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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  Not a bad SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Eman - December 12 - 5:21 pm

  We purchased an EX in November of 04. WE had decent snow traction the first winter but this week, BLAH. Scary. The tires Bridgestone Duelers are horrible. My wife loves it but I think the seats need more support and they move to much. OK gas mileage but we expected more from a 4cyl. Performance is ok. It is a safe car with all the airbags and ABS etc. We had it in dealer last month for an alignment, now the steering wheel is off and it still pulls to the right. The door panels are thin and it is kinda noisy. A safe vehicle and reliable but we {ok, ME} expected a quieter more comfortable SUV from Honda.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By DocS - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the new CR-V/EX since April, and its proven very capable all round. It carries 64" passengers comfortably (even in the rear seat), loads of gardening supplies, and provides a nicely versatile cargo compartment. Storage spaces are everywhere, which is really cool. Ride is excellent, quiet, and amazingly refined for a vehicle which is essentially a Civic on steroids. It exhibits a slight amount of torque- steer on hard acceleration from stop, but other than that it drives wonderfully. Priced just right, with a good feature set.

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  Love my CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By MamaG - December 12 - 6:36 am

  Have had my CRV for almost 3 months now. Bought a 2010 sight-unseen after my 16 year old acura was stolen from the driveway. I have a 4 year old, and knew Id be giving up my youth when I finally upgraded to the much needed SUV. But, after driving every other crossover and small SUV available, was pleasantly surprised when I finally tried the 2009 CRV. With the extra horse-power even being added for the 2010, decided to purchase it before it was on the lot. It is quick and handles great. I can fit everything I need and not feel like Im navigating a small barge through the city.

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  CRV ***5 STARS*** - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LiSa - December 11 - 8:59 pm

  I am a former Civic owner and purchased my CRV last year and I love it! It handles so much better than my Civic and its fun to drive. It is virtualy maintainence free with scheduled oil chnages every 5,000 miles or 6 months. I think that its the best in its class.

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  A jack of all trades... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By gericked - December 11 - 3:18 pm

  I moved to the mountainous region of Tenn. from Florida and had to reluctantly trade in my BMW 328 for a vehicle that was more suitable. I loved my BMW... dont get me wrong, but I have no regrets. My CR-V was used with 72000 miles and have now 104000 miles. I have had no problems. Maintenence is too easy! This vehicle does what a vehicle is supposed to do and more. It performs and handles like a car, yet can haul a washing machine. It can go off paved roads, as well as take my business associates to lunch and I always get comments on it. This car is a status symbol: means you are can do it all.

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  outstanding - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sadle - December 8 - 4:33 am

  after 11 months, just enjoy each drive, plenty of room for hauling, comfort for 4 easy, driving is a fun filled adventure. 04 model, will trade my 02 camry for another next year.

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  8 months, 2 hurricanes, and 18,000 miles - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bigeaux - December 7 - 3:56 pm

  We live in New Orleans and evacuated for Katrina in our CR-V. Weve spent the past four months driving back and forth between NOLA and Houston in it, hauling people, pets, and stuff - bikes, plywood, food, whatever. I have to say this vehicle has done everything asked of it, and done it well. With the roof rack and the fold down seats, we can really load it up. All of the little nooks and crannies are very helpful for cell phones, walkie talkies, maps, drinks, and snacks. In all, it has exactly the right combination of space, versatility, and economy for us. Its a very practical and affordable compromise vehicle.

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  overall very good car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mark lehr - December 7 - 10:43 am

  This car was purchased for my daughter to take to college in 2 years. It is maneuverable and fun to drive, and was chosen over the mazda and ford models for its crash integrity. My only complaint is the noisy dueler ht tires, and their poor wear. Rear seat height and rear mounted spare tire make for poor rearward visibility, especially when backing in parking lots...proved that with a low sports car behind me waiting for my spot...

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  Gotta love it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Missa - December 6 - 9:20 pm

  I had been researching small SUVs for a while before I bought the CR-V. My boss is a total car nut and talked me out of getting a RAV4 because he read so many good things about the CR-V. I listened to him and I love it! It has a lot of get-up-and-go for a little 4 cylinder! The gas mileage isnt horrible, better than I expected. It doesnt seem loud to me and I live in a very windy area! It handles beautifully and makes those U-Turns with ease! I got the back-up sensors installed and LOVE them! I wish the seats were powered, and heated. It would have been nice to have heated sideview mirrors as mine get frosty on winter mornings! Overall I love this car!

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  My Honda CRV-EX - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Davette Robinson - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  This is a fun car to drive. Huggins Honda gave me a fair price and were not high pressure, and did not treat me in a sexist manner.