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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  Oh, Wheres the Gas going?? - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By L. Sutton - February 5 - 9:03 am

  I absolutely love my CR-V EX, but I drive around town all the time and my gas mileage has only been between 15-16 mpg. I expected it to be lower then the EPA estimate, but not 7 mpg. Ive had this car for about a month now and the gas mileage has not improved. I had a 1992 Nissan Maxima and got better gas mileage - 17-18 mpg. Ill give it a little more time to "break in" and if it doesnt improve Honda will hear from me. I do love the way it handles and the looks are great. Other then the gas mileage I love my CRV.

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  My 1st AWD SUV. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Tso - February 3 - 10:48 pm

  I want to spend my money wisely. I have spent a lot of time to do the research and test drive. Honda CR-V is the answer. I bought 2016 instead of 2015 because of the vibration issue that I have heard from the Internet. I love the mpg, handling, leg room, internal space and cargo space. Hopefully, it will last 20+ years like my Toyota Corolla.

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  I didnt know I needed a CR-V instead of an Accord - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Olson - February 2 - 2:27 pm

  Lifetime drive train warranty at Aberdeen, Honda

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  it keeps going, with TLC - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By brett - February 2 - 3:36 am

  i just kept changing the oil and regular maintenance. overall id say i got my moneys worth

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  2003 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By PETE S - February 1 - 3:55 pm

  Pros: A relatively inexpensive vehicle, AWD is excellent, handles great, no significant mechanical problems, seating is comfortable, small size makes it great in the city for parking. Cons: Noisy ride, fuel mileage not that great, small fuel tank means frequent fill-ups, plastic interior scratched and marred easily.

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  A Quality SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Fremont CA - January 31 - 4:16 pm

  Drove 2290 miles and put in 91.3 gallons of gas until my last fillup so I am getting 25.1 MPG with about 50% highway and 50% city commute. On the open flat highway driving at 60 mph I got up to 33mpg. This small SUV is quiet, comfortable and has many comfort items like a good stereo, good AC and well positioned controls. This car is loaded with electronic sensors and automated functions, alarms and messages so long term reliability is questionable. Overall quality of finish is excellent. Road handling is very good and does not sway on curves. Engine is not very powerfull during acceleration but gets good mileage. I am curious about the AWD traction on snow and ice in the winter.

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  Honda CRV. You dont need a 6 cylinder - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Neal Golden - January 29 - 11:13 pm

  I have 2 Honda CRV. I gave my fiancee my old Honda CRV, it have 182,000 miles with the same transmission and engine. I bought the second Honda without test driving it. The new Honda have plenty of power. I dont understand why everyone want a 6 cylinder. I have no trouble getting around in the snow and it get 24 to 25 miles per gallon. I am going to keep this car until it drop. I think this is the best car for your money. Toyota is over price. I bought the new Honda with the sunroof and roofrack for $ 23,500 and that include tax.

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By George - January 29 - 5:40 pm

  A good car almost a year old. Although the sticker indicated a fuel economy of 22/27 mpg, I have never been able to get better than 17/22 mpg -- very poor for a car this size with a 4 cylinder engine. My 2002 Lexus RX300 gets 19/25 mpg and it is a heavier car with a 6 cylinder engine. Have been generally please with the CR- V otherwise. When the rear seats are down, it has very large cargo space for a car this size -- bigger than my Lexus SUV

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  Great Suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lcarbonn - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This new suv seems to hit the area up here in the northeast. While i dont do heavy off roading,i comes in handy when i do need it. I got 25.8 miles per gallon on the first tank with a little interstate driving. Everything seems to be what we want. I have 625 miles on it and cant wait to drive it more.Our other car was a 1997 honda accord ex. So what a move!

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  Great Commuter/Family Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff in Chicago - January 27 - 6:32 pm

  I commute over 30,000 miles to work a year in Chicago weather and have not had a better time. This vehicle provides me everything I need: 1) comfort, 2) great gas mileage, 3) safety, and 4) makes going to the home improvment store a snap (my wife prefers it as the grocery getter over the minivan as well). In addition the superb handling, this little in-line 4 clinder has great acceleration. 5 months after buying this, someone rear- ended me while I was at a light doing over 50mph. This car saved my life and the cabin remained untouched...crumpled exactly as advertised. While the accident was bad, I was at least reassured knowing if my children were in, they wouldve been alright.