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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  Does and Does Not Exceed Expectations - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - February 5 - 2:38 am

  After test driving several vehicles in the same class as the CR-V, I chose the CR-V EXL because it has nearly everything or more than its competitors for a much lower price. In terms of fit and finish, the interior of my CR-V EXL is superior than the Kia Sorento or the Chevrolet Equinox. The technology my CR-V came with is seems very current and up to date, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. One major downfall as far as the entertainment system is that this car did not come with a CD player. In terms of road noise, my CR-V is very disappointing. You would think the EXL trim package would include better sound insulation than the lower trims. I paid more, so I should get more in terms of sound insulation - plain and simple. Im a fairly small to medium-sized guy, so the interior fits my body type very well. Taller people could fit comfortably, but this doesnt seem like a tall person kind of vehicle. Ive only had it for 4 weeks, so I cant speak as to the reliability of my CR-V. Front seat comfort seems adequate, but rear seat feels like sitting on a park bench. Rear climate control is ABYSMAL, as the rear vent located behind the front arm rest barely pumps out a breeze for rear occupants. There should be a control switch so that rear passengers can adjust fan level up or down as they wish. Gas mileage is adequate when in Econ mode, but acceleration is severely hampered unless you take it out of Econ mode. Funny, it has a turbo which is supposed to give the 4-cylinder more gusto in acceleration, but Econ mode eliminates the gusto altogether and youre back where you started: a gutless 4 cylinder engine propelling a smaller, but hulky SUV. I think I would have preferred a 6-cylinder engine. The exterior style is far superior to that of any competitor in its class, as far as Im concerned. Overall, my CR-V EXL has been extremely pleasant to drive. I still feel that it stands head and shoulders above any of its competitors in all aspects, though I have my wishes as to improvements that could be made.

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  Drove nicely but had to climb up to get in and out - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By clarke stough - February 4 - 9:00 pm

  Was noisy on highway

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  Very Peppy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald Wise - February 4 - 8:39 am

  I have had the CRV for a little over a month and 1,000 miles. Great handling, amazing engine and well thought out interior. My daily commute has 6 miles of city at the start, 40 miles of highway in the middle and 4 miles of city at the end (50 combined). The CRV has been averaging 29-30 mpg between fill ups. This is far and above the average of 22 mpg I was getting with my 2005 6 cylinder Ford Escape. Because I was used to a 6 cylinder engine, I was skeptical about going to a 4 cylinder. I was absolutely floored when I discovered that the gas pedal didnt have to be floored to achieve unbelievable acceleration. The fact is, I have to be mindful of my speed so as not to accidentally get a ticket. I have felt very little vibration while idling. The sound from the sound system is fantastic, but it does have small buttons and a quirky menu system, as others have stated. I still havent figured out how to change the default time zone from Pacific to Eastern. My care came with 17" Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires, which are fantastic. So good in fact, I am dreading that day, 5 or 6 years down the road, when Ill have to replace them ($$$). I have experienced no technical problems to date. Any questions I have had regarding a function I have been able to find at the Honda website or from the CD owners manual that was provided (except how to change the freaking time zone). The back up camera is a nice standard feature and the right side camera automatically comes on when the right turn signal is engaged or can be turned on using the button a the end of the turn signal handle. Being able to manually engage the right camera is particularly useful when you want to see what is in the right lane, if you dont want to use your signal for whatever reason (no ninjas can sneak up on you in traffic). The climate control buttons/controls are large and easy to use, unlike the entertainment/information screen buttons. My model comes with heated seats, for which I have only the highest praise. My smartphone seamlessly connected to the bluetooth and the steering wheel mounted controls/voice recognition gives you true "hands free" communication. I hate telephones as a whole, but I was still impressed. I have been so happy and confident with my new vehicle, that my wife decided to check out the 2016 Honda Accord and ended up buying one because of styling and features. Up until the CRV , I had been a staunch Ford truck buyer and my wife a Toyota fanatic. We have both drank from the Honda Kool-aid cup and are happy we did.

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  My second crv - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Ohioflora - February 2 - 6:37 am

  Love this car! Have had it only three weeks, but the safety features are excellent! The electronics are logical and the car rides smoothly. A little road noise, but so far, it’s a great car!

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  What deal... - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By CARLOS GUTIERREZ - January 30 - 10:01 pm

  The first and most importan quality of this car is such amount of features that you can get on EX Trim for a low cost; even I compared the safety features of this with other luxurious cars that not include them. For compact SUV I have to say that pretty spacious inside and finish looks made of quality materials. Very comfortable, good fuel efficiency and enough power.

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  Our First Honda-A wise choice! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - January 29 - 12:38 am

  This is our first Honda CR-V. We decided on the SE model because of all the options it offered. In general I like the vehicle but I do have some problems with the interior. It has ample power, gets good highway gas mileage, and is very comfortable on long trips. Everything is close to the driver and the steering wheel controls are intelligently placed, although the cruise control on/off switch could have been placed in a better spot. We were able to store tons of luggage for the annual Christmas Trip from Evansville IN to San Antonio Tx. We are very pleased with our investment.

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  Like but a problem - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Like but a problem - January 22 - 10:20 am

  I like my vehicle when I bought it and at the current time. I bought my vehicle brand new. Once it reached 60K miles, I begin having mechanical problems. I had to replace the O2 sensor at $500 and after that was fixed, I had to replace the throttle body which cost approximately $1,000. The sensor within the body needed to be replaced but you had to purchase the complete throttle body for the simple part.

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  80,000 Miles No Issues - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By argentum - January 20 - 3:49 pm

  Our CRV, which we bought new, is completing its 5th year on the road. So far nothing has gone wrong yet. I think thats pretty amazing. The vehicle also still looks very good. There is some small pitting on the hood and the black side rails are faded. I got 45,000 miles on the original Firestones and will change the next set at around 90,000. The recommended maintenance intervals are too far apart. Do the spark plugs at 75,000 and change the trans and coolant fluids at around 60,000 miles. Also if you notice a rumbling during slow tight turns, have the rear differential pump fluid changed. Change the pollen filters. When they clog, the AC works harder. That may be why compressors go bust.

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  2006 HONDA CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - January 18 - 8:21 pm

  The 2006 is everything I thought it would be and more. Looked at all in its class and no other compares. Got the 5spd manual to get the extra horses from the engine and Im glad I did. Ride, handling and acceleration are very good. Recommend this vehicle to anyone! Like it better than the 2007.

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  2018 Honda CR-V Touring - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Bernie - January 18 - 4:34 pm

  Excellent car that is dependable and looks great