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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  Excellent vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Verne - November 17 - 6:21 pm

  I drove a 1997 honda CR-V for 160,000 miles and had absolutely no problems and traded it in for the 2005 I now own. The new car is definitely far superior to the 1997 in all ways except gas mileage which is about 20% lower than the 97.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Reed - November 17 - 1:13 pm

  I too did a whole lot of research before I bought this car. I bought a 1996 Honda Accord brand new and I have always been very happy with it. I would have bought the CR-V sooner but I wasnt that fond of the color selections. I have never wanted a red car but purchased the Tango Red Pearl. It is gorgeous! I love the way it rides and handles. The short turning radius, the back up camera! I just cant say enough good things about this car. So far the gas mileage just around town is in the high 20s I wasnt even expecting that.

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  The best choice in small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mycle1000 - November 16 - 11:30 am

  As of now we have about 3500 miles on our CR-V and we are totally smitten with our purchase. We compared the Rav4, the small Jeeps and some others and figured we got the best value for the money with the EX model. Mileage is in the mid 20s hiway so far and we assume it will improve as the drivetrain loosens up a bit. It is mostly comfortable for drivers and passengers of all sizes, with plenty of leg- and headroom, and nice seats.

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  Great except drivers seat - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mombear - November 14 - 3:30 pm

  Love this car except for comfort of drivers seat. It needs thigh support behind the knees and more adjustments. Am not sure if I would like to take a long drive in this due to leg discomfort. Great in snow, excellent safety features. Too many useless compartments, though. Visability is super. I would definately recommend this car to anyone who wants a small SUV.

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  watch out below - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By harold - November 13 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice traveling car, excellent seats for long trips, both front and rear. Ride, handling, acceleration are very good. The manual is very quick (8.7 seconds 0-60) and fun to drive. Comfortably towed a 1200 lbs. trailer over 4000 miles in mountain west with adequate power. Some torque steer on hard acceleration. Worst feature: vulnerable fuel tank, evap recovery cannister, and subframe in rear. Had a $1600 repair from driving on a gravel road with some rocky outcroppings. This is really a suburban car, OK in snow and mud, not suitable for roads that are at all rough. Design is optimized for comfort, space. All-wheel drive requires front wheel-spin before it engages.

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  Internet Sales Are the WAY! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jay W - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but difficult to buy, until we found the internet department of the place we went... got in and out within 2 days... we did not haggle at all... and were given a great price.... Anyhow... great car for those looking for the best all-around mini-ute... handles great... engine smooth... ride is firm, but not jarring... Best value for the money in sport-utes though!

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  Very good handling and stylish interior - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Subhash - November 11 - 7:13 pm

  I chose CRV over its competition (including but not limited to RAV4) due to: 1. Exceptional handling - highly stable at high speeds, little/no body roll on curves and turnings. As a result, feels exceptionally great and fun to drive. 2. comfortable and stylish interior - Good dash features (digital fuel and mpg indicators), drop-down center console, elevated and adjustable rear seating with good legroom making long drives very comfortable. 3. Stylish exterior - looks great from all views. Spare tyre hidden underneath cargo. 4. Good resale value due to its high demand. My positive opinions havent changed after driving 3500 miles (under wide range of conditions). I get 21-22 mpg in city.

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  My CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By patter - November 11 - 7:25 am

  Love the confidence I have in this company and vehicle. Downsides: cruise control not as smooth as it could be. Larger tires--need to keep inflated to 45-55 PSI. Leads to less than smooth ride. I LOVE the rear window feature. Nice console. Everything easily in reach. Comfortable on long drives. Mileage good--very consistent.

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  More Fun Than I First Thought... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DesertDweller - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Size, handling, quality, its all here. I bought this as a "work wagon" for the office. I have been "stealing" it more and more. If you arent a serious off-roader, and want a reliable, not-too-big SUV, thats a joy to drive, this is the one for you. Its good for taking the occasional foray into the woods, mountains or desert dirt road. Honda even includes a hidden pic-nic table in the back! I have owned serious, big SUVs, and this isnt for serious off-roading. But it is a spacious, comfortable rig that does fit 5 comfortably, and 4 with some luxry. Rear seats recline AND move forward and back. They also "tumble" forward, against the front seats for lots of cargo space. But it!

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  Gonna hang onto this one awhile - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Buffalonian - November 7 - 2:28 pm

  We bought ours new in 2002 and have loved it ever since. OEM tires are no good in snow after a few thousand miles (we live in Buffalo). Replaced with good all season Yokohama tires, which are now going on their 3rd winter. Interior plastic does scratch/show smudges a little too easily, as does the exterior paint. Seats are a little uncomfortable on long rides. Storage is great. We use the picnic table when we camp. We use this over our Accord for vacation road trips because its so fun to drive! Good mileage for a ute (we get 24-27 MPG). No mechanical problems at 50,000 miles so far except dealer recalls which were fixed very quickly.