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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  Would buy another Honda in a heart beat - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - September 11 - 1:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle after having owned an 01 Civic. I have not owned anything other than cars, this was very comfortable and roomy. The gas mileage so far in mostly highway driving is about 23 mpg, but I only have about 300 miles on it right now.

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  2005 CRV Rear Differential problems - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - September 9 - 1:13 am

  Great car except at about 12,000 miles I started to have rear differential problems. When sharp turns are made at very low speed the rear end vibrates and shakes, and there is a clunking sound. Took it to the dealer. First they said i wasnt driving it enough. Then said there was a TSB saying that there was a lubrication problem with the clutches in the unit. Said they fixed it. Got worse the same day I drove home. I think its a defective differential, the screen filer inside is clogged, or oil needs to be changed, manual says 60,000 miles, probably should be changed once a year. Couldnt sell the car with that kind of problem. Still under warranty two years and 20,000 miles, back to Honda.

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  Honda CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By sjt - September 8 - 1:50 pm

  People often ask me "how do you like your new car," and I have to answer the truth...."Nice car, good, but not great." Looks good, nice features, decent mileage I am getting about 21.6 mpg as I drive 15 miles a day within a 40 mph speed limit. Between 40-50 mph the car does not drive smoothly. It seems the engine is "confused" about what gear to be in and drives like it is in 5th gear, but should be in 4th....it is an automatic. This is annoying and I drove another 2010 and it did the same thing. Something I just have to get used to...

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  Good Vehicle - I mean CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Joes - September 8 - 10:20 am

  Everything thing is good

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  Reliable-without bells and whistles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By triage - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable car without mechanical issues-- good gas mileage--travel a lot-interior could use a little padding-leather interior wears great

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  My New CRV- Red - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By C ROGERS - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Handles great...excellent visibility...rides very smooth, brakes very smooth...feels heavy and strong...excellent acceleration..plenty of power. Lots of room for riders and also cargo..Great looking...I just love it...One of the best vehicles I have ever had..My last three cars were brand new Accords...The Honda Products are just the very best.

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  i love my crv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By s euliss - September 8 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle handles with ease in all traffic situations.....it is roomy and great for carrying items too big for cars....it is a wonderful vehicle for traveling..... it is easy to load and unload with out bending or stooping.... this is the 4th crv i have owned....i would highly reccomend one

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  2013 Honda CR-V EXL CERTIFIED - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Mc - September 6 - 10:28 pm

  Decided to look into certified preowned and am glad I did. Looked at a couple of dealers without much success. Ran from dinged up to smell of smoke, then looked at Herb Chambers in Westborough Ma. They had a much better selection at what I think was a better price. 12 month bumper to bumper and power train to 100000 miles. The car was very clean as if this person that leased it was going to keep it, they put 4 new tires and replaced the brakes. The car rides like new, my wife has a 2014 that we bought new. There isnt any difference really between the two except for color. On my last trip from Boston to Bartlet NH and then to Cape Cod we are averaging 30.7mpg cant do better than that with a car this size. We can load an awful lot of stuff in the car and still have plenty of room. Best Buy for the buck I think.

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  2nd CR-V fEX or me - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By watson - September 6 - 12:59 am

  this is my second CR-V I just traded in my 2003 CR-V EX (with 88,000 miles on it) for a 2006 model, because I loved my first one. this is my 4th Honda. Hondas really made some great addtions since 2003. First, the EX is now available in 2WD the AWD was nice, but I did not need it, and felt it robbed mileage. Second, it now has 16- inch tires, so the ride is MUCH improved. Third, the stability control is a nice addition, especially the with the braking assist. Fourth, the new side curtain airbags were a great safety touch. I have had the 2006 for 2 weeks, and I love it. Its fun to drive, and peppy. I am looking forward to improved gas mileage. Glad they kept the in-dash CD changer.

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  CRV 2005 SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - September 5 - 9:31 pm

  Honda needs to reduce the road noise for this vehicle. Switch location is in poor placement too, for example the heated seat button is located in a location under the steering wheel where it can not be seen withpout taking your eyes off the road. Windshield angle should be looked at, have had ours replaced twice and were told its very common on these. It is a good reliable vehicle with pretty good mileage. We average 25-27 mpg. It does need a larger gas tank, 15.8 gallons doesnt cut it. On longer trips where the speed limit is 70 or 75 expect to be stopping to fill up every 4 hours.