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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  Woefully underpowered - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Harleydude - December 19 - 12:03 am

  At 126 horsepower you better live in an area where there arent any hills! I live in WNY, in the Allegany Highlands and climbing the hills around here it sounds like the car is going to blow-up. Also, I am only averaging 20 MPG which for a 4 cylinder is horrible. When it rain the ABS light stays on until it dries out. No arm rest for the front passenger. For the top-of-the-line model the seats are not very comfortable. Fogs up inside during the winter or wet weather. Latch to open the back gate rusts up all the time due to poor location and design. Very disappointed for being a Honda.

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  Great Little SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JohnK - December 18 - 7:33 pm

  Easy to drive and economical. No problems in two years of local driving. This is our third Honda and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  An expensive lesson - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bobby - December 18 - 8:20 am

  We left our 2005 CR-V SE at our winter home in Arizona with the intention of buying a new Honda Accord when we arrived in N.C. We purchased the Accord EXL. Immediately we knew that we made a huge error. After 3600 miles, we traded for a New CR-V EXL. We are hooked. I actually attained 36 MPG on a freeway trip driving at 59 MPH with the cruise control set. Unfortunately, the trade was expensive because I was at the dealers mercy. Am I sorry? Heck no. It only hurt for a little while and WE LOVE our two CR-Vs.

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  Best small suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 18 - 6:26 am

  Compared with Toyota RAV4 both good vehicles but price and comfort CRV beats it

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  Fun to Drive - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Monroe Freeman Jr - December 17 - 9:43 pm

  I have only had my 2017 CR-V AWD for about 2 weeks; however, I am enjoying it immensely. Three family members have one and they are very pleased with theirs.

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  Buy Used - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Batton - December 17 - 7:32 am

  Find a well kept vehicle with low miles and save a few dollars. This vehicle meets expectations and will last if taken care of.

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  3rd CRV and the Best one! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank A. - December 16 - 12:35 am

  I wanted to upgrade my 2012 CRV XE AWD and looked at the Touring model for the past year. Key features I was looking for included Home Link, Blind Spot Mirror, automatic lift gate. What I did not expect is the Technology loaded touring model provided, including Nav, lane departure and speed control cruise with automatic braking. Better headlights and interior upgrades such as memory seats for driver and rear heating and cooling vent for rear passengers were pleasant surprises. Update- after 6 months of steady driving, I must say this is a wonderful SUV, I enjoy the features that were lacking in the 2012 CRV with the lift gate automatic opening being the best new feature as well as the safety features in this CRV The ride feels firm with 18" tires and the rims on the touring are much more stylish. Visibility is clear and good both day and night. Regarding performance it is a four granted but driving around town turn the econ button off and there is good pickup, when on the highway and cruising put the econ button on and enjoy the ride and save some gas. Looks could not be happier, got the silver with black interior and it looks great with some quality wax on it looks great. I look forward to having this CRV for many years and could not be more happier.

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  Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By C - December 14 - 4:30 am

  This is my third CRV and I cant imagine driving anything else. I dont notice any problem with the tires like others have said. Excellent cargo capacity. Lots of little places to store things like maps, change, plenty of cup holders

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  TrannyGear ShiftTroubles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ChinaSgt - December 14 - 2:00 am

  First off this is my 4th Honda. I own 3 Accords so I like the Honda brand. The CRV is a disappointment as far as the Honda workmanship goes. My gear shifter doesnt go into gear easily. Its a struggle to get it to go into gear. I brought it into the dealer and they just lubricated the cable. It still gives me a hard time to shift into to gear. The mileage does not get anywhere near the what the sticker states. Out of all my Hondas this one goes to the gas station way too many times.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By monkd - December 14 - 12:58 am

  This is an exceptionally versatile car. I have the economy 4WD, so the comfort level is utilitarian, but thats all I wanted, really. This is the car I use for DYI projects and going back and forth to work. The 4 cyl engine is perky, but weak on the steep hills, but the mileage (22/city) makes up for it. It is the only SUV with a wheelbase that actually looks stable.