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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  SUPERB! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa K. - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I got tired of the small cargo space in a sedan and the mailboxes and tollbooths being out of reach, as they are now all set at heights for SUVs. I LOVE my CR-V!!! It holds what I need, the interior is spacious and amazingly well-designed. I drive an hour each way to work each day, and it is super comfortable. I love being up higher in rush hour traffic. Nice and stable rounding curves and in snow this past winter. First thing we did was take it on a 500 mile trip, and it was very enjoyable to drive! Good accelerating power, and easy to use cruise control.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRVLUVR - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After 8000 miles, we love our CRV. Drove 13 hours on vacation in a day with no problems. We have not had any problems at all with this SUV. Comfortable and roomy. I wish acceleration was a little quicker, but its a trade off for good mileage. Lot of storage places. We finally figure out the best use for the compartment below the radio is as a french fry holder.

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  Great vehicle!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By defan3 - October 23 - 2:51 pm

  I purchased my 03 CR-V back in June of 03 and already have 46,100 miles on it. I really love it and have had no major problems. It is very roomy, interior was carefully thought out. It has so much room, I used it to haul a corner shower kit that wouldnt fit in my S-10! Love the oversized climate controls, perfect when wearing winter gloves. We can drive it from Ohio to Wisconsin (about 430 miles) on one tank of gas! We go about 6 times a year and really enjoy the ride. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable, fun-to-drive SUV.

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  I love my new CRV ! It has everything I want. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ginny - October 22 - 7:22 am

  I wanted a 4 wheel drive vehicle with good (nimble) handling, reasonable gas mileage, good acceleration, up to date electronics and convenience features. I wanted a great backup camera, good airbags, bluetooth /audio that works flawlessly with multiple phones, easy loading and roomy space for groceries and large bulky items, and NO navigation. The phone navigation apps are better than anything built in to cars, and most navigation systems ( built in) are costly and out of date before the car is shipped. My phone has multiple apps, with better AI built in, and I prefer to use it. Bonus feature on CRV is the right blind spot wide angle camera that comes on the big screen when you signal a right turn, or push a handy button. Both side mirrors have these extra features to allow viewing your blind spots and cyclists on the road. the price is really good considering this is my dream car. I traded my Jeep Wrangler as down payment and only pay same loan payment. I got a better extended warranty, and the CRV is MUCH better than my Wrangler.

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  Gracie - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joe carroll - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Extremely roomy - 27mpg highway. Had 8 large pieces of luggage, 4 people and 5 carry ons in the car with all of the doors shut. In my opinion, this SUV is the best in its class. I would highly recommend this car to everyone!!

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  New CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By code - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My CR-V is excellent, it is so quite I have to look to see if its started, The ride is very smooth, and I can turn on a dime, I love the front wheel drive and the 4WD when I need it. I didnt think I would like the tray in the middle, but I couldnt live with out it now. I am very HAPPY with my new CR-V.

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  CR-V has a few glitches - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By cally - October 17 - 4:14 pm

  Consumer Reports recently came out with a report that stated that the Honda CR-V 2016 has very poor traction in the snow. Takes forever to stop. This completely defeats the purpose of buying a 4 wheel SUV. When I called the dealership to tell them about the report, they said they had no idea what I was talking about. Should they not know?!; they sell the product! Now I am afraid to take the car out in the snow. Also, the rear view camera was fogging up on a rainy day, so I took it to another dealership to be looked at. They basically wasted my time; "found nothing wrong". And sometimes when I click the door unlocker twice, it does not open the passengers side door. Also, they force you to buy "packages" when you order a car; we are senior citizens, and do not want or need all these extra bells & whistles!

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  CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike D - October 17 - 4:11 pm

  Great vehicle overall but uncomfortable on long rides. Poor fuel economy, nowhere near the 25-30 mpg that is adverstised. Harsh riding because of smallish wheelbase.

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  CR-V Passenger Seat Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By david_2015 - October 17 - 11:37 am

  I just purchased a CR-V EX model yesterday. After I got the CR-V from the dealer, I immediately found that the passenger seat vibrated at idle with in D drive position when air condition is off. You cannot find this in your test driving since the dealer occupied the passenger during the test drive. Do all 2015 CR-V have this passenger problem? This is exactly showed in the following by other https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR-YQAJRRB8&noredirect=1 In the ABS 7, Honda spokesman said that Honda is aware of the situation and is researching whether a meaningful fix can be forthcoming. He expects one this year.

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  I love my CR-V! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Anne - October 15 - 1:06 pm

  When the CR-V got redesigned in 2007, I wanted it. I finally got rid of my 12 yr. old gas guzzling V-8 Jeep and got my beautiful Glacier Blue 2008 CR-V EXL. I thought about a RAV4 but loved the fact that the EXL had everything I wanted standard (leather heated seats, moon roof) and the tire was not on the back. The back gate lifts up with one finger and there is plenty of room to haul things. I cant rave about the gas mileage in town because I drive in stop and go traffic to work, but on the highway I have gotten over 20+ miles per gallon. The stereo is amazing with the subwoofer and 6 CD changer--you can really blast your favorite music! The windshield wipers are so big and powerful.