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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  Lot of Spunk for A Nots So Little Car ! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CoudieBug - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from a Pathfinder, I was concerned that this was going to be just too small. Not so ! Very roomy for people and cargo with that shifting backseat. Great pickup for a 4C (much better than V6 Pathfinders)but the placement of the gear shift and emergency brake are extremely awkward. My husband knocks the shift gear every time he tries to tune the radio ! (Thank God he doesnt drive it much!) Mileage is good but should be better. Had to replace window motors in all windows just after purchase and clicking with brake pads. Dealer was great with all concerns.

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  Best Vehicle Ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By paboo2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I only have 1200 miles on it so far, but it appears to be the most solid vehicle I have ever owned. It is quiet, has adequate power, and great build quality. American manufacturers had better wake up soon or they will be left behind.

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  Love my 2004 CR-V EX 5-spd manual - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By bjpva - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Looks great, fun to drive, Im very pleased with quality. Many convenient features! Beats RAV4 and Forester in appearance. The 2004 CR-V rocks! Lots of standard features!

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  Love my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Labman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I traded a fun-to-drive Celica for a more practical and useful CR-V. It has proven to be a very good purchase. Its very useful and fun to drive. Honda quality shows through in many ways. The engine is very peppy and its easy to keep up with sometimes manical California freeway traffic.

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Roy Brown - September 23 - 9:30 am

  Great handling. Nice strong engine through all gears (cant believe its a 4). Very large interior. Comfortable seats. Plenty of cargo room; lots more with the seats flipped up. Around town 24 MPG. Paint and exterior detail is perfect - even in cracks and crevices. Smooth, positive ride. Road noise is minimal. Doors close like an airtight vault. The only problem is that Im still talking to myself about paying list price, $22,740.

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  Excellent SUV in the market! Beats Rav4 - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CS - September 22 - 5:56 pm

  I love my 2008 CR-V. Its the best I ever had! Fun to drive and yes Fuel Economy is great. It gives me 24 MPG combined and 31 MPG on Highway! cant beat that on a SUV

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  My Best Vehicle Yet! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jorene Slowinsk - September 20 - 7:18 pm

  My Honda CR-V works for me. I do a lot of yard sales and often need to transport large items. The back seats are so easy to fold down, that I dont hesitate to make the adjustment at a whims notice. My family was here on vacation this summer. They drove up in a full size mini-van. With the way gas prices were increasing daily, we opted to use my CR-V. My son and his family will be in need of a replacement vehicle very soon and Im planning on giving them my 2000 CR-V and purchasing a new one for myself.

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  The Good and The Bad - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By EA Williams - September 20 - 11:20 am

  This is a great town car with lots of pluses and a few minuses.

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By banehawi - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder for the CR-V, and Ive been quite happy. CR-V is very agile and peppy to drive. Mileage is not as good as I would have expected, but much better than the Pathfinder. It is surprisingly roomy, with much more useable interior space than the Pathfinder. Stock tires were Brigdestone Dueller H/T, which I found so noisy that I replaced them after 3000 Km with Yokahama Avid, - much smoother, quieter and better grip in the wet.

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  Love the new body style.... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By LG - September 19 - 8:23 pm

  Miniature version of the Pilot, not quite as smooth a ride, but close. Perfect small SUV for those who arent locked into the comfort of a larger one. I have a Pilot, daughter fell in love with CRV and traded her new Civic for it (shes 20). Much "sportier" than the prior years, kind of look like the new small BMW SUVs (much better reliability Im sure).