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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  I Love My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cass - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car after my first car was totaled in an accident and am absolutely in love with it. I bought a 2003 with a little under 150,000 miles on it and in the past two years I have put right around 30,000 miles on it and its held up way better than I expected. I get suprisingly good gas milage for an SUV averaging around 25 MPG and sometimes getting as many as 27 miles to the gallon. Its extrememly reliable and handles great in the snow and is easy to judge. My only issue with the car is the A/C went out last fall and was estimated at over $1,000 to repair. I decided it wasnt worth it so I just roll the windows down in the summer. But overall, I love my car and am going to be sad when I see it go which is hopefully many years down the road.

• 

  I Love My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cass - August 9 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car after my first car was totaled in an accident and am absolutely in love with it. I bought a 2003 with a little under 150,000 miles on it and in the past two years I have put right around 30,000 miles on it and its held up way better than I expected. I get suprisingly good gas milage for an SUV averaging around 25 MPG and sometimes getting as many as 27 miles to the gallon. Its extrememly reliable and handles great in the snow and is easy to judge. My only issue with the car is the A/C went out last fall and was estimated at over $1,000 to repair. I decided it wasnt worth it so I just roll the windows down in the summer. But overall, I love my car and am going to be sad when I see it go which is hopefully many years down the road.

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  Wifes Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Corky51 - August 8 - 11:40 pm

  It is a decent little SUV, flexible enough to haul some medium packages and still fun to drive. Acceleration onto Interstates is a little noisy but adequate. Cruising is a breeze and MPG was OK at 27 for a 2000 mile trip right off the lot. Coming out of a Lexus, the ride was a little "stiff" but vehicle tracked well and cruises along at 80 or so with no problem. I would expect more from Honda - compared to the larger Hyundai Sante Fe Limited, it didnt come close to the standard features, but definitely did in price. The sticker is pretty much what they want/get. Why did I get it, because my wife liked it - enough said. Given the competition would I do it again - probably not.

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  Good - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - August 8 - 10:58 am

  Very good, dependable car. Great gas mileage and very roomy. would highly recommend for a small family or single person.

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  Sports car or family hauler... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Barton - August 7 - 12:46 pm

  I was looking to downsize from a Honda Odyssey to something that could still haul a bicycle but was easier to park and maneuver. So I tried out a Mazda5 which was nice but claustrophobic feeling. The CR-V felt more open and cheerful inside. If you are looking for a cushy ride, this is not the car for you, however, if you want sports car type handling, this is it. The steering is light, direct and quick. The transmission shifts very smoothly and easily engages a lower gear without having to mash the pedal to the floor. To me, this is the Mazda Miata of SUVs. My fuel economy so far has averaged just over 25mpg and that is with 40-50% highway driving.

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  best SUV for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jwahaus - August 7 - 10:00 am

  best SUV for the money

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  Love my Honda! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DJS - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our new Honda EX CRV. We were concerned about it only being a four cylinder, but we have found that it has plenty of "get up and go!" Our one complaint are the head rests for the backseats, particularly the middle one. It tends to cause a blind spot, but it is easy enough to remove. Other than that, we love it!

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  CR Vibrator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gabe - August 6 - 12:38 pm

  V stands for Vibrator. Honda doesnt stand behind its cars. Since day one this car at idle VIBRATES I took the car in multiple times in but no help from honda. Last honda for us for sure. The rpm are so low to the point is so annoying to the people in the car. During ride everything is fine.

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  Great interior, looks, and tech - a few minor issu - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By MDCRVOwner - August 5 - 7:35 am

  We have owned three Honda vehicles, including a Honda Pilot, before we switched to Ford for the last two cars that we owned. After reading reviews of the CRV and drooling over pics, we purchased a 2017 CRV Touring AWD three days ago. I wanted something very practical (so I can sit in traffic in comfort) with good fuel economy and the CRV really delivers. Among the positives - the interior is well appointed and sized really well (it feels just a bit smaller than our old Pilot, but not cramped in any way). The tech on the vehicle is excellent including the Apple CarPlay and the adaptive cruise control. I also really like the styling on the vehicle. I always thought the previous generation CRVs looked a little uhhh...frumpy. They have done a great job in moving to more of a true SUV look with the vehicle and I really like it. Handling is excellent and body roll is minimal. On the negatives power is a little wimpy (Im coming from a 280 HP sedan), but adequate and Im fine with it considering the fuel economy. One thing that bugs me a little is that the fan on the heat/air conditioning is pretty loud, especially when the car is first started and is coming to temperature. It is loud enough that people on the phone have trouble hearing me. I just turn down the fan while Im on the phone. I also had one instance where the nav system did not boot fully. It came up to the blue Honda background, but no icons appeared, not even the home icon...nothing. I therefore had no way to tune the radio or use the climate controls. At the next stop light, I shut the car down and started again. Still no icons on the screen. At the next light, I shut down again and waited for the H on the drivers screen to completely disappear. I restarted and this time the nav system fully booted and I was able to use normal functions. This has happened one time out of the three days that I have owned the car. I alerted the dealer to this issue and will continue to track it. Even with this minor issue, I can say that over the three days that I have owned the CRV, my opinion of this vehicle has increased. It is a total package combining a great interior, exterior, technology and fuel efficiency into a very practical vehicle. Would buy again without hesitation. Update: After a week of ownership, I have had no further issues with the Nav system. Also, with more moderate outdoor temperatures later in the week, the climate control system has not had to work as hard and therefore fan noise inside the CRV has been much lower.

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  My new CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Liateacher - August 4 - 1:53 pm

  I wish the interior came with better standard features, like the cargo cover, cargo net and a better storage between driver & passenger seats. They have a tray that goes up or down, but I miss the "box" that I could put CDs into (they have other spaces for CDs but not as big). Also glove box is too thin/narrow, besides my new car manual, not much else fits. There are also no "hooks" where I can hang things from (like a litter bag) and the visor is a bit too thick. It wont fit my old CD visor holder or my garage door/gate openers. There are a few other "little" inconveniences, but overall I love it so far! :)