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:

• 

  Great All Around SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KING - August 11 - 6:39 pm

  The engine is adequate and very reliable. The styling beats the new CRVs hands down. The seats could be more comfortable and the driver seat needs more movement backwards for long legs. I love getting around parking lots and the narrow body allows plenty of room for the doors opening in parking spaces. This SUV has plenty of cargo space and lots of storage nooks inside. I wanted a red CRV with black interior but this is not offered.

• 

  CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - August 11 - 6:08 am

  Comfortable ride, good gas mileage, and lots of storage space with the seats down.

• 

  Last year of Japanese Mfg shows - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Don - August 10 - 6:37 pm

  This is the smallest SUV with AWD I would consider since we are not small people. It is also the first four cylinder Ive had for about 20 years. We dumped a V-8 Durango for this little gem, and it does the job. Plenty of power even with the 5 speed auto, but I wish we would have gotten a stick. The D3 setting (only uses lower 3 gears) works well in the hills. It revs quite a bit when you get on it, but climbs well. Not enough leg room for me to drive or ride in front for more than about an hour with the seats all the way back. Very maneuverable though! 2006 was the last year these were made in Japan, and the build quality is there. No rattles, runs smooth and quiet.

• 

  Honda Dropped the Ball - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By dblardner@aol.com - August 8 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle vibrates, shudders, motorboats, however you want to describe it, will shake you thru your bones!! Acceleration is good, fuel economy is good, ride is a bit noisy, storage is adequate. Honda has admitted to the shuddering problem but has not fixed it. Ive had the car for 1 1/2 years and they keep telling me to be patient. I definitely would NOT recommend this vehicle, and because of the way Honda has handled the issue, I would not recommend any Honda product.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Nishbot - August 5 - 9:19 pm

  I love my CRV. Every time I turn my key, I know the car will start. Bought the car at 40000mi, now has 100000mi. Not one problem since I owned it (hope I dont jinx it now). A great value. Typical Honda reliability/fuel economy. Highly recommend w/o hesitation.

• 

  Great For What It Was Built To Do! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Laxman - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for what it was built to do. It drives like a car, handles well in mud, (I drove it in deep mud during a rain storm without any problems at all, except it took for ever to get the mud off!) snow and rain. Fits everything I want to put into it, including bikes, a baby, dog and plenty of stuff. I have a long drive to work and I never feel like I hate the drive. My only complaint is with the design of the roof rack, but that is an extra item.

• 

  great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kragler - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We are very happy with it. 5,000 miles and no problems so far. Great gas milage for an SUV. New engine (2002+ models) has plenty of power. Lots of interior room for mini-suv.

• 

  Very Impressive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondamunda - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda.. and first SUV as well.. Everything about this vehicle is so zippy..love the engine.. I happend to pick my car in the middle of a snowstorm.. and am totally bedazzled with the REALTIME AWD..

• 

  Very happy with my 2016 Honda CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - July 27 - 1:26 am

  I am very happy with my purchase of the 2016 Honda CRV. It is very roomy and has plenty of cargo space for my two German Shepherds. I could even fit in another dog very easily. This was mostly the reason I purchased this vehicle. I needed to transport my dogs and they just love it. The layout of the dash is outstanding and the ride is smooth and quiet. The dealership, Cardinal Honda, is #1 in my book as this is the second car we have purchased from them. Our salesperson, Sandra, did an outstanding job and was able to secure the color I wanted.

• 

  Excellent All-Around Vehicle - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Francesco - July 25 - 9:23 pm

  I bought my EX-L after a thorough review of the competition. In fact, I was set on the new Forester 2009 until I saw this CR-V parked in the dealers lot. I have had it for a week. I am extremely pleased with it. I had an Audi A4 beforehand. Now, with two small kids, I need something more practical. It is a great car: very refined on the inside, pretty on the outside. The ride is great, even if the engine can indeed appear to be a little weak when on the highway going uphill. But everything is relative: it is a fine ride even then, just not as powerful as it could be. The car is intelligently designed, lots of space in front and back and cargo, and all in all an excellent buy.