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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  Stop looking right now! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Honda fan - August 15 - 9:32 pm

  You must stop looking for a car! The Honda CR-V is where you need to be. Hondas have been reliable for us since 2005, when we bought our first Odyssey. Now we have a Civic, fit and now a CR-V. The ride is soft yet firm around turns. However, road noise is a bit excessive.

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  Its so roomy cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By patty - August 11 - 7:51 pm

  Hi I bought my 01 cr-v in October 2009 with 98,000 miles. Ive had it for 2 years now and put 50,000 miles on it. It now has 148,000 and runs very good. Its been different for me to drive than a car but I love the room and comfort it gives me. I go camping and fold down the seats blow up my areo bed and sleep like a baby. This is one fantastic vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Momof2 - August 8 - 8:06 am

  I just bought this car about a week ago and I just LOVE IT! Its small enough where you can squeeze into tight spots yet its roomy and spacious inside. The only thing that I have found (which I read in other reviews) is that the seats are uncomfortable. But its nothing that a $20 gel cushion cant fix! I went from a V6 vehicle so I thought I might get annoyed with the slower 4cyl but it has PLENTY of pep! Its actually really fun to drive. Nice smooth ride. I am in love.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Honda acura 101 - August 8 - 6:30 am

  After thirteen years with Honda, we are very happy. One odyssey, one fit, one civic, and now the cr-v. his car blows everyone away in the winter (Live in mass) and on the highway. Dont even think about the rav 4. (Had one and had to return it because it was awful)

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  LOVE Honda, LOVE my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Shawna - August 6 - 2:37 pm

  This car is incredible. The recent reviews complaining about tires are the furthest thing from my experience. The tires have been replaced once in the 3+ years Ive owned (and consistently driven) this car. It handles wonderfully, is ridiculously comfortable (I should know, I drove from Colorado to Georgia and Tennessee and back), and is an all around amazing vehicle. It has a great MPG for its size, and its great for highway driving or rough dirt roads smooth ride no matter what. After some nightmares with Chevy vehicles as a young driver, this wonderful CR-V has made me a Honda buyer for life.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Al - August 4 - 9:37 pm

  Ive only had my CR-V 4WD a couple of weeks but so far I love it. It handles well, brakes well, easy to park and see out of. I feel safe knowing its 4WD and it has many safety features and that it has many comforts like heated seats, xm radio, and leather. My previous car, a 2008 Accord was a nice car, but horrible in the snow so Im looking forward to peace of mind this winter. I also want to say that I love the CR-V in and out. Its much nicer to drive than the Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Liberty having tested them. CR-Vs tire and wind noise is next to none and the ride is smooth, comfortable and controlled. Bravo!

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  Still going strong - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Vdp - August 2 - 2:08 pm

  Bought this CRV used in 2001 and have been driving it ever since. Great reliable vehicle. Doesnt get any better. Some what under powered but that is really the only major thing I would want changed. Would like to get something else to drive as after 9 years, Im getting bored of it .. but it just wont die and it not worth trading, so Ill just drive it till she quits or my 16 year old smashes it. AWD is great in the snow and have had no major problems. Great job Honda, put in a small six cylinder so I can pull a camping trailer and I will buy another one tomorrow.

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  Objective review - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - August 1 - 3:15 pm

  Not as peppy as I expected Fuel economy 22 city. Fell short of my expectation for a Honda Great leather interior, good build quality by far compared to peers. Good cargo space. Suspension bumpy at times

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  2nd CR-V and Proud Owner - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Aaron - July 30 - 2:52 pm

  Purchased our 2010 EX-L in June, traded up our 2007 LX and NO regrets what so ever ! Cant wait to see what Honda has in mind for the 2011. No I am not traded my 10 up yet. Just seeing if what they are going to do to improve this years model !

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  Still lovin my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By joe - July 24 - 2:36 pm

  I love my 2001 cr-v. I bought new from dealership. It has been the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Great awd in the snow. Gets me safely to everywhere I drive. It a great Honda cr-v. Get one you wont be disappointed.