Honda CR-V Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
4,333 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2001 through 2010 of 4,333.00
  • 2004 CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Overall a reliable SUV for the money. Very good exterior style and comfortable yet noisy (road noise) interior. I look at Ford, Toyota and Honda and found the Honda CR-V to be the best overall value.I have driven the SUV for 3 months and 4400 miles and I am pleased with the vehicle.

  • awsome ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
    By -

    My husband and I purchased this suv a week ago and love it! There is so much room inside and in the back seat that we were suprised! We go on trips all the time with our friends and now we will all have plenty of room. The interior is well designed with plenty of storage. Overall just suprised at how well it handles, not joking when they say it handles like a car. Also is much quieter than the toyota rav4 on highway.

  • Excellent Vale - 2005 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Second CRV I have owned. Traded 02 for 05 EX. Love the vehicle. Original Tires were crap. At 12k replaced with Cooper Tires--road noise disappeared and ride and traction improved. Good mileage 22/28-adequate power, easy to drive and park.Looked at several competitors--beat them all hands down. Fit and finish the best on the market. Resale cant be beat. One of the safest SUVs on the market.

  • Honda does it again - 2007 Honda CR-V
    By -

    This is the 6th Honda I have owned since 1985.I purchased this one in dec 2005.This is by far the most fun to drive and has the looks to kill for.I would recommend the 2007 CRV to anyone who would love to have a sporty fun to drive SUV with all the bells and whistles.

  • The Little Engine That Could - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Its rather amazing...the power that Honda gets from its six cylinder CRV engine. Ive been a Honda fan for decades, but this cross-over SUV is one of the finest cars I think they have ever made. As expected, it runs flawlessly, but what amazed me was when I put in four passengers and ran it through the mountains of western NC. Its had the power needed to zip us along at 65MPH...VERY comfortably, so much so that my passengers commented on how much bang that 4 cylinder engine actually has. Power to spare. I love the vehicle...but have no use for the dealership..so I get the car serviced elsewhere. Theres nothing about this car that isnt quality. JRT

  • Very Happy with my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
    By -

    We purchased a Honda CR-V EX a few weeks ago and have been extremely satisfied with it. It handles very smoothly and the exterior looks pretty darn sharp. We traded in our 2005 Toyota Corolla as we have a 6 month old daughter and needed extra room. The safety features (front and side airbags, ABS, etc) are very important to us which is why we went with the EX model. Overall we are very happy with our decision.

  • Love It - 2005 Honda CR-V
    By -

    This is my 1st Honda ever and I am trying to figure out why I havent bought one before this. This is a very fun vehicle to drive nice quite smooth ride. The price on it cant be beat. The only thing I dont care to much for is the comfort of the seats, they are firm, need to be a little more plush just like the vehicle is. The vehicle is a Very Classy Smaller SUV. I highly recommend if you have a family of 4 plenty of space for all. We esepcially love the picnic table and the sunroof. 4 1/2 stars for us (again just because of the firmness) thats all.

  • Second CR-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Recently traded in my 14 yr old CR-V. Im a confirmed Honda customer and was unsure of whether to buy another CR-V or Accord. I test drove both and though the Accord was a bit more superior in acceleration, the CR-V won out in comfort and roominess. Was very pleased with the quiet interior as my older CR-V was always noisy. My only complaint is the black carpet -- It would be nice if Honda gave you a choice of at least one lighter color. I find myself needing to vacuum almost every day. The black shows every little thing you bring in on your feet! Love the leather interior!

  • My dream car - 2005 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I purchased my CR-V after owning a Forester for three years. Though I loved my Subaru, I wanted something a little bigger and higher. The heated seats/exterior mirrors sold me on the move to the CR-V, and I dont regret it! I just love driving my car. It feels so sporty and secure, and I cant believe how large the interior seems. Im looking forward to see how it handles in the snow. The excellent reliability ratings and consumer reviews were a big selling point, too.

  • FANTASTIC SUV!!! - 1997 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I absolutely love my CR-V! I have had it for 4 years and put almost 100K on it with only changing the tires. Zero mechanical problems and great gas mileage. I am getting rid of mine only because it lacks power and I live in the mountains...it is great on flat ground but it is a little challenged going up steep hills it makes a lot of noise but little acceleration. AWD is great in the snow/ice!! This is a perfect entry level SUV for someone who wants something bigger than a car but doesnt need a lot of power (small engine gets much better gas mileage :)

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