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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  Snappy, ready to go always. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie Mohr - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. It is always ready, and hard to believe it is a 4 cyl.

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  Great little vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Brian Cheney - April 30 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned my CR-V for less than a month & only have about 800 miles on it, but early returns are very positive! It is flexible, agile, roomy, and fun to drive. Ive been getting gas mileage right at the EPA estimated 22 city & looking forward to a road trip next month. I evaluated a couple of dozen vehicles and drove 10 or 12 before finally settling on the CR-V. It is a compromise vehicle...not as fast, roomy, powerful, flexible, sexy, economical, etc., etc., etc., as some, but IMHO offers the best possible combination of features.

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  Option - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lilian - April 30 - 3:46 pm

  I love this vehicle, from A to Z except that there are few options you need to add to instead of standard equipments.I bought the top of the line model but I have to add the fog light and the auto dimming night/day mirror.These common option should have been standard on the top of the line model.

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  For the Family - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John Griffith - April 29 - 11:44 am

  Having a new baby I was looking for something safe, and bigger than a car. After making my comparisons it came down to the RAV4 and CRV, leaning towards the RAV4 I went to test drive the CRV. I could not belive how well it handled, its get up and go and it didnt feel like I was driving a tank. Overall after driving it for a couple of weeks now I couldnt be happier with any other vehicle.

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  I love my Honda! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Susan - April 29 - 11:16 am

  Just sold my 95 Accord and needed a new vehicle. Of course it had to be a Honda. Saw the CRV SE and it was love at first sight. Had features I always wanted, safety, good looks and fun to drive. My first moonroof ever and I use it every day. Almost as peppy as the Accord V6 was, and that surprised me since I shy away from 4 bangers. Good gas mileage for around town, especially with the high price of gas. Very happy with the CRV SE.

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  GREAT car but ... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tokelau - April 28 - 12:31 pm

  I bought a 2015 CR-V 2 months ago. On freeways and when moving the car is smooth, quiet and very pleasant to drive. Happy and fluffy thoughts are however blocked by 2 things. The vibration when in D, not moving with a foot on the brake pedal (as in, when stopped at a light) is very annoying. Clearly, the idle speed (~525 rpm) is close to a resonance frequency which transfers too much energy into the driver and the passenger seat. The passenger seat shakes and the steering vibrates and the driver feels like hes getting quite an unpleasant whole-body massage. The second is the buggy Honda Link suite of apps. Change music and use the navigation app at the same time? Youre out of luck.

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  surprised that i did not like this car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Edy OBrien - April 28 - 3:46 am

  previous Honda crv owner. 2 different styles. 2016 model felt cramped. the new technology in the model was distracting, not helpful. couldnt wait to get off the highway and end this test drive. Bought a Dodge Journey crossroads 2016. Love it!

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  Driving MS Lisa - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Edwards - April 25 - 9:53 pm

  The Continental tires that came on the SUV give too much of road noise!

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  Best Bet - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By R1200C - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is the best value for CUVs under the sun (Cute Utility Vehicle). It is not meant to be an off roader. Honda does not pretend it to be so. It will function as a great all weather family and stuff hauler, campground and tailgate tool and do this all with great fuel economy (comparatively), low emissions, easy maintenance and it will do all of this for a reasonable price. The resale will also be outstanding.

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  Nice ride! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By VA - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Very responsive steering. Eases in and out of corners. The passengers cabin is *very* quiet. Ride is very smooth. The car just feels well built. For a so called "mini SUV" this thing has nearly as much interior leg room than the mid-size Toyota Highlander. For the money I dont think you can buy a better mini SUV. Some new CR-Vs are being delivered with a slight steering problem. Like mine, they pull to the right about 5- 10 degrees. To make a long story short, after showing the dealer some complaints from others on the net who have experienced the same problem he agreed to do a 4-wheel alignment which fixed the problem. Speakers are weak with mid-range frequencies.