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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  Worth the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NOLA Owner - January 15 - 1:11 pm

  I love my CRV. I will never own another brand vehicle. I have so many positives, so Ill tell others about my negatives. You cant roll down the back windows without hearing a horrible vibration. The exterior panels around the wheel wells are fading to a gray while everything else is black. The intermittent wipers need more variety/speeds. I would like another power outlet up front...for 2 cell phones. POSITIVES- very spacious, drives great, fast acceleration for a 4 cyl.,good gas mileage, quiet. I love my CRV

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  A Mixed Bag - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jondingo - January 14 - 8:20 am

  Its okay. My wife wanted to upgrade from 2nd gen CR-V, and while it looks slick and new, (she loves it), the vehicle is not as practical or user friendly as the previous model. I find I liked the old swing gate better than the clamshell. The old gate made the vehicle easier to load as you could open the window. There is less storage in the back and the leg room feels more cramped, especially in the back. In front, the giant doorhandles stick out into my leg. I liked the four-spoke steering wheel better on our 04 and while leather abounds, its not especially comfortable. The stick shift was better on the dash as now it just takes up room. The whole thing feels like a mom car.

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  Andrews Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V. It is very reliable and super fun to drive! Never have had any major problems with it and is always ready to keep going. Pulls a small utillity trailer great and you could never tell it was there.

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  I love my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chele4611 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is comfortable but yet not to big I have a 3 year old and it has great space. The ride is comfortable and I like the realtime AWD I dont have to worry about turning it on and off.

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  CR-Vs Shortcomings and few advice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By zrfy2003 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought CRV 2002 2WD-Auto on Jan2002. It has noisy tires. Clicking noise when starting forward and reverse, and at the complete stop. Dirt makes permanent marks in interior. Seatbelt hits interior when release and makes permanent mark in material. Never pay MSRP,make your offer firmly and dealer is GOING to come to your price, DONT hasitate the walk out if they dont come to your price. KEEP in mind that there are dealers to give you good deal. Never buy in January and buy car at the end of year. 2002 is going to be cheaper when 2003 comes out in mid-summer. Sincerely,

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  Drive with confidence - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Severin - January 11 - 10:12 am

  For me it is my first small suv . I had a minivan that had much more room ,that being obvious . The room in this vehicle is more than satisfactory in it class. I am old school and I find the ride a bit firm. I do like the vehicle and would buy again.

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  Boo for the seats in Honda CRV!! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rita E - January 11 - 2:59 am

  We purchased a new CRV in 2002. I was not happy with the seats then. Thought for sure Honda would have improved them by 2013. We just purchased a 2013 and they, in my opinion, are worse that the 2002! We had an Odessey and the seats are amazingly comfortable. Why cant they get it right on thr CRV?? Had it for three miserable weeks then traded it back in for another Odessey. Come on Honda!

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  Versatile, reliable car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By AM - January 6 - 5:58 pm

  Ive had this car for almost four years now and after 40,000 miles have had no major issues or problems with it. Its very reliable, fun to drive, handles nicely (has an incredible turning radius!). Peppy enough, although nothing special. Has been a good car for highway driving back and forth between school and also a safe car to take up skiing with plenty of room for a few people and their gear. I have been a little disappointed with the mileage though only getting 20-21 in town and at best 26 on the highway.

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  Last Honda?? - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By John Anonymoose - January 5 - 5:25 pm

  Performance and fuel mileage with the engine/automatic transmission are sub par. At 68,000 miles the cylinder head needs to be replaced, according to the dealer, who will pay for the parts, but refuses to pay for the labor, estimated at over $1200. I have owned Hondas since 1978, but the dealer and American Hondas unwillingness to accept responsibility for this very common problem will terminate this relationship.

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  It will get you to A to B but with headaches - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Shane B. - January 5 - 2:59 am

  I own a 2006 Honda CR-V with 180,000 miles on it. So far it has been a reliable car with a lot of headaches. First off my model had the faulty airbag that, if set off could send bits of shrapnel into your neck and face causing severe injury or death. Got the recall about a year ago in 2015 and I have been driving this car for almost 10 years. So right off the bat safety wise is a no go. Thank God I did not get into an accident that would have set the airbag off. If your interested in this car MAKE sure the one you are buying has had the airbag replaced at the dealership. I say reliable as in you can drive this car into the dirt and it will still keep on driving. Thats the only thing I like about this car after many years of driving it. Right from the start it had road noise, needed a new starter (still have starter issues), and after 15,000 miles I already had warped rotors. Now at 180,000 miles my rotors warped again and I have had wobbles and jitters throughout the coarse of owning this car. The fuel pump had to be replaced 3 times over the course of my ownership. I keep having to replace the headlights every 4 to 6 months as they burn out really fast. As an SUV type of car handling around corners isnt really great as you feel like you are going to tip over so you have to slow down. I dont drive recklessly; I drive carefully. Maybe I just got a lemon but if you dont want a car that will cause you headaches constantly dont get it. If you are willing to spend the money on replacing parts and having them go out 4 months later go ahead. Again the only thing I like about this car is that reliably; you can drive it in the dirt and keep on driving but in a car reliable to me is having a car that will drive and maintenance is a breeze. Overall its been a great car to have to run into the dirt (MPG not that great for a 4 cylinder) but Im tired of continuously spending money on problems that keep surfacing and I know the CR-V is tired as well. So Im finally selling it and getting another car. Brand new I should have bought another car, but I drove this CR-V with constant problems. Again maybe I got a lemon. The end? Im never buying another Honda; lesson learned. I mean my girlfriends dads 2005 Chevy 1,500 has not had as many problems as my car has and he has spent significantly less in repairs and maintenance over the years of owning that truck.