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 long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  A long term friend - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ELAINE LICARI - November 27 - 11:24 pm

  I hate to sell this car after 13 years of great service. The only reason I am buying a new car is b/c the 2003 has 180,000 miles and I didnt want to push the luck I had for so long. When I went to buy another Honda CRV (stick with a winner), there was another car on the lot just like mine (except it had automatic transmission and mine was manual). It had 400,000 miles on it.

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  Bluetooth Throws off system - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dee - November 27 - 2:24 pm

  On several occasions Ive had issues where Im using the Bluetooth and my whole system blacks out. My key fab doesnt unlock/lock the car, I changed out the key fab and it still fails from time to time. The manual key wasnt unlocking either. Dont recommend this car from a technology standpoint. Honda needs to step up their game in this category. Each time i go to the dealer to report this issue.. because it doesnt happen right then and there.. they do nothing. Its extremely frustrating and I wont buy another Honda again.

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  Honda 2003 EX CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By brian kennedy - November 24 - 2:00 am

  MPG 25-27 for first 6200 miles. Sure footed in rain and snow. Wife is principal driver and this is her favorite car or truck of the many we have owned.. Comfortable with plenty of room for all her "stuff". Loves 6CD changer. Good seats with room for adults in the back seats. Loads of storage nooks. EX is loaded and maintains its value. Ours is black and color blends nicely with none metal exterior trim. Dealer was a jerk. Charged for roof rack saying it could not be removed. Caused wind noise as he did not also install shield over the moon roof. Rack was removed in 15 minutes and I was given a refund. Dealer aside. Great car for the money!

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  I am sorry I bought it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jjjules - November 24 - 2:00 am

  My last 3 cars have been Nissans, but I wanted to try an SUV, and always liked the features in the CRV, Plus I figured you could not go wrong with a Honda as far as reliability was concerned. Wrong. The car has less than 4ooo miles and Ive had to the dealer 4 times for a check engine light problem, the last time smoke was pouring in the car. The interior molding is Cheap! If you even brush by it with a backpack or shoe its scratched. Carpeting is cheap and piling. And my gas milege is under 20 mpg. I wish I had bought the no- frills Ford explorer for a little bit more, but I am stuck with it. I will never buy another Honda!

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  2002 CRV - Almost Perfect! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By beemerider - November 24 - 2:00 am

  We love everything about this vehicle - great in the snow, lots of convenient features for storage, loads of rear seat legroom.

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  Very Practical Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mark wheeler - November 23 - 4:11 pm

  The CRV has typical Honda quality and reliability without any repairs after 66,000 miles. It has good interior cargo space but not quite big enough to jam in a sheet of plywood. The handling is good for an SUV and the mileage is reasonable at 21 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. For its price its the best value in the SUV field.

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  RATTLE NOISE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By weavie - November 23 - 2:56 pm

  I love my CR-V a lot. I feel safe in it. The only problem I have is with my back window (hatch). No matter how tight I close (or slam) it, its seems to make noise as Im driving down the road. I have to turn my radio up just to not hear it, but that doesnt get rid of the fact that its there. In looking at the design of the window, I would think there would be some rubber padding or something between the window and how it attaches. Maybe that is why its rattling. Dealer said its as tight as it will go. Also pulls to the right on acceleration like previous posts stated. Dealer said front wheel drives do that. Right wheel is the power wheel and is the reason it pulls? Still love it.

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  DONT BUY A HONDA! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By HateThisCar - November 22 - 2:54 pm

  Both the front and rear suspension are defective and make strange popping and knocking noises. This started after only a month after I bought the car brand new. AND after about 8000 miles, I started hearing gas moving around in the back of the car right after I fill the tank. It’s been to the dealer almost a dozen times and they can’t fix it. They say the gas sloshing noise is normal!!! Honda refuses to give my money back. Customer service stinks – after talking to me for 6 months, the rep has tried to blame every complaint on me or my driving and can’t even pronounce my name correctly. DONT BUY FROM HONDA!

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  Nice Little SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By coboarder - November 21 - 5:38 pm

  Ive owned this car for a few months now, and have really put it to the test. I have horses - and have never gotton stuck in the mud. Taken it skiing 3 times now, and it never slips - even on 7% grades on solid snow pack. Reliable, practical (good gas mileage) but needs more power. Does okay on mountain passes as long as its not too heavily loaded.