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:

• 

  Love My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kbrass - May 7 - 4:30 am

  Traded in 2005 Honda Odyssey. Love Honda reliability. First 3 tanks of gas avg 21.5, 20.5, 21.3 mpg, all city driving. Handles well and for a 4 cylinder it has some pep. Front seats are a little stiff, but mine started to loosen on the way home from the dealer and are now very comfortable. It is also very spacious on the interior. I am 6 ft tall and can sit in the back seat with 4-5 inches knee room to spare. My kids love riding in it. Cargo area holds quite a bit of stuff. Ride is a little bumpy on rough roads, but not any worst than my Odyssey. I really enjoy driving my CR-V and couldnt be happier with my purchase. If you dont need the fancy bells and whistles the LX is plenty.

• 

  2004 CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jr - May 6 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in a Tahoe for the CR-V mostly for the better mileage. Im getting 21 in town and 27-28 on the highway. I plan to upgrade the standard cloth seats to leather because thats what I miss most about the Tahoe. Im impressed with the sportiness of the CR-V, and I like the ability to customize it with OEM and non-Honda parts.

• 

  Happy with Purchase - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By new owner - May 5 - 10:23 pm

  We liked the car when we first bought it, and our satisfaction has only improved. We bought the CR-V because we thought it was really functional given our lifestyle (baby and two dogs). It was one of the few small suvs that could comfortably fit our car seat behind the front passenger seat. That, combined with Hondas rep for reliability and safety, sealed the deal. Weve driven it for 2 weeks now and really enjoy the ride. The only negatives are that the sight lines to the rear arent ideal (but they are more than acceptable). Also, the seats arent the most comfortable/luxurious, but neither are they uncomfortable. We got the LX trim level, however, so thats to be expected.

• 

  Buy a CRV, 20mpg is a lot better than 13 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sparks - May 5 - 9:40 pm

  I can understand the frustration of people that expected 23mpg. The tag on the car says that is a national average. The small print says 19 to 23. I am getting 20 in the city. The XM Ready thing might be considered mis-leading but that logo is the industry standard for telling people they need to buy a receiver. Over all the CRV is working out great. I added the arm rest, day/night mirror, window tint, rubber matts and other features. All should be part of the base but it would make the CRV cost more. I think overall its a good buy and will hold value when other cars lose value. If you add one thing at the dealer, get the mirror and tinting. It makes for better over all driving experience.

• 

  So far so good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob from Boston - May 5 - 7:30 pm

  I have only had my Honda for a short while (600 miles) but I see none of the problems (for example the complaint that CR-Vs often pull to the right) that some folks seem to have. Road noise is a bit more than I like but that is why the stereo has a volume knob. Overall I am quite happy with my choice.

• 

  My kind of car - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Kelly - May 4 - 9:05 pm

  This car is very fuel efficient, comfortable and in my opinion has some spunk. I can get my car to go pretty quickly. Id buy another in a heart beat.

• 

  My Blue Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jean - May 3 - 10:40 pm

  I have recently purchased another Honda CR-V in March. I love this vehicle. It is not too big or too small. I enjoy the space it has inside. It does get good gas mileage which is great for me since I do alot of driving. It is easy to drive and very comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By mfrollins - May 3 - 3:12 pm

  I like almost everything about the car. I was looking for an all wheel drive, that got good mileage and was comfortable. The Lexus was nicer but $15,000 more. This car has a lot of very user friendly touches, I do miss automatic climate control and power seats. On a long trip I would kill for about 4 more inches of leg room. Plenty of power, the automatic speed control works well – even in the PA mountains.

• 

  Something to think about - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Yvonne - May 2 - 10:07 pm

  I purchase one of the only two white CRVs with manual drive. I wished I had went ahead and purchased the automatic, but my husband was worried about power going up the Grapevine and Tehacapi Mountains that surround us. The gear shift needs to be raised about 3" taller and there are no arm rests for the driver or passenger front seats. The clutch is very smooth and effortless, and does give the vehicle the ability to drop to a lower gear and pass without effort. The ride is wonderful and what we wanted for all the traveling we plan to do, and the AWD allows us to not worry about what time of the year or where we are going.

• 

  VTEC SUV....little lifted RSX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By acuradrian - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun Lots of room The best stick in a SUV