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 plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

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  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

• 

  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

• 

  Worth it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By quenames - April 6 - 9:06 pm

  This has been everything I hoped for: small SUV with tall storage/cargo, very good ground clearance, and tons of safety features. Its also easy for my 6 2" frame to get in and out of, and the flat floor front and rear is great. Fold down piece between front seats is handy. I agree that the black interior is a total pain to keep clean, and the CRV is certainly not to be confused with a smooth riding, good handling sedan--I have an Outback than is rock solid at 80. The CRV can feel a little loose after 70, especially with wind or if you need to do anything sudden. Beyond that, I have nothing but compliments and can confirm the 23/29 mileage that many others report.

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  First Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Collin - April 3 - 5:41 pm

  I purchased this as my first car and its fantastic. The 5-speed was one of its major selling points for me but the excellent quality and safety record were important to my parents. I have had no problems with this car thus far, even with 85k miles on it. The car isnt blazingly fast but the 5-speed makes it fun to drive anyway. I agree that it needs more power though, if the engine is under 3500 rpm, good luck moving with any ounce of agility. The only other downfall is the goofy auto-window switch placement. Its right on the dash hard to get used to. Overall the car is excellent and very roomy, even for my 65" body and my equally large friends. Kudos to Honda for the large backseat.

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  Buzzing round town - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JTV - April 3 - 7:13 am

  Most of our driving is in a suburban area of Florida. We get about 24mpg compared to the Honda van that we traded in that got 15-16 mpg. Our highway mileage is about 30 mpg. The engine makes a buzzing sound when driving around town but it disappears at higher speeds on the interstates. We wanted a 4 cyl. for economy and did not like the Toyota RAV with a spare tire mounted on the back. The Hyundai Santa Fe does not get as many mpg and we did not like the red color choice. We added backup sensors and an auto dimming rear view mirror. Dashboard is attractive with instant mpg readout and other info. However, the CRV is not as comfortable as our van was on long trips.

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  Great Used Car! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Phil - April 1 - 10:10 pm

  Bought this car when it was new. Its worst feature is the engine is underpowered and it automatically locks into a lower gear when uphill. This can kick in on the highway at 65 mph and the engine just starts revving. With that said, this has been a great car for my family. It never got stuck in the snow and ice. It has great visibility from the windows. It has been very reliable and has never let me down. It gets about 19 mph city driving and about 27 mph highway. It has long suspension that really smooths out the road bumps. I would recommend it.

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  CRV from Guatemala - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Julio Galicia - March 30 - 9:14 pm

  Pretty Good, the only issue is that the EPA numbers do not match with the real life. Mine is doing like 20 or 21. This estimate should include results at different altitudes.

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TVinc16887 - March 30 - 6:26 pm

  The CR-V is a very fun and reliable vehicle to drive. The quality of workmanship and material is top-notch. Average gas mileage is between 20- 21.5mpg in the AWD models, but a little better in the 2WD models. Engine performance for the CR-V is very good with plenty of torque.

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  Missing some basic featuers and functionality. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By TariqZ - March 28 - 10:28 pm

  I decided to buy the 2016 Honda CR-V EX instead of EX-L as I didnt want the leather seats being in Texas. I bought a pre-owned certified vehicle with 28K miles. Vandergriff Honda in Arlington, TX made the buying process very stressful and unpleasant. If you live in DFW dont go there, the sales staff is incompetent and lack knowledge. I have only had for less than a month and so far there are 3 things I hate about this car: (1) No push button or remote tail gate lift? seriously Honda, its a basic feature which should come standard with the EX trim. My sales person lied and miss-sold me on this feature otherwise I probably wouldnt have bought this vehicle. (2) Interior storage, not many compartments to put stuff in the front especially the driver side, my Honda Civic has more storage compartments than this CR-V. (3) Poor road holding and handling. It is a comfortable vehicle with plenty of cargo space. I would recommend to get the EX-L trim or touring. BTW with only me in the vehicle on the highway it only does average 27 MPG.