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:

• 

  CRV - doesnt get any better - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By marty - July 24 - 12:53 pm

  After driving Toyotas and VWs for years, this vehicle is above the rest. The engine is more than adequate, most of the time you forget its not a V6, roomy interior compared to most others in its class, superior design ideas, handles 5 adult passengers without losing a step. This vechile will be around for a LONG time to come.

• 

  Nice Car. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Teddy P - July 24 - 12:49 am

  Nice affordable vehicle.

• 

  CR-Vs are tops - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JB - July 23 - 6:10 pm

  Weve had a 97, 01, & now a new 2005 CR-V EX AWD. We think the CR-V is one of the best cars anywhere for the money. The 2005 has more power, is safer (side air bags, stability assist in addition to 4WD), and is an all- around excellent vehicle for urban use & occasional trips. The cargo capacity is huge, mileage is great, no scheduled tune-ups for 100K miles, the engine is a marvel. When American companies start making vehicles of this quality, well buy an American car again.

• 

  I love my CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jfuhrman77 - July 22 - 8:16 am

  My CR-V is so comfortable! Already took it too the beach, covered the inside with sand and it cleaned up so easily it looks brand new again. Went camping for a weekend, able to pack all of the supplies we needed, 3 kids in the back and still had room for more stuff. Brightness of headlights is wonderful. Smooth ride. Changing gears was a breeze, like Ive always been driving it. The safety features are wonderful. Gas mileage is OK, but that is because I am coming from a coupe. Ive caught myself going 85 and not even knowing it. It has so many unnecessary features, that it makes this SUVvery necessary.

• 

  My 3rd CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By R in LA - July 21 - 1:10 pm

  This is my 3rd CRV, all body styles. I like this one best for quality inside and out. It does need hands free as standard equipment. Great ride and this is my 4th Honda and the best, never did use the picnic table. Glad I upgraded to the EXL. It handles better than previous models but I wish the rear gate had a split door, cannot get an extension ladder in there, great for the dogs, stuff and not as top heavy. Great layout of the digital dashboard and the fuel economy light, and love the lumbar support and the seat heaters (like my dads 1950 Studebaker). Honestly how can you beat a Honda for practicality, sensible layout and usefulness?

• 

  Honda CRV 2002 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By weber - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great handling,fuel efficent,& roomy cruises at 80mph very smoothly

• 

  The Perfect Sized SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By RedondoMel - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This great SUV is just the right size. Big enough to carry 5 adults or a large amount of cargo, but small enough to be easy to drive, park in compact spaces, and fit in my garage. The big 4 cylinder engine/transmission combination is smooth and powerful, and feels like a small 6 cyliner. Visibility out the front is excellant, but out the rear is somewhat limited by the spare tire. Ride and handling is a little firm but acceptable for a SUV. Honda biggest mistake was not producing the EX version with 2 wheel drive.

• 

  2002 Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dogbite - July 19 - 9:24 pm

  Great vehicle, no problems, will probably buy another.

• 

  28.3 MPG - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Baker - July 19 - 4:24 pm

  My wife and I bought this car and have put 2000 miles on it in one month, we love it so far. It is comfortable, and runs very nice. Our speed was around 75 mph most of the time, we averaged 28.3 MPG. We have noticed it has a blind spot on the drivers side. I would like to thank Jay Wolf Honda for selling us this car.

• 

  Surprisingly Good! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Lookingforgoodbuy - July 19 - 9:56 am

  Had the car over a month and its been great. I have a S2000, my son have an Accord and my wife had a 1999 Mustang GT Convertible. We were looking for a Lexus GS to replace her Mustang until we looked at the CRV. The lack of power is way over blown unless youre drag racing. I think a lot of the critic comes from the high expectation of this being an Honda. Love the ride and the dash blue light background.