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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  My jellybean crv - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Retired om - September 11 - 1:04 am

  Great SUV excellent gas mileage,comfortable. Not a quiet ride able to hear road noise

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  Gits R Done - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jenflex - September 8 - 5:06 pm

  What Ive enjoyed most has been this vehicles "gameness." Last winter we had 3 separate storms of over 1 of snow apiece. Husbands pickup got stuck, but my CR-V just chugged on through. Short wheelbase means it will turn on a dime. Not sure about the rear differential. Im starting to hear weird noises at 66K miles. Still, Id buy it again, although I think Id go with a RAV-4 now rather than the redesigned CR-V. The new Honda is smaller, and doesnt have the table.

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  very nice car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John1007 - September 7 - 4:30 pm

  For what it is I think this is a great car. You sit up high enough that you are not being run over but not in one of these huge gas guzzlers. The motor is not very powerful which is one of the reasons for getting the manual tranny. You can set the cruise for 80mph and it will go all day. Good inventment

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  No more Hondas - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Hondanomore - September 5 - 3:05 pm

  I have owned Hondas for over 20 years, but the CRV makes me think I will never own another. 4 years and 66,000 miles the air compressor blows apart. dealership wants $1,500 to replace it. Too much money for too little of a car. I just got a new Honda eliment, if this happen sooner I would never have gotten another Honda. I will be trading this in on a Saturn Vue.

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  Vibration problem - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By jodie - September 5 - 12:26 am

  My brand new 1026 has a vibration problem (so no the CRV vibration issues have not been fixed). It idles very roughly. When we brought it to the dealer they just told me thats how the car is and that there is no fix. The transmission also seems to have issues. Black carpet is also terrible, they should offer more carpet options. The noise while driving is pretty loud, you can not have a conversation with someone in the back seat. We chose the CRV over the RAV4 because we liked the styling of the Honda better-I should have known better.

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  Air Conditioner Out in TX at 42,000 mi - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Plano - August 30 - 10:08 pm

  I have owned an Accord and a Civic. Who would think to buy an extended warranty on a Honda? Not me. I certainly didnt think my air conditioner would go out at only 42,000 miles. My sisters friend also has a crv 2004 whose air went out and it cost her 3,000.

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  Honda does it again! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nick - August 30 - 8:37 pm

  This is my first Honda and also first mid-size SUV. My family has been buying Honda for over 20 years now (2 Pilots, 1 Oddessy, 1 Civic, 1 Accord) and have had 0 issues with any of their cars during this time. In fact, my dads Accord was purchased back in the 80s and he put nearly 300,000 miles on it and never had a single problem. So reliability is never an issue with Honda. I LOVE this this new CRV. I never liked the looks of the older ones and wasnt even going to look at the CRV until they redid the car, which I really like. It looks much more sporty for a family-oriented vehicle. The ride is smooth, the turbo engine is peppy for its size, and the fuel economy is great. In the 2 weeks I have had the car I have put more 400 miles on the car and I am getting 29.5 MPG, which is great compared to my old car (Hyundai Tiburon GT). I have one two minor gripes. One, the engine can be a bit noisy when sitting still, either parked or when I come to a stop. I have never had a turbo engine before, so this might be normal. It isnt super loud or anything, it just creates a small clicking sound that once I hear I cant stop focusing on. But once I drive it stops, and with ANY music playing you cant hear it. I googled this and it seems to be normal for this new 1.5L turbo engine. My second complaint is that the safety features do not let you sync any phones while driving. While this is great in preventing a driver from syncing a phone via Bluetooth or one of the apps, it also prevents any passengers from doing so as well. Not a big deal, just a bit weird this cant be changed via settings. Overall I am 100% satisfied with my purchase and love my car. I highly recommend it!

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  great! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By kim - August 30 - 2:10 am

  i did just buy 24 hours ago but I cant get enough! The feel of the car is amazing.

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  Would buy again - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By logcabinguy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  After much research and many test drives it came down to the RAV-4 and the CRV. The Honda dealership was much more attentive to our needs. That factor plus the long term reliability of our 4 Honda Civics tilted the deck to the CRV.

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  Best Value SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KungPhu - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, high-revving engine that gets most jobs in most situations done-and done well. More spacious than the Accord wagon I had back in college and looks better too. I get about 22 mpg which is more than I expected. All in all, I love the thing.