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 Car, some small gripes - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By nschemmaster - December 25 - 12:30 am

  I upgraded from a Subaru Impreza, so this EX-L with Nav is luxurious. It is well built and rides great, with little road noise and tire noise. It is easy to go 70+ in this car and not feel it. The Nav is great. I really dont miss my Nuvi, although this took some getting used to. Back up camera is good only for judging when not to hit something (which is good), but clarity of detail is lacking in certain light conditions. I also think power is adequate. I can merge, and pass others without issue. The size of the vehicle is taking some getting used to. I am used to my small Impreza. In rain the car is solid, not tested in snow yet. I also like the autolocking. Bluetooth is lacking (see below)

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  CR-V Beats Accord - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By ptb10 - December 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is a great car. My prior vehicle was an 02 Accord V6. The Accord had power but not much else.This is a really fun car. The SE in pewter pearl is beautiful. Interior is very comfortable. Controls are accessibe and easy to use.Radio & 6CD changer is a real plus. Plenty of room in rear seat for tall adults and plenty of storage. Exterior molding in body color makes the car. For a 4 cylinder car has excellent pick-up and is getting good gas mileage. I was looking to purchase an SUV; the Pilot was too big and so far I am completely satisfied w/ the CR-V.

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  Small SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Great Small SUV - December 20 - 10:45 pm

  We purchased this vehicle 6+ years ago because we intended to own it for a long time. It has proven to be an excellent purchase. 4 cyl engine with automatic transmission has always been a little sluggish but has been very reliable and dependable. Only expenses have been front brake pads, tires and regular maintentance. All of the recommendations for improvements for this model (armrest for passenger seat, etc) have already been made including more horse power. Gas mileage has been about 22-28 MPG overall. We will buy another CRV in a couple of years.

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  Excellent with exceptions - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 20 - 9:38 pm

  Bought new in 02. 51k miles. Engine shifts are tough on hilly highways (Vermont). Road noise a bit loud. Factory tires wore out way too soon. Rides a little rough with chosen new tires, but other tire choices give a softer ride. Drives great. Drivers seat needs better thigh support for tall folk on long rides. Very reliable. AWD kicks in snowy weather. Movable back seats are awesome, but the 1/3 seat split doesnt always help with some loads. Factory stereo works well. Overall an excellent vehicle and recommended.

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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wes - December 20 - 10:26 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, it has been good over all, but have concerns about the overall quality of Honda. 5000 miles, the driver front airbag sensor went. Dealer told me they have seen a lot on the 05 Odyssey with this problem. One of the trunk interial panels just never got install properly from the factory, has one corner popped out. I had a brand new Civic EX before, 2nd month I had the car, the bumper paint was peeling off. Otherwise Im happy with the CRV, good size trunk and fuel economy, long list of standard featurescomparing to Toyota RAV4

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  Well laid out roomy vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rgrsonger - December 19 - 12:11 pm

  Honda has spent a lot of time designing the interior of this vehicle. The front seating area has a roomy, open feel by not having a floor mounted console. And the fold down feature of the little shelf between the driver and passanger also add to this roomy feel. And then little features such as how to stow the back seat chest belts add a touch of finish. Since new, our total combined gas mileage is just over 26 mpg.

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  2 Months with New CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - December 19 - 11:33 am

  Pros: Ride, handling, navigation and fuel economy. Before buying car I thought power is not enough on the highway but with little bit of acceleration you have the power you want. I am not a sort of fast driver so power is more than enough for me. The car handles very smoothly and it is comfortable. Road noise is like other good car. I cant understand why some people are talking about it. Interier is really nice, all the buttons on the steering lightup when head lights on.

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  A True Bargain for American Motoring - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HondaBeliever - December 19 - 4:56 am

  This new model is a distinct improvement over the initial CR-V. The engine is far more adequate, while maintaining good fuel economy. The appearance and interior design are substantially improved. I love all of those quaint cubby holes for storage that Honda designs into their vehicles.

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  CRV - Smaller SUV but Excellent - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mary - December 19 - 2:03 am

  The Honda CRV is an excellent, smaller SUV. We are a family of four and it suits our needs perfectly. Comfortable seats (my husband is 6 3" and the seat adjusts higher or lower), great turning radius, good gas mileage and lots storage in the rear. More importantly very low maintenance! Just keep getting the oil changed and itll run forever.

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  Car is awesome - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Zeiad tadros - December 19 - 1:55 am

  I just bought this car from a private party the car is awesome I never buy American cars they are garbage. You could not give me an American car for free I wont take it. I love this small SUV great on gas