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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  My Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By RSB - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent

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  Nice Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hal - January 16 - 5:03 pm

  First, the 2004 is a great improvement over the 2001 CRV we owned. More powerful, less buzzy engine, more comfortable seats, better brakes, seats fold easier and tumble all the way forward, better quality interior materials, easier to use tailgate. Glad Honda moved the window controls off the dash and back to the door panel armrest where they belong. Vehicle is based more on the Accord and less on the Civic in terms of styling, features, engine. Much nicer design, more elegant, less utilitarian. Great value for the $$$.

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  car great for my purposes - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By George Goodman - January 14 - 12:10 pm

  rear differential fluid needs to be changed much more than manual says accord to dealers . Had this vehicle and a 2004 one and had a problem with that one. The 2004 got me thru 24 " snow blizzard about 50 miles did it in a little over 11/4 hrs. blinded and just about no one on road. That had gr. clearence of 8" or more I believe this one ha s less. Always bought american now will never go back although some amer. has improved. wife is handicapped and get into other vehicle s too high to law cheap interiors or you name it . the short of it great car reliable will go thru anything I put it thru without a problem. hadnt severe snow but a few times. went over a few miles op iced up roadwys full of holes thoght ws never going to get out of it without breaking car came out unscathed.

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  My 2003 CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Yulisa - January 13 - 1:22 pm

  This is the easiest car to maintain I have 56000 miles on it and havent needed anything done other than oil changes every 5000 miles,tires, wipers well only basic things. The brakes are not even due to get changed yet. Its great on the highway, in town and in the snow and I dont need a shovel to get me out of the snow most of the time, 6" of snow not a problem, in or out. Its great, only 1 rattle in 56000 miles.I plan on trading it in in about a year for the new CRV.

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  Purchase Experience - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Melan Hoang - January 12 - 9:26 am

  Its very stable driving my new CR-V and the seats are comfortable. I buy this new CR-V because I had a CR-V before. Honda vehicles are very reliable. This my third car that I bought from Honda.

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  2009 CR-V Good buy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chivazo - January 11 - 3:30 am

  I sold my 2005 Murano, I thought I downgraded to a CR-V but I was wrong. Better handling, excellent interior design, fun to drive. Handles extremely well on snow and heavy rain.

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  CRV Problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kathleen Peditto - January 11 - 2:00 am

  First we had problems w/ the O2 sensor which they couldnt fix at first!They had to increase the parameters in the computer so the light woulnt go off as fast(less gas mileage).Now having a problem w/ the front brake pad BANGING when reversing and applying the brakes the first time (they say inherent to the car.Dealer says to live with it. HA!!!.Now problems w/ alarm system.Lemon Not at all happy w/ it!!!

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  CR-V: safe features and economical - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TimGo - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The added safety features in the 2005 CR-V at a price under $20K made the purchase decision easy for me and my wife. There are 8 air bags (2 front, 6 side), ABS, and stability assist. Im 63" and there is plenty of room for me. Kids, ages 10, 12, and 15, can sit in the rear without being overly crowded. The 5-spd automatic is quite smooth. On interstates, road noise is noticeable, but wind noise is not. I did not buy this vehicle off-road use and dont live in a snowy climate, so I could forego AWD and save some money. The CR-V had about the best EPA mileage for a small SUV, and insurance costs are not out of line. I dont need a lot of power so the 4cyl 162 HP engine is more than adequate

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  I love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By MikeyMike - January 8 - 5:44 pm

  I can truly say that this is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned! It drives nicely, is very quiet in the inside....and gives me lots of room to carry things -- which is helpful when you are an active teacher who likes to go to Home Depot. The fuel economy is a little less than I would like...but you take the good with the bad.

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  Very reliable truck - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By luis - January 8 - 4:44 pm

  Quality control is excellent. I own 3 hondas, no complaints at all. Theyre built to last forever, as long as you keep up with their regular maintenance. 5 Speed tranny is the best,very smooth, very powerful, its a honda.