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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  minor items - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By P - August 21 - 1:21 pm

  I like my CRV. Perfect for a small family car. I can drive 3 or 4 teenage girls around in it comfortably. Its pretty good in the weather on wet or snowy roads. The clock is so high on the dashboard that it is always in the sunlight and I can never see what time it is during the day. I wouldnt want to use it if I lived in the mountains though. The engine is 4 cyl. and it does well until I have to go up hills. Then it seems to strain the transmission and no gears seem to be a good fit. Poor visiblility on the drivers side blind spot but if you get the mirrors just right you can compensate for it. But it is reliabile and fits in with my commuting suburban life style.

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  CVR has all the latest - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Gary Morgan - August 21 - 8:16 am

  Its fun.

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  Love it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By K W Salisbury - August 18 - 4:33 pm

  The only way I give up my crv is for a new crv. Id like to go up to the ex model, but like to keep this one for my daughter when she is able to drive cause of the ease and safety. So I got three more years! If you got a small family (4), it beats all the competition hands down, and I previewed and test drove them all.

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  I was disappointed - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By eskurato - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought a honda because of their quality of build. Unfortunately I am dissapointed. It has an annoying jerk when I let off the gas gently both slowing and speeding up. It has a rattle in the right rear passinger column, it has a thunk in the left front in the suspension when starting out and now there is another rattle in the dash. You pay 23K (including financing) for a car and I almost like driving my beater 87 CRX that has no brakes better.

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  Honda 2007 CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Deb - August 17 - 8:06 am

  I previously owned a 2005 CRV. Many terrific improvements in the 2007! Much less road noise! very comfortable and quiet. Radio with Bass boost is great. Love everything about my CRV except I was hoping for better gas milage. Combination city/highway with air conditioning going has been 22 - 23 mpg.

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  More that we expected! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By WJM - August 16 - 3:39 am

  Having owned only Acura for the past 11 years (MDX and TSX), decided to replace the TSX for a smaller SUV. RDX was tops on our list along with the Mercedes, Lexus and BMW small SUV examples. After test driving all and researching ownership history comments, we decided to purchase the CRV Touring AWD model. Very comfortable for both my wife and I. She being 5 ft. and me at 6 ft., first time she did not have to place a pillow under her "bu" to adjust for height. For me, having more headroom than all of the other vehicles under consideration was a real surprise. We love the shifter knobs placement (leaves more room between front seats unlike the long console found in most vehicles.) I will admit that we had to purchase the top end of the CRV line to have the power rear lift gate button, Hondas Sensing package and AWD, but we saved as much as $14,000 considering the other vehicles. We have not sensed any transmission vibration whatsoever. Acceleration is great. LKAS, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure along with the AWD is a very high end suite of technologies and not something I expected for a CRV, but only available in the Touring model. Resale value is superb. Some of the negative elements are radio; the sound sucks. Unable to adjust. Very disappointing and an easy factory fix if Honda was serious about sound. (Side note is that my MDX radio sucks as well. TSX is the best of all three IMHO); Just dont understand why they would skimp on this. Technology challenges: Becoming familiar with all of the electronic features has been truly very challenging. Text messaging/Email phone feature very impressive, but it will take you awhile to figure out how to set all of the electronic features to work as you wish. Honda Connect, Honda AHA etc., instructions are mind numbing to get up and going correctly. The Honda Support line folks have been excellent and really take the time to work with you live, in the vehicle, to set everything up so without these folks, my rating would have been less. Patience is key here or you will wish you never purchased this vehicle. Would have like a backup sensor beep for objects in rear. Again, not sure why Honda skimped on this very important safely feature. Overall, with the exception of the electronic setup challenges and understanding how all of the features connect, you will love this automobile. BTW.. You will be able to disconnect the Adaptive Cruise Control feature to have standard Cruise Control if you drive around town more than on the highway. No one at the dealer or on the phone could figure this out for me, but I finally did on my own. Press the ACC button for one second and you will be able to use Standard Cruise Control. Press button again to return back to ACC for long distance driving. AWD on this vehicle is awesome. Would like to see an electronic display of the AWD in motion like my MDXs SHAWD, but it is what it is for 20K less! :)

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  Excellant Choice - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jmichael - August 13 - 8:06 pm

  We compared the CRV LX AWD to the Toyota Rav4 Base 4 cylinder 4x4. We got a much better deal on the Cr-v, and it was the better choice. The interior of the CR-V is designed much better than the Rav4, and the ride of the CR-V is quieter, and much smoother. On the Highway we have been averaging 32.5 MPG. We havent used the AWD yet but looking forward to the CR-V pulling us through the snow. The dash board controls are user friendly. The CR-V lets you know how many miles you have left before filling up which the Rav4 Base did not have. For a four cylinder engine you can not go wrong with this vehicle. If you can do without the sunroof, and other options the LX model has the same engine and body.

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  This vehicle is fun to drive! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sotexphan - August 11 - 2:59 pm

  I have owned Hondas for the past 6 years. I just trader my 3rd Accord for my Green CRV. Now, dont get me wrong, the Accord is the Grand-daddy for sure but I just love my CRV! It is fun to drive, I can fit a lot of stuff in there (especially my bike). We recently went on a trip and could fit everything in the back w/o any problems. It rides great and has a smooth transmission. I like the driving position and there is a lot of interior room especially in the back seat.

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  Excellent 5-speed auto on 2005 SE!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2005 CR-V SE man! - August 10 - 11:53 pm

  My first test drive was one year ago with 2004 EX. It was a nightmare with 4- speed auto. I was not even considered anymore to buy a CR-V after that, but somehow salesman got me back to dealership. He remembered my negative comments about transmission. He enforced me to drive 2005 model, with same engine but new 5-speed automatic transmission. Car acceleration was changed, also functionality was much better. Car shifts smoothly and still keeping firmness. I bought the car and still happy with my SE!

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  Great, except for the air conditioning! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By graphicdavid - August 10 - 12:50 am

  Weve had our CR-V for three years. Its a great car generally, but it is now at the dealer for the second replacement of the air conditioning system. First time, it just quit working at 37,000 miles. Honda covered it for us under the original warranty. This time, at 56,000 miles, the compressor started growling. The $2000 repair will be covered by our extended warranty. Not sure Ill buy a Honda next time out....