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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  Excellent! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Farg - December 4 - 4:53 am

  As our boys are getting older, we decided it was time to downsize from a Toyota Sienna to a compact SUV. We considered all makes but we kept returning to the CR-V and we could not be happier. The features are spot on and all the controls are well thought out. It has plenty of power even when hauling around 4 adults and their gear. There is a bit of wind/road noise, but it was a lot less then competitive vehicles like the RAV4. We were a bit concerned that it would be under powered, especially compared to the V-6 in our Sienna, but it is just fine.

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  Great car...Good price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - December 3 - 10:28 pm

  In need of a good dependable car, I researched the Toyota and Saturn.The Honda was, in my opinion the best. The ride is comfortable and reasonably quiet. The gas mileage could be better but not terrible. Overall, A quality vehicle.

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  We would move in - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Smitten - December 3 - 10:00 am

  We just built new dream house, but the wife and I keep finding excuses to leave home in the C-RV. Wife recently joked- Why not just move into the Honda. My cat even insists on being an unwanted " hood ornament " Is this real or are we merely victims of new car smell delerium? Our " second car ", a Toyota camry, was recently washed and waxed by me out of a sense of guilt due to " Camry abandonment". I have searched the medical literature for AUTOMOTIVE LOVE and research recommends " See Psychiatry"

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  Nice and econimical car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kool - December 2 - 9:52 am

  Seems to be a nice and economical car. Still wondering if Honda has resolved vibration issue, that was a major problem with 2015 model. Yet to find that peice of the puzzle.

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  Did not like it. - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Erik - December 2 - 5:43 am

  If I would have had it for a week I would have never bought it. I bought it because of the reviews on Edmunds. I owned it for three weeks and traded it for a new Chey Silverado quad cab that gets 14 mpg and lost a lot on the deal. I do not regret it. Im a truck guy anyhow. I should not have purchased the CR-V.

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  DKKCRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Don - November 30 - 3:43 pm

  Best rated vehicle I could buy to tow behind motor home with four wheels on the ground. It has proven to be versatile and reliable.

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  my judgement - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dondy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, stylish ( similar to Mercede ML Class ). Roomy Interior provide more legroom. But the fuel consumption in acity is quite inefficient. But the overall performance is good, it is an eye catching mini SUV I think. You shouldnt lt new models out within 5 years.

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  Best little SUV You Can Get - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By The Best "CR-V" - November 29 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had this car over one year now. Ive had no problem with it even with rainy Portland summer and winter. The car drives great and it has a great view. The things Ive done on it are the regular oil change and tire rotation. I would suggest people to do the tune up once it reaches to 100K. I did mine around 95K and it gained more horse power after the tune up. It drives so much better now. CR-V alos work great in rain and snow. Ive had no trouble with ice roads and snow (just have to drive slow).

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  Love this suv, so far! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ft-dalbey - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this 2004 SUV and for the most part, I love it. Its fun to drive, looks cool, handles great for an SUV, and has tons of room for passengers and dogs too! Yet, is small enough to be reasonable on gas and easy to park in small spaces.

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  honda quality at great orice. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By faisal imran - November 28 - 10:00 am

  i purchased my 2nd crv from this dealership my first one was 98 and compare to the older crv, this new has improved has termendously. My wife drives it mostly and i had taken small trips in this vehicle as well currently i own a lexus ls 400 and i believe price and performance wise this suv is the perfect fit for us. i looked at several suv`s before making purchase we currntly own 2 other suv`s as well which are ml and explorer but price and performance and most important resale value is the key decision making factor for me and my wife. i hope this will help you with your future purchase of suv, benifit from my research while you are in the market.