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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  2006 Best Choice - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - March 7 - 8:48 am

  Decided on the 2006 due to the 2007s lack of a manual trans. The CR-V has done everything Ive asked of it. Trips to the hardware store, plowing through snow storms, hauling people and gear with ease, its just about the perfect vehicle. Fuel economy hovers in the upper 20s in the summer, low 20s in the winter. Recommend the CR-V to anyone who asks.

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  Love it - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - March 6 - 3:58 am

  Honda quality. Great design and roomy for a small SUV . We love it

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  Not one problem in 5+ years! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By scottdawn1 - March 2 - 9:58 am

  This car has not caused me one problem in over 5 years. Why would anyone consider anything else besides a Honda or Toyota. They keep going and going even more so than the energizer bunny.

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  LOVE IT!!! Handles like a BMW. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By c2mlp - February 28 - 2:50 pm

  I recently bough this CR-V EX-L (with nav.) Although great handling, it does have a stiff ride, and the four cylinder engine is a joke. Fuel efficiency was not a deciding factor when purchasing. Honda really should offer an optional six cylinder for the people driving on the highways often.

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  New To Honda Family - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By New To Honda Family - February 27 - 2:20 pm

  Our mini van died and forced us into looking at vehicles sooner than expected, but had already started with a plan to purchase at year end. Looked at RAV-4s (didnt like tire attached to tail gate), Murano (too expensive), Escape (already have one, but didnt like the MPG and really no significant design change since early 2003). I was adamant about getting a V- 6 until I drove the CR-V and was astonished at the 4 cyl power! With the functional interior and no non- sense design I am extremely happy so far. Nice sensible vehicle!

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  2015 CRV EX - L:Less Standard Features but Works - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jeff299 - February 27 - 12:53 am

  After reviewing Forester and Rogue, I picked up CRV due to space available. I still think Honda has to a catch up on interior and features offered for the price. It is point A to B car not for ones who like performance or feature rich. I am only getting 20 mpg( vs stated 27 mpg) mixed driving ( still around 500 miles). Hope this gets better

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  wished i would have stayed with ford - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rr - February 24 - 3:56 pm

  has been in shop 11 times in 14 months, 7 trips re brakes alone, replaced rotors and pads front and rear at 18,000 mi, rear axle hub at 14,500 [warped], cv joint front at 38,000, still has vibration, only new car in 25 yr of marriage and we are disappointed beyond words. hondas "TUDE" is "we dont make mistakes, it must be your driving style"plan on replacing this summer

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  pulling to the right - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By roberts - February 20 - 7:26 pm

  My CRV pulls to the right and sometimes the left. It is not consistent so the dealership says it will be "hard to find". They also said Hondas are built to pull to the right in case you fall asleep at the wheel! I find it very annoying. I also dont like that you cant lock the doors before you get out and shut the door. And as a minor irritant, the door locks situated so that my husband and I always think its the window control. I think it should also have daytime running lights. I intend to trade this vehicle in next fall. I owned a CRX for 8 years and totally loved it. Again, these are just my complaints Hondas overall, I believe, are great vehicles.

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  Couldnt be more pleased! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LarryJoe - February 20 - 6:43 am

  This is typical Honda at a great price! The ride and steering are tight- -just what one would expect with a Honda. It drives as good as my Accord. The cabin room is very accommodating considering this is tagged as a "mini- SUV". The 5-speed transmission shifts very smoothly and although this is just a 4-cyl 160hp engine, it has more than enough pep. The ability to adjust the rear seats fore and aft is a nice touch. The main factor in considering this vehicle was addition of the SE trim level(has leather seats)--I wouldnt have considered the CR-V, otherwise, and would have purchased a V- 6 EX Accord.

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  THE PERFECT SUV!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By VA Happy Buyer - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I did a ton of research on SUVs before I bought this one--it was between this and the Toyota Highlander. However, it gets better crash scores and mileage than the Highlander!!