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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  Practical value SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By mongo - October 14 - 1:00 pm

  Very affordable compared to "large" SUVs of unused large drive train and tires for off-road use but not utilized in Suburbia. CRV has more interior room. Automatic shift to 4- wheel drive is great: acts quicker than driver reaction to roacondiction change, and no need to worry about forgetting to be in 4-wheel drive at high speeds. Mileage is 20 to 25 mpg city.

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  Gorgeous CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Phoenix - October 13 - 9:20 am

  I just bought my 2009 Honda CRV LE (base model) two weeks ago. I got the glacier blue color with gray interior. Its a beautiful car w/ exquisite design. The interior is spacious (high ceiling) and adjustable high seating offer panoramic view. Good trunk size to haul groceries & furniture. Its a fun & sporty looking car. Handling can be a bit stiff and the engine drags when you try to accelerate (but then again it is a 4 cylinders). The following need improvements: 1. Lack power when you try to accelerate, make all trims V6. 2. Trunk door should release/pop automatically w/ press of button. 3. Add alarm to all trims.

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  5spd CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dr CRV - October 13 - 2:00 am

  If in the market for an SUV, regardless of price, consider this model. The 5 Speed is definetely worth the wait if you must order it. Loads of fun and very smooth and maybe the 3rd or 4th fastest SUV, regardless of price. Actual MPG is a bit off, never having gotten close to advertized figures but once .. still the best in class, though. Wind noise more prevelant than anticipated, particularly at highway speeds. Get the driving lights . Tires could be Michelins and a size wider. They are supposed to be at 26psi, not what the dealer delivers it at 32psi, which bodes for a harsher ride. Still, the best vehicle of its kind.

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  Could be better - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By sean - October 9 - 2:37 pm

  A few things to like about it, but the balance tips towards the negative. I like the spacious interior, decent stereo, the ride (most terrain), reliability, and fuel economy. However, it seems designed for shorter people. There is plenty of head room, but the driving position and seat are not at all comfortable for my 511" frame. Drivers seat is brutal for anything more than a trip to the grocery store. Wheel tilt range is too limited. The armrest and door are useless for resting my arms: too narrow / hard. The ride over uneven road surfaces is nauseating since the front end bounces too much (replaced struts thinking they were bad). Torque steer, noisy engine, CD player needs more buffer.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By bvillerev - October 9 - 12:42 am

  I have had my car since new. Now, with more than 95,000 miles, it is still an awesome car! I enjoy driving it and am so blessed by the reliability of it. Ive always done my routine maintenance suggested by Honda and have only had a couple of things outside of that done. Good ride but not exceptional comfort. A little too much roadnoise if given a perfect situation. But, still one of the best on the market! The only thing I would like to see changed is the corner posts of the car. They are rather large and get in the way of driving with full view on curvy roads. Oh well, I just lean a little and voila!

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  LOVE THE HONDA!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MYOB - October 8 - 10:00 am

  We have just bought our EX CR-V about 1 month ago. It is great! It is everything we thought it would be. Very spacious in front and rear. Nice sleek design. Great for long trips. This is a great car we were comparing it to the Hyundai Sante Fe but we felt that this was a better choice and we were right!

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  Great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gofaster - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! quite smooth to drive, enough power, decent brakes, stable at highway speeds. Interior is well designed and seats are comfortable. Easy to get in/out of. Visibility could be better. Very popular, so you see yourself coming and going. Not perfect, but for the money, its a 10.

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  Excellent Versatility - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - October 7 - 4:30 pm

  Have had the CR-V for almost 2 years now, and am still thrilled with it. Comfortable daily driver and can fit just about anything into it. Some wind noise from the A pillar. Im 510" and wouldnt mind an extra inch of leg room up front. Rear seats are cavernous. Have driven 5 adults buckeled in quite comfortably. Better gas mileage than most SUVs. Have seen as high as 26 mpg on a highway trip, as low as 20 mpg around town. Average about 23 mpg combined. AWD feature has activated in snow and heavy rains. Sound system is great. I would buy another CR-V in a heartbeat and would recommend it to anyone wanting a versatile vehicle that gets decent gas mileage and doesnt need to tow anything.

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  Optional Backup Sensors - Save Your Money - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By R Schirber - October 4 - 7:38 am

  Recently the Honda optional backup sensors were installed on my 2018 CR-V Touring AWD. When the install was complete I could not hear the beeps from the sensors. Granted by earing is not the best but I can clearly hear all the other sensors warning beeps on CRV such as the cross-traffic warning beeps, open door, blind side etc. The warning for backups sensor come a small device install in back corner of the SUV. The warning beeps should use the auto speakers like the other warnings. Also there is no indicator light in back for closeness ...yellow, red etc. Opened ticket on Honda owners webpage regarding the poor engineering of the backup sensors ... no response so far.

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  Satisfied owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Cake - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive just passed 5000 miles, most of them highway (my daily commute is four miles round trip). I have no complaints about the CRV. Some people have mentioned road noise. Its there, particularly on wet roads, but its not bothersome to me. The only problems I had were with the dealer. They charged me to do the DMV paperwork then messed it up to the point that I had to make two trips to DMV myself to straighten it out. They also screwed up the insurance. If I buy another Honda Ill find a different dealer.