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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  Practical SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - November 7 - 11:40 am

  I have owned my CR-V for one week. I traded in my 2005 Lexus RX 330 and was afraid I had made a mistake but after only a week I really like this vehicle. It is comfortable, quiet and has all the power you really need. I also have a 350Z if I want to go fast. I wouldnt want anyone to think this is equal to a Lexus but for the price and economy it is much more pratical for the kind of miles I put on a car in a year. It has lots of storage even with three other adults in the car. It has just about everything you need in an on-road SUV. I looked at others, like the Toyota RAV 4 but none of them matched the CR-V.

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  very very nice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By cruisee - November 6 - 4:24 pm

  I bought my 2005 crv and its a great car! AWD is great in the snow and has plenty of room. I find the styling and interior a bit boring but the greatness of the car over rides that. Good gas mileage comfortable ride plenty of space great.

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  Simply The Best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By PJSoto - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We look at everthing that the auto industry had to offer and adding all factors up we simply came to the conclusion that there was only on vehical that had everthing we were looking for, the 2003 Honda CR-V. With a small family it has been a joy to have. And with the weather weve had in the northeast its handled it with no problems. I simply have to say we made the right choice.

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  Who could ask for anything more? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Davis - November 1 - 10:00 am

  First off, I dont off road so I dont need a rugged SUV. I needed something my wife could be comfortable with and get around in bad weather. As the title says, who could ask for anything more. It has a good price for all you get. We compared it to an X-terra, (my wifes favorite at the time) and there was no comparison. When we sat down and compared, the Honda won hands down. Now she it glad she got the Honda!

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  Top-of-the-line Model w/ Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Glenn - October 31 - 6:23 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Honda attention to design and reliability is well-known. My only concern with a design flaw is in regard to the optional roof rack (see my note below for suggested improvement). MPG tends to vary from manufacturer ratings. Inner city = 14-15 mpg; suburban city = 20-21 (rated at 20); highway = 30-33 (rated at 27). I was pleasantly surprised with a maximum of 33 MPG highway (60-65 mph) for Interstate driving; I recommend the high-end EX-L w/ Navigation, as well as optional fog lamps, mud flaps, all-weather & cargo mats; body-side molding; & Remote starter. Avoid the base model, as it wont hold resale value - opt for the EX with leather and/or navigation.

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  the best i ever bought - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dona - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its the first i ever bought and i love it . It gets me where i need to go and is great on gas.

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  Ann list - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Abixit - October 27 - 10:00 am

  It is fun & reliable. I bought new. I had a problem with the folding of one seat. It was repaired- only it took 4 days & a weekend to replace the track system.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By B8004 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is very reliable and its fun to drive just for the fun of it. It doesnt feel too lightweight like those other small SUVs. They feel like if you went over 50 MPH theyd fall apart. This SUV feels sturdy and it looks good. It looks so small on the outside but when you sit inside its roomy. It is very comfortable, its a Honda, a big name in reliability. If this were a Ford it would have already hit the shop more than a few times. No problems yet. It doesnt suck up gas as fast as other SUVs but just a little more than Civic. I love the vehicle, this is the first reliable car Ive ever had. Honda always outdo themselves and the competition every time.

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  safety after crash totaling my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ahakooz - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just wanted to say that my CRV was the only car I was in an accident with. I rear ended a lady at 60 mph when her brake lights didnt work and I hadnt realized she was standing still. My CRV was totaled..but except for the airbags that deployed, You would never have known it from the inside. Now the outside was a different story...but the safety factor is incredible. I walked out .. dazed by the airbag..but unhurt. I did have some seatbelt bruizing to my chest... but thats it. Im on my 5th Honda now.. I have an Accord coupe, and Ill keep going back for more.

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  3 yrs and counting... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By esteeze - October 26 - 4:14 pm

  Have had my CR-V for 3 years now, and it has generally been an excellent vehicle. It is used mostly for daily work commuting (about 25 miles round trip), in a hilly, city environment. Also used as 2nd vehicle to carry our 3 kids, and for carrying tailgating equipment (during football season... Roll Tide!).