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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  Pros and Cons - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Veronica Krautheim - June 9 - 7:32 pm

  Pros: Its great to sit up high in traffic so I can see well ahead. The electric seats are very easy to adjust. The car has good power and responds quickly. The back-up monitor is well placed, is easy to see and understand, and helps me keep track of anything behind the car. Steering wheel adjusts in so many ways that I feel very comfortable driving. I like the car, but I miss my previous car. I bought this car so I could tow it behind my RV. I couldnt tow my previous car 4-wheels down behind the RV. All of the following Cons are based on differences between this car and my previous car (a Prius). Cons: The steering wheel gets in the way of viewing the speedometer, dials, and problem indicators, so I have to take my eyes off the road and bend my head to see how fast Im going or to make sure there are no problem indicators lit up. The speedometer is not digital, so I have to guesstimate my speed. The ride is rougher than my previous car, and feels bouncier. With my previous car, I never needed to use a key. I could just touch the drivers door handle and the car would unlock as long as I had the key in my pocket or purse, and the car had a push-button start. Now, I must have my key in my hand to open the door and to start the car (which means digging in my purse to find the key). Just a slight inconvenience, but difficult to deal with after 7 years of the previous car.

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  Honda not living up to reputation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By quietrider - June 9 - 4:23 pm

  After my disaster with my first car, a 94Â’ Ford Thunderbird, I decided to listen to my friends who told me of HondaÂ’s legendary build quality. What I found with this CR-V was that it drove well and has a nice design however, they did a lousy job with the air conditioner unit. It went out first in Â’04 after only 31,000 miles on it. Then it went out again in Â’06 when I had over 90,000 miles on it. Today 6/9/2007 it has gone out again. Other then this problem it has been a great vehicle.

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JD NJ - June 5 - 4:24 pm

  The CRV has been a good car until recently. I agree with the other reviews which say that the car is fun to drive, decent gas mileage, power, etc. Minor problem began when it was two years old. It developed a rattle on the front right side and odd tire wear. Dealer still claims that they can not find a problem. Interior parts started to break through normal use and rubber matting on dash started to peel up. Now I am dealing with the A/C compressor failure which Honda denies is common in the 2002-2005 CRV. I hope that Honda will pay for A/C repairs 100% to help restore my confidence in them.

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  Great choice for a small family - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sahi - June 3 - 3:30 am

  Good choice if you have one child and have occasionally visiting family. Gas mileage is decent in its class. Doesnt feel like I am driving a SUV .. handles like a car.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dmr - June 1 - 5:00 am

  This is my fourth CR-V. Each has been an improvement on the last. The 2010 model is quieter, more refined and fun to drive.

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  My CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By paul - June 1 - 12:44 am

  Bought it new as I wanted a fuel efficient small SUV and I believe Honda makes the best. Believe or not I actually used the hidden picnic table for some work I had to do on a leaf blower. It is extremely quick off the line, handles ok, but will get new sticky wider tires to help that. The sunroof rocks, the cd changer is great, and sound is fine but not as good as the Element. 21-22 mpg in town. On a trip, 26-28.

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  3 Year Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Pizzo - May 31 - 10:15 am

  50k miles in 3 years. Excellent SUV for the money and every for every positive comment posted on this site. Mileage is very dependent on how you drive, I average 21 for city driving. Ive owned 5 Honda cars and the CRV is by far the most intelligently designed, easy to drive vehicle Ive ever owned. When do you ever hear from people on how easy and fun a car is to drive? Its so true. At 50k miles, Im having to replace 1st set of tires and brakes, nothing else so far.

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  Love this Car! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Ronnie Law - May 29 - 9:20 pm

  The Honda CRV is such a comfortable riding car. I have been a Honda owner of cars since 1993. This is first SUV. Just got it a month ago so not sure how repair frequency there will be. But based on my previous Hondas (2004 Accord has 200K miles and still running perfectly) I have no doubt this will be a reliable car as well.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Barry - May 27 - 8:56 pm

  I really love this SUV. Have had a few non-Honda like issues with this car. I had to have the strut lubed and now the rotors are warped big time. Another trip to the dealer. I guess I just expected more from Honda. But again, after coming from an Olds Alero, anything would be more reliable.

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  Great, Just what I needed. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Patricia Harrell - May 26 - 2:41 am

  Car fills my needs perfectly. Attractive, comfortable, peppy, lots of cargo space.