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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  Love that CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Beth G. - April 21 - 2:23 pm

  This is my second CRV and fourth Honda. I bought the first CRV model offered in 1997 and turned it in on the 2004 model. Wonderful vehicle. It can haul almost anything a truck can and its much more fuel efficient. The engine in the 2004 is an improvement....quite peppy. Love the sunroof and raised back seat. I never worry about mechanical problems. Its a Honda. Ill always have one in the family.

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  2nd time around - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By kaegea - April 19 - 8:46 pm

  Just love my CR-V. This is number two. Had 2000 and gave to daughter . (she wanted to "buy it" because it was my 8- yr old car. She knew it never missed an oil change and was not in Katrina). This one has more "suave style". Other was what I called a "kicky little thing". Fun to drive. This one does not handle quite as easily (me?). Is a bit bigger and still feels different. I did have the other one 8nyears. Does do ok though. 28+ gas mileage. Bought in mid Jan 08 have 3500 miles now with a 750 mile trip in there. I do combo suburban - city drive to work.

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  good buy for the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bluhorse - April 18 - 10:36 pm

  Its a Honda. What more needs to be said? Its dependable, econonmic and fuel efficient. Its everything I wish the American builders would copy.

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  With a CR-V, forget about the Rav4! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Paul - April 17 - 6:40 pm

  I test drove the Toyota Rav4, Hyundai Tuscon, Saturn Vue, Mitsu Outlander. The CR-V beat them hands down in every way. I should know, I buy new cars every 3-4 years. ROCK SOLID HONDA build. I used to have a DODGE Durango, now I wish I had gotten this years ago. Dont bother looking elsewhere, just get this!

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  EX-L Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kop604 - April 16 - 11:11 am

  New 2015 CR-V bought from Piazza Honda of Pottstown PA December 2014. Regular and severe vibrations at 2000 RPM especially at 40-50 mph, or at 1000 PRM at lower speed; random vibrations at other RPM and speed. Very noise. Really regret not getting Toyota RV4, my initial choice.

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  I love my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DIANA796 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. It is easy to drive and doesnt have blind spots. The gas tank is small so I spend more time at the pumps, but I love its size because it is easy to park yet has plenty of space.

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  Another :So far so good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Pete - April 16 - 9:00 am

  So far so good, only had this one week, took one short trip at night, 100 miles, each way. Rides well for a small car, performance just adequate, but OK in town. I also traded in an Accord V6, so it may just take time to get used to. Quality seems good, and it was made in UK. No loose parts, no rattles, body parts aligned well. (So far.)

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  2003 CRV Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Ron - April 12 - 12:42 am

  Without a doubt this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. This 2003 AWD Honda CRV is very peppy & gets 23 MPH in the city and over 30 on a trip. I have owned 12 new vehicles in my life and this Honda has them all beat. Its trouble free and gets good gas mileage! What else could you ask for. I am a happy Honda Customer

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  Runs Great - Poor Interior Design - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Fitzee - April 11 - 7:43 am

  I get that this car was designed before social media. While I love the car itself (holds its value, runs great, good in the snow) the interior design SUCKS. There is NO place to put your phone. Unless you want it in the giant covered pocket in the console where, because it has no "not an ashtray" (like my Pilot did), I have to keep my spare change. The USB port is buried way down the bottom of the dashboard, not easy to get it & you need a long cord running to your phone to keep it charged. The AUX port is buried in the "box" between the seats. Since I play my ipod alot (& this car has no built in Bluetooth) I have a cord coming out of there for my music as well. People always ask me how I like my car. I always say "nice car, sucky interior design". Im now looking at a newer CRV, the design inside seems better. Course in my opinion, it couldnt be much worse than this one.

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  Improvement - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mickey - April 8 - 1:27 am

  Overall OK, engine quiet smooth, but handling is average. Inside quiet comfortable. Brake and gas pedal too high. Braking is below average.