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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  A Terrific Compromise - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By George Falkowski - March 4 - 12:30 am

  With rise of gas prices, driving a true SUV became totally impractical even though thats what I preferred since the late 1980s. My last car was a Ford Fiesta and I loved it, but the small size began to worry me. I still drive a lot, so giving up 38 mpg on the highway was an issue. After much searching, I bought a used 2010 CR-V with only 13k miles on it. Ive owned it for 18 months as of this writing and have been quite pleased. It gives me the higher ride of an SUV and a solid 25-27mpg on the highway. Its seats are comfortable (an off-and-on bad back here). Theres plenty of room for storage and passes the all-important "two hockey bag test" with plenty of room for the family.

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  A Great Little SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Liesman - March 1 - 9:48 pm

  Our CRV LX is used as our airport car, NY City car, bad weather vehicle and shopping center car. It gets none of the glory trips, only the tough errands. It soaks up the potholes and does not rattle. The cargo hold puts larger SUVs to shame. Fuel mileage is ok, we only get about 20 mpg, but mostly city driving and short trips. It is very impressive in snow. Very stable with great traction. All in all, a terrific value, but not a great long distance car. Head lights need a lot of improvement.

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  Honda Denying Electrical Problem - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Enrico T Bruschi - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  Despite overwhelming evidence of an electrical system issue causing the cars battery to die a slow death between two and three years, including a recall to address the software causing the problem, Honda will not do the right thing and replace the battery that their design destroyed. I have never had to replace a battery in a new car at 33 months. I am finding this is Hondas typical approach to problems - denial until forced otherwise by the government. Ridiculous. This was my very first Honda, and possibly my last. Its not that I hate the car, but I definitely did not observe the reliability I had heard about do much.

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  Warranty Information - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Allen Hawkins - February 19 - 1:36 pm

  This is my second CRV. First was a 2010 and current is a 2013. This past month or so I have notice a squeal when I apply final pressure to the brakes. Made an appt. with the dealer feeling good that it was still under warranty(mileage 28215/less than two years old) but apprehensive going in that they would not hear the squeal. Went thru the process of talking to the service manager and after about 30 mins. was told they indeed had heard the squeal but it was not covered under warranty. They could give me no reason why it was squealing but they were more than willing to do a brake service costing $230. So, another life lesson learned. They never fail to disapoint.

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  CR-V CONS - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By doctom5 - February 14 - 9:14 am

  I was surprised to see that road noise was not included in the CONS review. This does not bother everyone but it does bother me. Solution, I purchased sound deadening material and installed it from firewall to back. This helped. Then I did the doors. Big improvement but still road noise from wheel wells. Im 6 and weigh 240. For a long trip the seats and noise are just tiresome. And if you are on a curvy road the CRV doesnt handle great. Bottom line, this is not a drivers car or a guys car and I guess thats why my wife loves it.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By davidgarzon98 - February 10 - 1:33 pm

  My car has close to 10.000 miles and Ive not had a single problem with it. After cleaning it it still looks 100% new outside and inside. The average fuel consumption has been around 24 miles per gallon (including city driving in Atlanta and highway driving) which is similar to what I was getting with my previous car (civic 2009). Ive done a few long trips (12 hours) and is a comfortable ride. Ive only visited the dealership for oil changes. The only issue is that I didnt have a good experience buying from Curry Honda.

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  7k miles then problem starts - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ned20 - January 30 - 12:21 pm

  Bought the new crv 2014 lx model July of 2014. Just this winter when temperature drops 40 f below, grinding sound from the engine will shoot up for 5 to 8 seconds ( first start in the morning. Took it to the dealer and change the vtc actuator. Scared that it will sound again because a lot of crv owners experienced the sound over again even though they changed the part several times. They should do a recall for this.

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  the things no one tells you - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bsturman - January 17 - 9:51 pm

  When your stopped with your foot on the brake the car vibrates. Honda cant find anything wrong. Also if your car ever gets bumped on the front passenger side, theres a chance that your windshield washers wont work because the pump is right behind the bumper. Even though I see just a small scratch there, they said it was hit and that is what broke the pump. After 1 year and $250 I have a new pump. Hopefully no one else hits my bumper there or this could get expensive.

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  2014 CRV Dissapointment - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By bmwjeff - January 17 - 7:54 am

  After selling an Acura MDX due its very thirsty motor and hunting transmission we thought we would just buy a simple, reliable car to get around in. The CRV seemed to fit the bill and we were quickly a 2014 EX AWD owner. Our car averaged about 25 MPG over the course of the 12K of ownership which is OK for a car of its size. The throttle was very touchy and somewhat hard to drive in a smooth fashion. The Green drive button helped to smooth the head jerking starts. At about 8k we acquired a barking dog sound from the rear every time you would start and stop. We had a rattle in the dash on the drivers side and the dreaded cam shaft solenoid rattle at start-up. Sold car back to the dealer

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  Not so low maintenance after all... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By surfbort - January 14 - 3:53 pm

  Things starting falling apart as the warranty expired, as usual. The rack and pinion were the first to go at 62k miles. After that costly repair, then the A/C clutch, which seems to be a common problem. Now, at 84k, theres another issue with the power steering fluid leaking and the rack and pinion is to blame again! I thought Id be getting long-lasting quality as advertised but Im left sorely disappointed. Especially, after overlooking petty things like road noise, uncomfortable seats, and cheap materials. I feel like Ive been duped by a brand that preached longevity and quality, but never delivered. I couldve gotten a new, loaded Hyundai for the same price and a better warranty