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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  5th Honda, 2nd CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Keith - September 29 - 7:33 am

  Am very impressed with performance and interior sound quality. Girlfriend thought nav was expensive option, until we used it in downtown Kansas City, now she loves it. Backup camera is wonderful and nice to have option to see what is behind you. Is a real please to drive and ride in. Like all cars, if you drive it hard gas efficiency will fall off, drive sensible fuel efficiency is great!

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  Its ok, but needs much improvement - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By its ok - September 28 - 5:00 am

  So I have about 8k miles on this cr-v. It is ok so far but is begging for improvement. First off the gas mileage is no where near advertised unless you are going to drive pure interstate which I rarely do. My driving is 65% highway (at 65mph-70mpg) and Ive been averaging 20 mpg. I did drive this car pure city before and got approx 18mpg. Next is the engine. Do not even think about passing someone with this SUV. The engine is very underpowered, its almost like this car is begging for a v6. However, the engine is very smooth, and very quiet below 75mph. Ride wise this is a firm ride, Honda could have made the suspension a little softer. Finally THE ROAD NOISE! On the Highway it is very loud.

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  honda crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mmjord - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my second CRV and I love the changes theyve made - interior and exterior. The tailgate is so much easier to handle now that you can open the door without first opening the window.

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  My 2nd Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kango - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Honda that I have owned and I dont think that I would want to drive any other car. Although there were two recalls on my car already, I would rather have Honda want to fix something that may become a problem rather then do nothing about it.

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  CRV does well for us - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By alley cat - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We have made many trips across the US in our CRV and have enjoyed the reliability of the Honda. The only bad part of owning this Honda has been the horrible experience at the Honda East dealership in Beechmont, Ohio when trying to have it serviced. Their service department rates a big fat 0.

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  I like It - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sandy - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I like It, compared to a truck it has more interior room and it has very quick accleration and we get about 18 to 20 mpg on the highway and it gets around great in the snow.

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  Unbeatable - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By candelata - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many cars. Ferrari, Rolls, Explorers, Focus, Jag etc. My wife wanted a nice and small SUV and I opted for the CRV. Very impressive. Quick, nice ride, excellent air cond. Everything really nice. One thing Id improve? Brakes. Bit too soft, slow response but nothing serious.

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  Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By indahils - September 26 - 10:00 am

  With only 3000 miles on the car it is still to early for a definitive evaluation. But so far it has been great. We encountered a transmission switch problem but it was taken care of by the dealer with no problem.

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  GREAT CAR!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By trixidixie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Drives just like my Altima!!!! Get one.

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  Buy it, you will not regret it. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Champ306 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle proves to all that it can be done, pay attention American car companies, you need to learn from Honda. Simply put, there is nothing but good to say about the CRV, it does all and does it well. It does it for less than the American junk and holds its value like none other. I have had this CRV off road, on the road, hauling, towing, highway trips, round town, nothing fazes it. Quality is fantastic, power is great, no need for a six, tranny shifts at just the right time, all the time, brakes are just right. You will not regret owning a Honda CRV.