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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  Oregon rain loves the CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  We love to drive this Honda. Weve owned since early dec. then we got the snow and rains. It has handled the wet/snowy roads just great. We cant wait til we can take it on a real road trip this summer. The mpg for us is 25 city-30+hwy. We dont feel like were missing a larger more powerful engine, this 4 banger is zippy enough for us old hippies!

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - June 20 - 10:24 am

  I bought this car about two years ago used with 80,000 and change on it. It has AWD, and is a manual. I have had other hondas in the past and this is the same as the three prior ones I have had. It never gives me any problems, smooth running, good mileage, lots of room inside. I can take four people skiing for the weekend in comfort. More back seat leg room then just about any SUV on the road. Handles like a car, I drive it in Manhattan a few times a week and do not get the extra charge that most SUVs get at the parking garages. I have even taken it for light off roading going to cabins in upstate NY and in Mass. I can not say enough about how nice of a car this is.

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  A good quality vehicle for the money - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By steve - June 19 - 3:10 pm

  I had this CR-V for almost two months and Im quite satisfied with it. I compared it with the Rav4, and when you consider the base price/with standard options, the value is with the Honda. Ive driven 1700 miles and with this peppy little engine, Ive gotten 23 mpg around town and 33 mpg highway (unloaded). Though, at low speed (20- 30 mph) when I take my foot off the gas, it seems like its holding back- but again, the mpg was still good! I will be bringing that up with the dealer next month. The overall ride is good but the seat seems a bit stiff. The bottom line - I would buy this CR-V again.

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  Too NOISY - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sfuji1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  If you want a quiet drive - forget it. The interior is so nosy that I almost have to turn the volume up on the radio full blast. Also no back support in the seat and small 10 gallon gas tank. For you long commuters, the car is very uncomfortable, LOUD on highway, and if you commute more than 40 miles each way you will need to fill your tank every other day. Buyers beware -- when test driving, dealers may have replaced with more expensive tires to cushion and muffle the sound. I am currently looking for another SUV.

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  Fun and great quality for great price! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Vicky - June 15 - 6:53 am

  I just bought my 06 CRV SE and I couldnt be happier! I traded in my 99 Civic EX and could not believe how much I loved the CRV. It doesnt drive like a typical SUV, much more like a car. Would HIGHLY suggest upgrading to the Special Edition if your budget allows. Leather really gives interior a classier and more professional look. Drives great in heavy rain also, I felt very safe. Time will tell on gas mileage. I shopped around a lot and the Honda dealers were definitely the most honest and straight forward. Overall, very happy with my purchase.

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  Unbelieveable - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HondaIsMyFriend - June 14 - 1:46 pm

  I have driven the CRV about 1000 miles now, and I love it. Its ride is much smoother than my previous CRV, and it is so luxurious! If youre looking for a smaller SUV, I highly recommend taking this one!

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  2016 CRV Touring, Nice ride and it has a CD player - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By L. Hurt - June 14 - 11:26 am

  It is more roomy than several that i looked at, including RAV4. The navagation is more complicated in the 2016 than the 2017 CRV. The 2016 CRV has a CD player which I definitely wanted and many of the newer models do not. It has a quality sound when you shut the doors. Im not sure if I will use all the tech features but many seem to be helpful to have. It just may take me a while to learn how to use them safely.

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  Good car, but a couple major problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jman - June 14 - 12:02 am

  The 2003 CR-V is the first new car my wife and I have owned. Value, and design were what made us decide on the CR-V over the Toyota Rav-4. All in all, we are pretty happy with our purchase. Only 2 major problems have occured in the past 3 years. The first one was the air conditioning system self destructing. Metal shavings went through the system and the entire thing had to be ripped out and replaced. The second one was the rear differential. The 2003 manual says every 60,000 miles the fluid needs to be replaced - under severe conditions. Buyer beware, it is more like every 15,000 to 20,000. Our rear diff was fried at 37,000. They replaced it under warranty though. $3000 worth.

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  Tall drivers beware ! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rollodo - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  After about a week of driving the car my right leg began to ache where the thigh and hip come together and it eventually became excruciating. I am tall, about 6 3" and noticed that my thighs were not resting on the seat cushion like they do in every other car I have owned or driven. Instead, they are sticking slightly off of the seat so my leg weight is on the pedals and hip joint. The problem is the seat cushion is nearly flat and not distinctly sloped backward as in other cars - a very poor ergonomic design by Honda. I have to drive the car with a folded towel under my leg to support it.

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  Another Terrific Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Perry - June 12 - 9:17 pm

  Reliable, good fuel economy, excellent overall value