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 CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gary01 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This vechile is really what it saids "GREAT" if you are looking for a compact SUV this is the one ot buy the Honda CR-V and it has very good and recommmened by Consumer Reports.

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  New CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Shawn Higgins - August 26 - 6:12 am

  Although it was an odd situation at best and far from the expected norm, when we left the dealership, we never made it home. The master cylinder was bad and would not release the brakes after traveling a short distance. At first we were not certain what was going on, but after the third time we had it towed back to the dealership and they checked the calipers and all the brakes. The replaced a few things and still it persisted. They ended up having to change out the master cylinder three times and since then it has worked well.

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  A Good Basic AWD - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Holidaybarb - August 25 - 7:02 pm

  I wanted a reasonably priced AWD to replace my beloved 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. The CR-V is exactly what I expected. It runs well and reliably. The gas mileage is about 25MPG - in a good mix of city and highway driving. At first it was hard to adjust to the sounds of the 4 cylinder engine, but I think it actually has a little more pick-up than the Pathfinder did on hilly merges. This is basic, sure-footed, reliable transportation. Its good in the rain and easily gets me up my big hill driveway in the snow. The rear cargo area holds a lot of stuff. And the silver color looks pretty good too.

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  awful little tourture box - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sean - August 25 - 9:48 am

  We purchased this car new and for the first 10k miles it was fine. We chose the manual because of gas milage ect. but we never drove one upon ordering this one (mistake). The shifter is so vauge, acceleration is the worst, downshifting will not slow the vehicle, and finally it does this weird jerky thing while accelerating (the tachometer is not smooth and you can watch it stick at an rpm). The seats are the hardest most unsupportive seats for any type of longdistace driving. Steering wheel is falling apart. And lastly the a/c compressor just died last week, honda says it will be $1400 to fix. this is our second honda that the a/c died after three years. Verry disapointed

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  Wonderful car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By KarenR - August 24 - 5:52 am

  I love my new Honda CRV-EXL (but I loved my 2008 CRV too!). The CRV is easy to drive and park & the power front seats help make them very comfortable. I especially like the many new safety features including blindspot & lane departure warnings. The interior also has many new features but the ones I appreciate the most are using the phone for navigation through the display on the dashboard with voice commands and auto liftgate opening and closing. I know push button start & keyless entry have been around for a long time but this is my first experience and Im finding it very beneficial to not have my keys out all the time. As a bonus, my dog really likes the A/C vents in the back here in Florida. I couldnt be happier with my purchase and recommend the CRV to anyone looking for a car in this size range

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  Best CRV ever - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mikeneel1945 - August 22 - 10:53 pm

  This is the best CRV ever! I have owned Honda vehicles and motorcycles since 1982 and this CRV is at least at 10 times better than my 1999 Honda CRV. The handling for a tall SUV like vehicle is outstanding... My wife hated our 99 CRV because it was noisy climbing hills and at speed. She was astonished at the improvement and how much better the 07 CRV is. We are very pleased with this vehicle.

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  I Just Love It - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By roadturtle - August 21 - 5:20 pm

  I traded in a Dodge gas hog truck. I love the new larger 2007 CR-V. I am six feet tall, and I have plenty of room. I am averaging 23 mpg with 90% city 10% freeway. It drives sooo easy. Parks easy. I bought the EX. I believe the little extra money for the EX was worth it. I am adding the iPod music link this week. I tried the Kias. No comparison. Hondas quality is awesome.

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  Overall a good car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RHenry - August 20 - 2:02 pm

  I got this suv after totalling a 2004 Honda Civic. I wanted a safe car and this one has really good safety ratings. The A/C is much better than the 04 Civic. The hand brake is in a weird spot, not inconvenient, just an adjustment. I thought that I would get better gas mileage than I am getting. The paint color is the same as the 04 Civic (that dark silvery color) it hides dirt well. I get a lot of glare in the front windshield which is annoying. The seat fabric kind of stinks-I have a dog and ended up with dog hair that would get stuck in the fabric and I had to remove each hair indivually, also I somehow have a couple of stains that wont come out of the black upholstery.

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  POOR AC! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By kstephens - August 18 - 11:35 am

  We bought our CRV based on Hondas reputation. It is only 3 years old with 50,000 miles on it and the ac broke. It cost $1,800 to fix. Apparently the mechanic said this is common with the CRV. He also said he has seen many with transmission issues. Think twice about the CRV before purchasing. Investigate with a mechanic that you trust about their reliability. Up until now we really enjoyed ours but to avoid any other big ticket repairs we are considering trading it in. Its ridiculous to have to put thousands of dollars worth of repairs into a car that is not that old especially with the reputation honda has for reliability. I guess the CRV is the exception.

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  It never gets old - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Russ - August 18 - 6:42 am

  Except for the differential problem which Honda took care of, its been a solid vehicle that you feel youll keep till 200,000 on the odo. Lucked out, original tires lasted till 33,000 at which time Sears indicated brake pads at 50% give or take all around. Have changed oil at Honda every 5,000. Other than that, gas, wash, wax. Fuel economy respectable. Plenty of room for me in the back seat with front seat all the way back, Im 63". Currently at 34,300 miles, no rattles, everything works. Yes it does have the road noise everyone complains about.