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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  Good Car But Beware of Air Cond Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By L. Adkins - July 25 - 11:13 am

  For the most part I have enjoyed my CR-V. It is great for road trips and hauling a lot of stuff. Its very comfortable to drive and I love sitting up higher than a car. My main minor complaint is noise in the cabin, especially on the highway, but I knew this was an issue before I bought it. Also, the 4 cyl engine seems to struggle at times, especially when accelerating. My major complaint - at 55k, the air compressor just blew and the entire system has to be replaced. Estimate is $3,000.

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  Truck like ride - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By R. Neal - July 24 - 3:45 pm

  Most everything on the vehicle will get a passing grade, except for the ride. On the highway road noise is very loud and on back roads the ride is downright harsh and uncomfortable. Typical of stiff suspension and short wheel base vehicles. I am also disappointed in the gas mileage. I would have thought a four cylinder engine would get more than 20mpg highway. You get what you pay for, I guess. I would not buy another one.

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  Stay Away - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By drake1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned one for six months...just traded it for a different car. Way too many flaws to list...major ones include a fender that did not match from the factory, and rear seat belts latches that would come unbuckled on their own (leaving my son unattached in his car seat!!!)Seats are hard and too narrow, Stereo is tinny, Road noise is very load, side-to-side visibility is terrible if not dangerous, many of the controls are backwards and the locking system frustrating. Vehicle is NOT roomy inside it is very narrow and tall which makes it feel cramped. The plastics which there is a lot are easily scratched.

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  Third Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By David and Donna - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle! Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Very quiet and gets pretty good gas mileage (25 MPG). Reasonably peppy but would like a little more horsepower. Real-time FWD works very well. Love the 6-disc CD changer. Air conditioner works extremely well, cooling the car in seconds.

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  2010 CRV is much improved - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Ekblad - July 15 - 5:33 am

  I carefully compared all the CUVs in the marketplace and came to the conclusion that the newly upgraded 2010 CRV is the best. It is more quiet, more peppy, more solid, and has a reputation for reliability. I appreciate the new 180 hp ULEV motor, the high quality interior materials, the chrome front grill, the quality feel of the switch gear, and the very good standard sound system. It is also good to know that since it is a Honda, one does not have to worry about excessive depreciation. I would not say that it rides as well as a typical sedan but it is close enough. Interior ergonomics are very good. The design would be better if there was some way to remove the back seat for more cargo.

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  very happy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By craig - July 14 - 8:56 am

  Im very happy with my crv purchase. have 2857 miles on it in just over 6 weeks. the vehicle has exceeded all expectations it drives great in the snow handled 10in of wet heavy snow with no problem . The build quality is exellent and its roomy on the inside.

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  Love my crv! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Angelica Carlos - July 11 - 2:13 pm

  I love everything about my crv, well almost everything. The only problem is that the rear seat is a little narrow for my family. I have 3 kids, one of which is in a booster and one in a car seat. I had to buy another car seat, the narrowest I could find, in order for them to fit, and they are still pretty tight back there. Im hoping it wont be too torturous for them when we go on one of our road trips. Other than that, the car is absolutely perfect!

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  Good Car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By sl - July 11 - 8:49 am

  This car has been most reliable, and thats why I bought it. Plenty of room for loading up during trips to Home Depot - an amazing amount of space for a small car. Its a 4 cylinder, so it has enough power but lacks zip. But the car is what it is. Its functional, not hip. One weird quirk, and maybe its just me, but the car seems to be prone to having windshield cracks due to pebbles and rocks projected from other vehicles on the highway. Im 62" and I find this car to be a comfortable ride, plenty of head room. The odometer reads 122,000 miles and I just had my first breakdown, a blown head gasket. Otherwise, the only problems have been basic stuff, battery, tires.

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  New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CK in NC - July 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just bought the new Honda CR-V and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I went with the EX-L and I love the leather-heated seats and the XM radio. I was also looking at the new Hyundai Santa Fe, but decided to go with the new CR-V, after previously owning 2 Accords and considering the difference in the MPGs. So far...LOVE IT!!!

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  Met My High Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jan Krill - July 6 - 4:56 pm

  I had a long checklist of criteria and this hit the mark. I am still discovering things that this does! For example, I did not realize that the highbeams came on automatically and then reset when necessary. What a great feature! I needed something with power and good gas mileage and this definitely fits that bill.