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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  Almost perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By elui - September 18 - 2:46 pm

  I have this car for a little over a week already. I really like this car. The manual transmission is great. It is smooth and quiet (no clicking noise problem). A lot of power in low gears. High RPM in highway speed (over 3000) slightly over 70 mph. Road noises depends on ashalt(good) or concrete road (bad) but very good in general.

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  Not worth the money - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - September 17 - 11:37 pm

  The vehicle rides a little too noisy. It lacks power. But is very annoying because the ac sends a stale odor into the cabin after sitting for a few hours. Honda has not been able to fix and tells me to turn the ac off. Thats not acceptable. This is our 5th Honda. No major issues before. They all have lacked power and had several squeaks. It usually took me a few months to fix the squeaks... then ok.

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  Best vehicle we ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin L. Green - September 16 - 10:18 am

  Its a Honda, what else can I say. We owned an 1998 CR-V and traded it for a Nissan Xterra thinking we wanted a "bigger" suv. Needless to say after a few years we really missed the CR-V. We ended up trading back to the 2002 CR-V and have been enjoying it ever since. Its not only reliable but overall a very economical vehicle to own. The CR- V is also very comfortable to ride in on long trips. It rides like a car but at a higher view point of the road. Our next vehicle will be an new CR-V, probably a 06 or an 07. I reccomend this vehicle whole heartedly.

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  I like it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By LTC - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I shopped seriously for about 3 months, looked at Saturn Vue, Toyota RAV4 & Highlander, a Mitsubishi, and the Honda Pilot. My first 2 tanks of gas (97 octane) have been just over 24.9 MPG. I drive 15 miles to work ending up at downtown Indianapolis.

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wolfboy - September 15 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a good, reliable vehicle, then look no further.

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  No problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By cee - September 15 - 10:00 am

  great suv would not trade it for another in its class. i would trust it anywhere. It hols its own. I love it!!! Fun to drive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Since a Volvo wasnt in the budget... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Cadia - September 14 - 3:43 am

  Bought in June, 07, and aside from thinking Im cursed for buying a new car (Ive already been dinged, rear- ended, gently fortunately, and scratched by an eager canine at the dog park), Im happy to have my first Honda after years of Volvos (finally got tired of the repairs and new ones are budget busters for me). Tried the RAV but like many people, the swing back hatch doesnt work. Its my first Honda and so far so good; decent gas mileage, comfortable for the dogs (and me), and excited about the low maintenance and high resale.

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  Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NHPaul - September 14 - 2:00 am

  After test driving Toyotas Rav4, 4Runner, and Highlander, as well as the Honda Pilot, we were convinced that for the price, the CR-V was the best buy. Now, after having it for almost 6 months, we still love it! I drive it to work (42 miles each way) and have not had one (1) bad experience with it. It is not a million dollar car, but for the $24K that I paid for it, it is worth every penny!

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  Awsome SUV! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ptchevy - September 14 - 1:34 am

  I LOVE this car! Had to replace one of the cooling fans and performed necessary maintenance, but have NEVER had any type of engine or driveability prolems. I have 125,000 miles and will drive it til it dies, which may never happen, seeing how it rides and handles just like it did when I bought it with 24,000 miles on it.

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  Very fun to drive! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jenflinton - September 11 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had my 2006 CR-V for about a month, and I love it! It has the benefits of an SUV, such as sitting up high, but is still compact and easy to maneuver and drive. It handles well and looks great.