and smaller for us - we do like to get iup to the western NC mountains and ski once in a while and the 4wd is fine for that - not truck based , no 4 low so I dont try to mud bogg race with it. But it has been a fun SUV for us so far and no troubles or trips to the service dept other than oil change - Very satisfied compared to other new fords, and chevys we have had and service issues that came up.

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  My Third CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By My CR-V - September 21 - 5:13 am

  I and my family love this CR-V as it fits the 3 of us just right. Its a good looking car and is easy to keep clean. We love the 6 disc cd changer in dash and love the height of the vehicle as we can slide right into it. The only drawback is the road noise while driving. It has great pick-up after 40 mph even though it is a 4-cylinder.

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  Im on my third one - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - September 19 - 6:59 pm

  Whether youre coming off of another compact SUV or, like me youre on your third Honda CRV theres nothing bad to say. My first CRV was the second model year that they produced, and I got 230,000 miles on it. My second CRV was a 2002 and I got 240,000 miles on it. I just bought a new 2017, end it feels almost magical. The great thing for most CRV owners is that it mostly stays the same and yet they keep making it better! I think this is the only car Id ever buy.