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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  Honda CRV:better than expected - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Enrique Ospina - September 18 - 12:43 am

  I was very skeptical when we bough this vehicle, it was need more that desire. It has turned out to be a great vehicle, lots of room, easy to drive, comfortable front and back. the only ackward thing is the gear shift:it interferes all the time with the windshield wipers

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  Not what we expected from a Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin W. - September 17 - 7:06 pm

  We bought this car new and it was good for about 50k miles. First problem was that the front door locks simply stopped working. Then the cheap plastic parts in the interior started breaking. Then a problem with the VTEC system. A mechanic said that dirt had prevented the extra set of valves from engaging when the engine needed more power. We were not doing any heavy duty off-road driving, so that was strange. Now, like other readers, our throttle sensor has gone out and it is going to set us back $900 to replace the whole unit. Im sorry, but this is not why we bought a "reliable" Honda. Seems like the company is coasting on its reputation and Im not enthusiastic about buying one again.

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  Another Great Honda Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - September 17 - 9:26 am

  My 2010 CR-V is more than I thought it would be. It handles great and has a lot less road noise than my Civic. At 1500 RPM in high gear it has a low hum coming from the drive train. There is a big blind spot directly behind the car, this is because of the high rear window. I am averaging 19 city and 26 HWY, and hope this improves. There is plenty of power with this new engine and it response well. Interior is great on looks, and the lay out is great, sound system top of the line. This vehicle has a lot of class, and my wife loves driving it.

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mike952 - September 17 - 1:11 am

  This is my third CRV and I have always been pleased. My new 2015 CRV vibrates and Honda knows about the problem, but has no idea what to do about it. Honda will not guarantee it will not have any long term effect. So I have a new $30,000 car with a problem that Honda cannot fix, sadly disappointed with Honda. My local dealer has been excellent despite not knowing what to do.

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  Her car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Jones - September 17 - 12:52 am

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  good SUV but watch out - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By coles - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I purchase the CRV for the all wheel drive and to take to work. Ive own Honda Vehicles my whole life. Check your oil after its change there have been 27 cases so far where the truck catches fire,after an oil change and Honda has not issued a recall yet so BE CAREFUL Im taking mine back to the dealer ship to confront this issue face to face.

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  BEST compact SUV on the market - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  I bought the 2005 CRV after having driven my 2000 Accord for 120,000 miles. I wanted a compact SUV to better handle the harsh Boston winters, but fuel economy was a major concern with gas prices climbing recently. The CRV is rated at 22/27, and after 1,000 miles, Ive been averaging 26.5 in mixed driving. The build quality is superb (it is a Honda, after all), the handling is top notch, and the passenger and cargo areas are generous. The CRV competes with the Toyota RAV-4, and there is no comparison. After test driving the RAV-4, I found it to be cramped with sloppy handling. In my opinion, the CRV is the best compact SUV available, which would explain why you see so many of them!

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  Even better months later - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Juan33138 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I was very surprised at the test drive, the car has zip. After 6000 miles I notice that the engines purrs like a quick cat, and has even more guts. For small SUV under $25,000 (in 2002) no one else came close. Can carry 4 six foot guys easy. My average gas mileage is around 18. Only complaints are I wish I had another 2" of leg room and that the seats had larger seat bolsters to support the legs... then again I am 6 3".

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  My Wife loves the CR-V AWD with NAV. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Orsino - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  I have always purchased Fords. When we went to the Ford Dealer. The sales Person, who emailed me and said (come in any time and I will serve you ASAP. After 2 hours waiting for her (she told me to sit down and wait, she was going to lunch). We left and went to Priority Honda (Chesapeake, VA). Shay Patel (Sales Person) located the exact vehicle we were looking for, gave us a free loaner vehicle until the new vehicle arrived, gave us the price Edmunds quoted plus Military discount. Best decision on the best SUV on the market. Payed cash. Thanks to EDMUNDS for your help and support.

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  2012 Honda CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Hawks - September 11 - 6:45 am

  Everything about this car is excellent. Low road noise...great mileage per gallon...great handling....great comfort...stylish and so much more. Very reliable car with low mileage.