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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  GREAT SUV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By FL3 - May 22 - 10:11 am

  This is the 4th CR-V Ive purchased ... they keep getting better and better! Drives more like a car than an SUV. VERY comfortable. Surprisingly agile. Im averaging 24mpg which isnt bad for a CR-V! I am VERY happy and will probably get another one next year!

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  2010 EXL with Navi - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Anton - May 21 - 4:56 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its comfortable, handles well, has enough power, smooth braking and is fun to drive. Lots of headroom and overall driver space.

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  First SUV experience.. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By reallive - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Hondas have always been known for producing some of the greatest daily driven cars ever. The new 2nd- generation CR-V proves that Honda is still the best in doing what they do best: producing a good car and then making it better. I used to drive a Honda Prelude, that was modified to be faster, and driving the CR-V around gives me more of a smile on my face than the Prelude did...its that much fun to drive, and that comfortable to ride in whether youre on the highway or on a gravel road.

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  The Best..... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dongon - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I had to wait three weeks for my CRV as it has become a hot selling SUV. Cant say enough about it, except Im glad I waited

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  Bumpy ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rev Dave - May 15 - 9:23 pm

  I bought the Honda based on its reputation. I was shocked to find, after riding it for a few days, how I feel every crack in the pavement,and I experience a very bumpy jarring ride. Why hasnt Honda paid attention to good shock absorbers and springs?? Is there anything I can do to get a smoother ride????? Better shocks??? Please advise. Other than the ride, I am pleased with the car. Also, if I go on a trip and travel at 60-70 mph I only get 23 mpg. Why???? My girlfriend bought the same car, but returned it to the dealer the next day because of the poor quality of the ride hurting her back.

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  Great little SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Happy - May 15 - 9:32 am

  Only had the CR-V SE 3 weeks but so far it is a great little SUV. Need something to replace gas guzzeling Pick up. Got a good deal. So far great gas mileage. Comfortable ride good mileage and Honda reliability - what more could you ask for.

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  Still lovin it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By BK CRV - May 14 - 12:08 pm

  Ive driven this vehicle for a couple of years now with no problems. Looked at buying an Escape, but the CRVs better MPG was a selling point for me. Didnt need the power of a V6 either. Just wanted a SUV that could get me through the winters of the Northeast. The CRV handles it great. Replaced the stock tires for better performance with TripleTreds, and other than that shes been a treat to own and drive.

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  Happy with my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - May 11 - 3:22 pm

  Im very pleased with this car. Ive had it for 5 years, do all the scheduled maintenance and havent had any problems. It gets around great in the snow w/the AWD. This is the longest Ive ever owned a car and plan on keeping it until it dies. Theres plenty of room to haul stuff in the back w/the seats down. I did pay to add a passenger seat arm rest. I agree with some of the other reviews about the seats (not comfortable on road trips) and the steering wheel needs to tilt down a bit more. But overall I like it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By hoosier - May 10 - 1:40 pm

  Nice little SUV. im getting 23-24 mpg in mixed driving but not any better on the highway. expected a little more if pure highway. ride is nice. dashboard controls seem far away have to reach to get to them.

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  Its a Honda, of course it is great - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By J - May 9 - 1:50 am

  Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. And so far it is a really nice ride. We traded in our Civic for it. One thing I did notice and always gave low marks to is cabin noise in a Honda. This one has really low cabin noise and is peppy to boot. The overall design is appealing to the eye and that is why we chose it over the large Pilot.