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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  Borderline Lemon - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By JSE - May 30 - 9:47 pm

  Purchased CRV new and have several issues with quality moonroof motor burnt out @15000 miles, missing interior door switch, A/C out after 36000 miles (very expensive repair), rear bushings (replaced), driver side visor falls out, auto power up/down window stops working periodically,and constant rattle from rear of vehicle. CRV is not comfortable on long trips for any driver over 52". This has not been a typical reliable Honda.

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  Must Own - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 3rdCRVowner - May 30 - 7:13 am

  I started with a 1999 CRV bought the 2nd in 2002 and now my 3rd in 2005. I travel and depend on this vehicle to get me safetly to and from my travel area. Keep the oil changed, rotate the tires, and check the brakes is all it takes to keep these vehicles in top condition! I am a Honda owner for life!

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  Great small SUV. I love it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Francis Lyew Kong - May 28 - 11:14 pm

  Im a senior and traded in an old Acura TLS for the CRV. Its the perfect height for seniors to get in and out of. Fuel economy is really great especially when running in ECON mode. Its the perfect size for me.

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  I love it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Oscar M - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my CR-V in january, and I love it. Its fun to drive, love the performance and styling. Overall I love my CR-V and would never consider the lame competion that is out there in the same segment. If your are in the market for a small SUV this is your best choice.

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  honda always a honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jose Barrios - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 Honda CRV is by far the best buy a made so far .good in fuel,ride and handling.Interior needs improvment,like the parking brake is hard to desingage,sits are to tight and sticki.Road noise a bit to high.Tires are cheap and not much grip.Strong engine for a 4cyl,is fun to drive in manual trani.The radio needs more power and better speakers.Overall a great car for the price.

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  Awesome Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By New SUV Enthusiast - May 27 - 8:07 pm

  Absolutely love my new CR-V EX 4WD Automatic. Great value for the price. I have been using many excuses and made up tasks just to stay on road all the time driving my CR-V. It is fun to drive. I test drove CR-V and Rav4 V6 and decided to go with CR-V for its price, performance, looks.

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  A superior compromise - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By brewsbee - May 25 - 10:16 pm

  After exhaustive research, there really wasnt much choice. We wanted better gas mileage than our old MPV minivan, good reliability, maximum safety (teen drivers coming soon), 4WD to get up to the ski area, and cargo area that was at least near the ballpark of the MPV. So far, its been been a great all-around vehicle and has lived up to our high expectations.

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  Its a Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Los Angeles - May 23 - 1:19 pm

  This is my second CRV and for me it really works. I own property and always have construction material in it. Easy to get around in and fun to drive.

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  We love our CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica T - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is easy to drive and has a lot of space for a small family.

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  A Great Surprise... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By MereSanct - May 23 - 9:41 am

  This little car is loaded with wonderful surprises...a lot of technology for the price (but not too much to be overwhelming for me, of the Boomer generation) a QUIET, comfortable ride (comparable to much higher priced luxury cars) that I must attribute to the finishes and those 18" wheels! And the roominess that cars in this class generally lack...we are delighted with this purchase and cannot say enough good things. Nicely styled, nicely put-together, a great ride...easy to navigate the dash.