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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  Refined small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mikeymikec - March 26 - 1:20 am

  I traded in a 2000 95k+ Honda Civic, and decided to get something that was a bit more roomy. So far, the CR-V has lived up to its billing. Firstly, the acceleration is much better than expected. Ive had a few brief moments of lagging response, but for a 4 cyl 166 hp engine, its extremely peppy and responsive. Interior display & materials on the ex are beautiful (the reason why I chose the CR-V over the rav4). Unfortunately, after only 1,500 miles of driving, my alternator, battery, and fuse panel needed to be replaced. Not good, but Im hopeful this is an isolated incident, and not indicative of future reliability. My mpg is respectable, averaging 23 with 50/50 city/highway.

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  A fun car for a great price - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By GeoBernd - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a small SUV and researched a lot. I am happy with my decision. The CR-V handles almost like a car (I drive a lot of winding mountain roads and I like to drive...) has lots of cargo space and enough horses to go around. That with good fuel efficiency makes for a great everyday car. I didnt not expect to get this much car for my money...

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  I love my CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By BlackCRV - March 24 - 10:00 am

  When my husband first wanted to look at the CRV I didnt want to. I decided just to look for fun and ended up getting one. It is perfect for my family, its very comfortable and drives very smooth no matter what teh weather conditions are. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Review - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tom DiLeo - March 23 - 12:04 pm

  Love the CR-V

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  Awesome - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sarah Morris - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I love this car! Its comfortable, simple, and easy to use! I feel so safe driving my 6 month old in it!

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  Love My CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Frieda - March 18 - 4:30 pm

  I have had my 2007 Honda CRV-EX for about a month now. I really enjoy how it handles on the road. The road noise is minimal and the interior design is great. The only issue I have is with the seats, as most have said, they are not the most comfortable in the world. The new hatchback opening makes it so easy to put stuff in the back. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a small SUV that is fun to drive and gets good gas mileage.

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  Good dash, questionable engine - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Hondabuyer - March 16 - 9:45 am

  You have to wonder what Honda was thinking with the engine-transmission combination in this SUV. This vehicle is so underpowered that it is almost dangerous on the freeway. You dont have enough extra power to avoid potential accidents (i.e. truckers changing lanes into you, ect.). 3rd and 4th gear are too close together requiring the vehicle to frequently shift down to 2nd gear simply to travel up and over overpasses or to maintain speed on hills. The result is rather poor fuel economy in freeway driving (25 MPG or less). Engine in my vehicle is plagued by misfires and a worn cylinder head. Some rust already visible below side windows. The dash doesnt rattle. Thats worth something.

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  Unimpressed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jtulin - March 12 - 11:10 am

  The seats are uncomfortable, handling and ride are poor. I am having problems with the rear differential. In the rain the when the front wheels lose traction the rear wheels suddenly kick in and the car jerks. This is very disconcerting, not a well designed AWD system.

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  very nice & reliable - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By shah - March 10 - 12:49 pm

  We have driven from Ga to Tn and back. Then we moved from Ga to Tx and now we live in Ms. So we have driven a lot of highway miles and have no complaints at all. It is very fun to drive and there is plenty of room.

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  30+ yrs of Driving Hondas - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By ML Sylvester - March 9 - 5:38 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas since 1977 (accord, civics, hybrid and acura) and this is my 6th. I really enjoy my 06 CRV/SE. It handles well and is the perfect size for me. I traded in my Civic Hybrid because I wanted more room for camping, etc. The Hybrid got about 42+ mpg so its a bit tough getting used to the new 22 mpg at 30%/70% city/hwy driving in the CR-V. I havent decided which model Im getting for my 7th.