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:

• 

  Love ,love, love this car! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Christina Small - December 26 - 7:29 pm

  When I was looking to purchase a new car I quickly came to the conclusion that I wanted a small to mid size SUV and narrowed my search down to the Lexus NX or the Honda CRV. I choose the Honda CRV and have been very happy, the CRV cost less then the Lexus but, has all the luxury features the Lexus has.

• 

  Honda Succeeds - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By snark - December 24 - 12:30 am

  The redesigned model is excellent. I owned an 03, and find this superior in virtually every respect. Rear visibility is improved; gas mileage is excellent; seats offer solid lumbar support and are comfortable; handling is better than previous, although turning radius is not. Interior is complemented wonderfully by updated materials and thoughtful design, no longer utilitarian. Shifter moved below controls. Space in rear is smaller than previous model. A pleasure for commuting any distance. Undercarriage is also improved with greater ground clearance. The ride is secure with little sway when pushed in tight turns at good speed. Acceleration is good, but needs increased power to be flawless.

• 

  2008 CRV EX AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By David - December 17 - 10:36 am

  I test drove a 2008 Xterra, a 2008 WRX, and a 2008 Wrangler. None of them compared to the comfort I felt inside of the CRV. Though not as powerful as the others, the interior design and over quality feel of the car made up for it. I have owned the CRV now for two weeks. Gas mileage is decent, but I thought it would be better. I am averaging 22.5 MPG with mixed city and highway miles. A lack of power if not an issue at all. 166HP is more than enough for highway passing. I am very impressed with the interior space and the quality of materials used. I havent driven it in the snow yet, but I did drive it in mild rain and it handled well.

• 

  1st long trip - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sid - December 14 - 10:16 pm

  Ours is an EX-L AWD. Just completed a 3800 mile trip with 2 people and luggage. Actual mpg was 22.3. Monitor showed 24.1. Had about 200 miles of ice and it handled it good. Found seats very comfortable. Covered 1000 miles one day. I find the road noise on textured pavement and the wind noise is too high. Annoys on a long trip. Was not happy with fuel economy. Above numbers are freeway at 75mph. In hilly terrain and windy conditions the car just needs more power. Spends a lot of time in 4th and 3rd gear. Lockout button on selector should be for 4th gear as well as 3rd.Found it to be very stable in side crosswinds. I think it rides very well for a compact SUV.

• 

  Good car for first child - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By emat24 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought our CRV in expectation of our first child, trading in my wifes sporty little car which just wasnt practical enough. We didnt want to get a mini-van -- just too soccer-mom for us at this stage -- and the CRV is a great alternative.

• 

  Happy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - December 13 - 1:30 am

  Fun to drive. Could use more horsepower. Lots of room inside, but kinda plain. Could use a DVD player in the back, for kids. Havent seen the gas mileage as promised by the salesman, but its still pretty new.

• 

  Disappointed CRV owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By diappsointed crv own - December 11 - 7:14 am

  Disappointed with the mileage of my CRV. Sticker say 22-26. For the past 3.5 years I avg around 22-23 for all driving. A couple of times near 20. Highest has been 24.5 for a highway trip.

• 

  2005EX AWD CRV 300 miles - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bargainbabe - December 11 - 4:40 am

  This car is very roomy inside, and feels like it has a lot more room in the interior than it looks like it would have on the outside. The headlights are fantastic! There is a blind spot on the left side near the back tire that is very annoying, especially when trying to back out of a parking space. Wish the doors would automatically lock when you turn the ignition on like my old car. Gas mileage is horrible, but the car is still breaking in. On my old car, if the emergency break is on, it would not budge! This one, I actually drove 1/2 a block before realizing I left it on. I dont think I should be able to do that!

• 

  Honda SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Sambo - December 9 - 12:16 pm

  I cant compare it with cars I have not driven but it is a great car. It compares favorably withe Acuras I have owned.

• 

  TeolisCRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By M. Teolis - December 6 - 7:26 pm

  My wife was interested in a smaller SUV. We had two cars to trade, as I did not need to travel as much, being retired, and she liked the appearance of the CRV. Her daughter-in-law in Chicago had one. We traded a 1991 BMW 500 series (131,000 miles) and a 1994 Dodge Caravan, (64,000 miles) plus $15,000 cash total.