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 choice - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Wyatt - September 28 - 8:30 am

  I looked at several small SUVs, including the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, and Suzuki XL-7. The CR-V offers the most fun for the money, and the manual tranny is a blast to drive! It is quicker than my last car, a Ford Explorer V-8! It gives great mileage, is a cinch to park, and has as much room as the Explorer ever did (usable room, anyway). The interior cubbies are the best, I have room for Kleenex packets, loads of CDs, my parking deck gate card, and any other small items I ever have, all with its own place!

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  Honda has lost it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John Pedro - September 26 - 10:56 pm

  Honda is riding out the last of thier quality notoriety. Dealers are still acting like they are selling a quality product, but after this cycle of cars are returned, people will be going elsewhere.

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  Hondas outdone itself - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By honda man - September 26 - 5:10 pm

  Excellent redesign safer 6 airbags stage 2 electronic stability control for rollover more comfortable seats Smart electronics like wiper control by speed of car ,outside temp reading on ex ,wiper on rear goes on by itself if you back up while the front is on ,door locks can be programmed to unlock only the driver whnen you take the key out

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  What a looker - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By newCRVowner - September 26 - 7:41 am

  Great little SUV. Previously owned a 98 Accord, only maintenance, never broke down. Honda quality outstanding. Interior has more plastic than accords, but still nice. Handles well, comfortable as it drives like a car. Clear view of road ahead of you. Look forward to the all-wheel drive in the upcoming winter. Holds its resale value very well. Wind noise is minimal. The fuel efficient 4 cylinder is what sold us. Interior is user friendly. We like the steering wheel mounted radio controls. The vehicle has a nice 4x4 stance, but yet is very classy looking. Like the look of the 2006 more so than the 2007. Rear tinted glass is a bonus for children. Best looking mini SUV on the market.

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  Had to go with Quality and Reliability - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Lanny - September 25 - 9:02 pm

  My first SUV happens to be this Honda CRV EX. It is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. How can anyone ignore the quality and reliability of Honda? I considered other SUVs in its class but none could compare to the crisp driving experience of the Honda. You can "feel" the quality of craftmanship in the Honda engine when driving. I was considering a used Honda CRV but the high resale value made the difference only 1 or 2k and in some cases the used costed more than the new, so I bought NEW. The good gas mileage is another plus. The fold down and tumble back seats is an amazing feature and the picnic table made this the must have family car. Honda 4 life!

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  CR-V a mixed blessing - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jb - September 22 - 2:06 pm

  Runs great on highway and in mountains. has low frequency level noise at 45 and 60 MPH. Started vibrating at stops now too. oil filter position guarantees spillage into frame. road noise higher than expected IPOD option pretty quirky easy to go 12 hour travel day with this

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  Honda CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Railcarmechanic - September 22 - 9:04 am

  I have taken many trips with my CR-V. It is comfortable to drive whether you are the driver or a passenger. I average 24 MPG, combined driving, with a high of 29 MPG on a long road trip. Other than normal maintenance, I have had no problems with my CR-V.

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  honda 2006 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By network0 - September 19 - 7:53 pm

  got a good deal on the car (i think). Fun to drive. great control at corners. nice interiors, good looks. on the down side honda civic, accord and CRV on civic chaisis is that on uneven road (cracks) on freeway it gives some sound that is not there in toyotas. there is not any mechanical problem but the suspension of these cars is not same as toyotas. Apart from this hondas are great cars.

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  CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Joe - September 19 - 12:45 pm

  The CR-V is a perfict vehicle if you need something that is car like in everyway but has alot more space for cargo and people. The power the engine has is more then enuff in the city and highway. The ride is comfortable and quiet even at high speeds.

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  Very Noisy Car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Josh - September 19 - 2:35 am

  Something almost none of the car reviewers out there will tell you is how loud this car is on the highway. The sound dampening material on this car is very poor making for a very loud cabin at highway speeds. The rest of the car is pretty good its comfortable to drive for long trips (except for the noise), the power is good, cargo capacity is good and it looks pretty good except Honda continues to out do itself with ugly wheels. The engine is okay, it is very fuel efficient averaging roughly 32 mpg @ 76 mph on road trips fully loaded with 4 passengers. The turbo lag takes some getting used to and eco mode makes it almost undrivable in a city setting but shifting to sport mode keeps the motor in the powerband and it is a fun car to drive. The infotainment center leaves a lot to be desired while it does a good job if you mostly just leave it in one mode switching between connected device and a conventional radio/satellite radio source takes a lot of button pushes and is very distracting. Apple CarPlay is great but again switching to another source should be a easier. Also a play/pause button on the steering wheel would be nice. Overall it is a pretty good car except for the road noise. It is the first thing new passengers comment on when the go for a ride and it has me contemplating trading it in for a different car.