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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  LONG ISLAND , NY. DRIVER... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By RALPH J RONGA - July 19 - 6:56 am

  I previously owned the 2000 CR-V SE, and this current 2005 model I find to be a very great improvement over the 2000 year model. The interior is much quieter. I find the horsepower jump of 17 more horses to have made a significant improvement in acceleration from dead stop and demand for acceleration on the road at speed. I like the outside shape and the color I chose (pewter) actually more of a grey color. I enjoy the airbags all around the vehicle (standard and side curtains) and the vehicle ride has a more solid feel than the 2000. The handling is very tight and responsive. All in all I actually love this vehicle.Only time will tell the true story. Have about 2000 miles.

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  They dont build them like they use to.. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Reggie-D - July 18 - 5:30 am

  I like this vehicle.. believe it !! But Honda does not build vehicles like they use to. I understand they may have to make concessions to keep their vehicles affordable. But they maybe getting close to the edge. The CR-V has too much PLASTIC !! ... On the dash, in and around all 4 doors and the cargo area. The interior fit is not always even. The emergency brake is a petal, you push it to engage it, and push it harder to release it - concession? Dont expect a posh ride, it feels like a small truck (which it is). No center console in the EX trim A DEFINITE CONCESSION... Steep learning curve for some controls.

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  CRV=EXcellence - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gr8crv - July 15 - 2:00 am

  All things considered, engineering, performance, reliability, economy, exterior and interior design, Hondas CR-V is as best they come. For commuting to and from work, and for weekend camping and fishing trips, my 2004 CR-V suits me perfectly. Its power is surprising, leaving many larger SUVs in my rearview mirror!

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  Best in Class - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By teddyjackson - July 14 - 4:56 pm

  This is a great vehicle that is fun to drive on both city roads and the highway. For its class, it offers the most interior room and cargo space. The CR-V is the best bang for the buck. Its standard features far outweigh any other SUV in its class. What is standard on the CR-V is optional on a lot of others. Cant beat Honda engines, reliability and style. MPG is better than what is stated on the window sticker.

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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - July 13 - 8:05 pm

  This is the third Honda and second CRV that we have owned. The first, a 1986 Prelude was sold with 146000 miles and is still on the road. I kept the 99 CRV and got my wife a 06 Sport model. The leather seating is magnificent, quite a nice change with the back door opening, and the A/C improvements are outstanding. We love it and plan to have it around for a long time.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Greg - July 13 - 1:32 pm

  We were looking for something larger for our growing family. We also camp and wanted to be able to take the dog along. We have been very happy with the CRV. It rides great, has plenty of zip, and gets good gas mileage for a vehicle this size (it was one of my top priorities when shopping for a new car). Im also 63" tall, and the car is comfortable on extended trips (we do not have the sun roof, so that may make a difference). I highly recommend the CRV to anyone interested in this type of vehicle.

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  LOVE MY CR-V! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Katie - July 13 - 1:20 pm

  I absolutely love my CR-V. Ive had it for 7 years and 140,000 miles with no break-downs... just regular things like new tires, battery, etc. It has been a very convenient car for having two small children. Plus, its sporty. Its traveled all over the USA with no problems ever. Im getting ready to trade it in on a new CR-V.

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  03 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mark - July 13 - 12:54 pm

  My CRV has been free of any problems at 75000 miles. My only complaints about it are poor sound insulation, such that its hard to listen to the radio on many highways, and a rough ride in the rear seat.

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  great suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sv - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. I am going to buy another one this month and my husband is going to keep the one I have now. Everyone who gets in it can not believe how much room it has. I have been to Maine twice, Oklahoma and Penn. several times and have not had a problem yet.

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  I Loved this car sooo much that... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Tamila Darling - July 8 - 9:02 pm

  We just purchased our second CRV last night. We also own a 2000 SE model, that we just love! We are now a His & Hers owner! This one had most of the additional dealer add on accessories, running boards, cargo mat, brushed nickel trim, splash guards, luggage rack. Drove the 2000 SE for 6 yrs, the 2006 CRV SE has a lot of nice features that make this car even more of a value than the original one I purchased. Ive never had any problems with the 2000 SE, which now has 65,000 miles and Ive been sold on the CRV largely due to the low maintenance costs and safety record. Definitely worth the money, the CRV will not disappoint you!!!