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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  Best Car I have Every Owns - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sock - October 11 - 7:42 pm

  Im getting a little teary eyed at the thought that I might soon part with my car. At 100K, it runs like a clock. You will never stop being amazed at all the space inside this vehicle no one will feel cramped in the rear seat. The interior is spartan, but does not feel cheap at all. I have a 5 speed, so the 4 cyl engine never bothered me, and I get an MPG in the low to mid 20s despite the AWD. This may be one of the best used car values youll ever find.

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  Its simply beauty - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By beauty - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  It is a suv so compare it with suv lines. I cant even take my eyes off my beautiful white shinning baby. I got compliments from people all the time. I know it is a eye-catcher and drive like a champ. The steering wheel operates like a car. I cant say enough good things about it. After all, it is a car, and you have to feel the passion and pride to own one.

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  Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Wired - October 9 - 10:00 am

  For city driving, and for the price, this vehicle cant be beat. It is roomier that any other in its class, and the Honda engine cant be beat by others of comparable power.

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  I Love It. - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By An Owner - October 4 - 10:23 am

  I liked my 1997 so much I bought a new 2006 CRV and I love it. It was between the CRV and RAV4 and I decided on the CRV. Honda was willing to deal on the price and I got it below invoice. The 2006 is comfortable, roomy, practical and the engine is "peppier" (the only real knock I had with my old one.) My gas mileage has been between 23-27 as on the sticker. It feels like a substantial, quality vehicle.

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  the best SUV for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04accent4drGL - October 4 - 10:00 am

  since my mom purchased the CR-V it has been a phenomenal vehicle. it has the reliability that you anticipate from a honda and it is fun to drive. compared to the rav4, the CR-V has a better, more, refined looked to it, and the interior materials, seats and it is very spacious for a compact-midsize SUV. for the first year of ownership my mom has had no problems and her vehicle is rattle free. good fuel economy and enough power to shoot you across town.

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  PLEASE DONT EVER BUY A HONDA - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Susan M - October 4 - 1:02 am

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 CRV and noticed shortly after purchasing a terrible vibration at idle and at varying speeds. Brought it in twice because I was told they finally had a fix but they lied and were unable to fix the problem. Now I am unable to drive this car and have 5 years of car payments on a car I cant drive. Other dealerships will basically give me nothing for a trade so I am stuck. Please DONT buy a Honda, they used to be a reliable company but they are not anymore. I test drove 8 2016 CRVs and they also had the same problem, but Honda continues to sell this vehicle. No reputable company continues to sell a knowingly defective vehicle. How can Honda get away with doing this to people?

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  Excellent Value - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Excellent Value - October 2 - 7:10 am

  The best small SUV for the money. Safety features, better looks, more power. I compared the RAV4, Forrester, and Escape. The CRV won hands down. Plus the resale value and reliability exceeds the others. The CRV is more polished, looks timeless, and is easy on the wallet. I sold a 2001 CRV for $7500. Thats value. Thats another reason why I bought another CRV. Plus it looked better than the last generation. Just change the oil every 3K and youre good to go.

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  2006 Honda CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jomilee - October 1 - 4:00 pm

  Nice mini SUV, but Rear visiblity is Hinder by the spare tire. Do not rear end anything. the bumper cost about $500 apiece w/o the paint job. Bumper are all fiberglass no foam or hard metal to protect the body. Check ATF before you leave the dealer, mine came without any. not a drop. Honda replace my tranny with a remanufactured tranny and extended my warranty. But I feel my CRV is not the original vehicle. REMANUFACTURED ??? Whats that?

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  Excellence - 06 Honda CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By hdana - September 28 - 3:40 pm

  The 2006 Honda CRV is a responsive, fun car to drive. Honda reliability was a deciding factor for purchase. Our intention is to drive this car for the next 150,000 miles as we have our other Honda.

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  Classic Honda! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jenryan598 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  We love honda and we didnt bother to try any other SUVs, we new we wanted it and are even more sure of it after getting it. It is typical Honda. It has a lot more room inside then it looks. Gas mileage is as expected, not great but better than most SUVs. You cant go wrong with this vehicle, you wont be disapointed!! (had no problems with the reported fire problem after the first oil change)