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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  My CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Sharon Hayes - August 18 - 3:29 pm

  Excellent gas mileage. Good ride. Could be more quiet.. Good in snow. Great for hauling stuff. Could be more comfortable on long trips

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  grammys car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By nancy thompson - August 16 - 1:12 pm

  Great auto for this grammy driving to teach in the Brown County schools for four years.

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  Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Loubaby - August 16 - 7:53 am

  Love my 2007 CR-V, its a major improvement over the 2003 EX model I also own. This CR-V ride is more comfortable, controlled and quieter. The interior design/layout is much nicer. Bought the EX-L model, the leather seats are nice, but could be a little more comfortable. The 2.4 4-cyl. engine is fine for most driving, though trying to accelerate in highway traffic to pass other cars is sacrificed. Im averaging about 25 MPG in mixed driving, which is not bad for this class of vehicle. For all highway driving I am getting 28-29 MPG. So far very pleased with vehicle and would recommend to anyone wanting a compact SUV.

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  CR-V fan - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V fan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research and was not disappointed when it came time for the test drive. Plenty of room,features and power. The accessories I added finished it off nicely. Excellent vehicle!!

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  Great choice for an SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - August 14 - 1:53 am

  Weve recently purchased are CR-V and love it. It rides quite and handles great in the rain and icy roads. The gas mileage is good for an SUV. The interior feels like a luxury vehicle and is very comfortable. I also like the new exterior of the CR-V. My last car was the civic and am very happy of this purchase

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  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James Krizmanic - August 13 - 2:51 am

  Overall, this is a great car for the money. A little too much plastic, but one would expect that for the money.

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  Would buy another CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Mike S. - August 11 - 1:17 pm

  Really Dependable solid car. This car has really held its value!

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  Uneven Tire Wear - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By honda_addict - August 11 - 10:10 am

  I was very pleased with my 2003 CRV until I noticed that the road noise was increasing dramatically. The tires have been rotated every 7,500 miles and the alignment was checked twice - one minor adjustment on the rear passenger side. At 25,000 miles, the outer two treads were below spec on all four tires, but the middle and inside treads were fine. I keep 32 psi all around. Im disappointed - new tires after only 25,000 miles. I wont tolerate that and got rid of it... Too bad, I really liked my CRV. :-(

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jose - August 9 - 1:05 pm

  I brought my crv to service last 3/15/16 to c/o about the vibration I feel when my car is in idle. The service checked it and fixed the problem,. when I drive my car home I noticed a big difference in the mileage. I lost 3miles /gallon. Honda fixd the problem and gave me another problem. I bought crv for the mileage they promised. I called the dealership and still waiting for any solution they can give me. Honda you suck!

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  This is a great vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Love My CR-V - August 8 - 12:12 pm

  I love the reliability, quality, and everything about this vehicle. Honda has done a good job, I never worry about this car. With 44000 trouble free miles I am looking forward to being able to pay this vehicle off and drive it for a year or two more. That is how well it drives now. I couldnt be happier! All I have done is put front brake pads, resurface the front rotors, and tires. It is also great in the snow!