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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  2002 Honda CRV-EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for eleven months and have experienced only one problem, the tires. The stock tires are cheap junk. Other than that this is an excellent vehicle for hauling passengers in roomy comfort. The CRV handles well (better tires would help), is comfortable, and the 2.4 liter engine is torquey and accelerates with the best. The transmission can be hard to get into gear when downshifting from second to first or when upshifting the same two gears. The transmission needs some improvement to make shifting smoother.

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  Good Vehicle-but not everthing you think - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Taunton02780 - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I was anxious to get my CRV-EX (dark blue 5-speed). Had many dealer installed options put in (dealer may not budge on sticker but you can neg on the options). Good all around vehicle and very dependable and lots of room inside for people and cargo (more than youd think). However, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired (not close to window sticker) and its kind of dismal in the snow (Im used to 4WD not AWD). Ive got 22,000 mls so far (just under a year) and I might get rid of it soon (get something better in the snow - my Saab did better in the snow with just FWD)!

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  Best Car Ever - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By mchae - July 1 - 7:09 pm

  I love my CR-V and am considering getting a new one. It has been 100% reliable and the best car Ive ever owned even after 165k miles.

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  Honda CRV- Most dependable & Comfortable - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By donna - July 1 - 6:05 pm

  I love my Honda CRV. I have driven two types of vehicles my entire life. The Honda is and always has been the most comfortable, safest, dependable.

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  Third Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By E.J.S - June 28 - 9:06 am

  Just picked up 2006 ex with automatic. Very smooth ride. Love the color blue. Has great standard safety features. I owned two other Hondas they were accords an they both served me well. Looking forward to seeing the design of the new 2007. I dont think youll be disappointed with this purchase.

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  Az. Hwys - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By VBF - June 27 - 7:03 pm

  This CR-V handles better than I expected. On I-10 in Az. at 75 MPH when 18 wheelers pass u dont even know it. Used on back dirt roads with no problem. Have taken it across the desert as well as into the mts. Equally at home.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tdwong - June 26 - 10:00 am

  This is really an excellent car and you dont need a deep pocket to own the top line of the car. The buying experience was also pleasant. To find a better price, we requested several quotes online from local dealerships and brought the lowest price with us when visiting the dealer. To our surprise, the salesman even tried to give us an even better deal 8-). If you would like to know the salespersons name, drop us a line.

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  I like this Vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By RCRD - June 25 - 2:55 am

  We traded a 1998 Accord with 190000 odometer miles for this Honda LX CRV. In 3 weeks we put 5400 miles on the vehicle. Temperatures from 105 deg. in AZ to below freezing in Montana. Gas from $4.00 in Ca. to $2.75 in Wy. I like being higher above the road. We purchasd the 4 cyl Auto for the fuel economy. The lowest mpg was in Yuma, AZ., around town, temp 105 deg F at 18.5 mpg with Generic Gas. The best was 33 mpg in the Sacramento Valley and 32 mpg in Wy. both with brand name Gas. We did not experience any mechanical failures on this trip. Honda has done a good job with the layout of the driver and passenger accessories. The front door storage is inconvenient. I give the CRV a rating of 9.

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  Good & Bad - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shawn - June 21 - 11:01 am

  This vehicle typically gets rave reviews. I have a few gripes. The interior plastics grow old quickly. Too many rattles and road noise in the cabin. Pluses are a smooth auto transmission, convenient tumble forward rear seats and excellent side panel rubber molding to prevent door dings. My CR-V had a failed drivers seatbelt, replaced free (after waiting a month) and an airbag recall. Very poor MPG- expect 18-19 on average in combination driving. If youre used to driving a sedan this vehicle takes some getting used to. As far as reliability, it has been all Honda-no problems.

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  Honda CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By azzam - June 21 - 9:19 am

  I purchased my Honda CRV2015 on Dec.2014.I thought i was getting really good deal.It never even crossed my mind to do research, didnt think twice about about buying it on the spot either.After taking it out on a test drive and everthing was working smoothly,i took it home.However,everytime i arrive at a stop light/sign,the car vibrated vigorusly when i start to accelerate.I took it back to the dealer and at first they refused to acknowlege the problem I was experiencing,but later they admitted to receiving complaints about the same issue.They told me that they would give a call once they find a solution to it and fix the car.I didnt expect this much hassle after buying a Brand new car. >:(