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 around town car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rick - November 21 - 4:22 am

  I have had the CRV for about 9 months, I have a little over 12,000 miles on it. I find it is an excellent around the town car. I use the speed control quite a bit and I am getting between 26-27 MPG. I traded in (up) from my del Sol which got better mileage, and Im not sorry. I can take 3-4 people with me, now.

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  What I was looking for! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hey sis - November 20 - 10:33 pm

  I test drove most similar sized models so that I could have my own comparison information. I chose the CRV because of the value for my dollar. I have been thrilled with the performance so far (6 weeks). I live in outer suburbs, so gas mileage was an important factor and so far I am averaging around 21 MPG in town. I have not taken it cross-country but am sure that I will be happy with those results too.

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  Great Car Lousy Tires - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Rough Rider - November 19 - 7:32 pm

  I was surprised to find good power and handling with this small vehicle. I hope it will have a better resale value. My local dealer balanced the tires twice but I still find going over 60 mph is noisy and rough. Equipped with bridgestone duellers.

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  CR-V The Perfect Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By fdopk - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is a versital ergonomically designed vehicle. If you are worried about saftey, it is the first SUV to get a quadruple 5 star crash test rating by the U.S. government. Price, anywere from 19k- 25k. Gas milege is anywere from 20- 23 mpg.

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  Great ride and value - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Very satisfied crv owner - November 19 - 12:29 am

  Honda has stepped up the crv with its styling, features and safety. One test drive and the explanation of all the standard features and we were sold. The EX with the turbo is all you need unless you really need leather seats,navigation or roof racks.Your phones navigation can be connected and it works great. The adaptive cruise control and lane centering features make driving relaxing(it practically drives itself). Drove from Ct to Florida and back with a loaded vehicle at 70-75mph and averaged about 37mpg. Touch screen is easy to see and use. Traded in a 2014 Toyota Camry se and my auto insurance actually dropped in price. Only negative Honda had no incentives or financing specials, but it is still a great value. No other SUV in this price range or higher can compete with this crv, I checked them all out.

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  Best all around SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaman - November 15 - 5:04 pm

  Own my CRV for 18 months now and it is all that I expected and more. Extremely user friendly interior with plenty of cargo space. Front seat should slide back an inch or two more for extra driver legroom. Rear seats are very comfortable and roomy. Road noise can be quite intrusive and the poor standard tires dont help. Very happy with the gas mileage average of 22 MPG. AWD activates smoothly on slippery road surfaces. Handling is good but a bit tippy in hard cornering. Would highly recommend this vehicle because of its excellent versatility, build quality, value and reliability.

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  No weaknesses - great fuel econ - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By zippy - November 14 - 12:43 pm

  recent trip from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh and back averaged 31 miles/gal with a 4wd vehicle. fun to drive and well balanced for power, econ, and functionality. Wow!

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  CRV: Nice Car - with unexpected issues! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Driver - November 14 - 2:20 am

  It has a few drawbacks: a) Fuel Inefficient (15 in the city, 20 highway) for last two months. b) The folding table broke without anything on it! Tip for using it: never use handle to lift it up. Just slowly pop it up, from the middle. c) Paint crack: I just saw it on the hood last night.... covered under the warranty? d) Front foot room - already mentioned: exhausting during long drives. BTW Angelica; the noise experienced is due to gear selector being blocked/released, at higher speeds.

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  A little disappointed in my Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ty - November 12 - 7:29 pm

  After putting up with my Olds Alero for 3 years I wanted to move into a Honda for reliability/refinement reasons. Im quite disappointed overall. My CR-V drives pretty nicely for a small SUV and meets most expectations, but Ive come away very sorry I bought it for a couple of reasons. Most importantly is ride quality, which is just terrible. Im amazed nobody mentions this, as my CR-V is the worst riding vehicle Iv ever owned. With correct tire pressure this vehicle is brutally stiff over expansion joints and road irregularites. Typical interstate travel feels like driving on braile. Also, Ive found the build quality to be un-Honda like. At only 5K miles I have 4 loud/constant rattles.

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  LOVE IT LOVE IT - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - November 12 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car. After researching lots of SUVs I decided on the V & am happy with my decision. I had a corolla & wanted a RAV to stay w/toyota but after driving both there was no comparision & got the V. After 6 mos I still love it. Im disappointed w/gas mileage Ive been getting 18-20 I did get one trip of 25 straight hwy driving. Its a comfy ride & has good get up&go. The only dislikes I have are the mileage which is lower than advertised & that I cant lock the car with the doors open. Its pain to have keys in my hand along with other things instead of being able to lock it first & put keys in my purse & have more hands. Ive left my car unlocked several times accidently due to this