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:

• 

  Great Car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By rahilio - July 31 - 10:00 am

  dont go in there thinking this is an off road vehicle just go in there thinking the comfort as apposed to a regular car and size and protection the accelerartion is great very spacious inside and very unique

• 

  Blue Beauty! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By William Barnes - July 28 - 2:17 pm

  I really enjoyed test driving the 2014 CR-V LX. I thought it was very roomy and comfortable. I thought it had pretty good acceleration, and was fun to drive. The storage was impressive with back seats down. The LX is well equipped, but does not have a sun roof if that is something you are looking for. The 2014 has the 5 speed auto transmission, which I liked. I also tested a 2016 with a CVT, that I also liked, but it had some hesitation when first starting out. I did not wind up buying the CR-V, I wound up with a 2015 Honda Civic. The main reason I went for the Civic was because I wanted a stick shift car and found a certified beauty. But I would not hesitate to recommend the CR-V, it is a really nice vehicle, and can be bought as a Certified Honda car for a warranty and more confidence in what you are buying. I did not get to try it in snow, but I imagine the All Wheel Drive version which I drove would be great in the snow, especially with snow tires mounted.

• 

  5 Speed Fun - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Petra - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great on gas and fun to drive

• 

  Honda CRV 2004 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Kawailani - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately there has already been 5 recalls on this 2004 CRV. The miliage promised with this Honda is not what it is. Many of the special ammenities which came with this car has already fallen apart and I have taken it to the dealer several times to have things fixed, ie. speakers from stereo, latch where you can place your gas cap while fueling up fell off twice, hood of vehicle failing to close, brought back to dealership twice for repairs, problems with brakes X1.

• 

  Didnt intend to buy this car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By e chase - July 22 - 1:23 am

  Was looking for 2008 Accord, but didnt care for extra length. Have owned several Hondas with excellent results; 90 Civic 93 Civic, 96 Civic, 93 Accord, 02 Accord. All excellent vehicles! Still have the 93 and 02, Combined 270K with no major repairs. Loved this CR-V with first drive. Excellent visibility for short spouse. Power is adequate, comfort excellent and fit and finish is typical Honda. Ride is smoother than I anticipated.

• 

  AWESOME SUV! Better than the 2013! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mickey Musick - July 20 - 10:36 am

  Traded a 2013 CR-V, EX-L for a new 2016. The new 4 cylinder engine and the CVT transmission are allowing me an improvement of 3.0 mpg better than the old 2013 model. Front leather seats are now perforated, better than the solid material of the 2013. The AC vent through the console to the back seat is a big plus for your back seat passengers. Road noise is still a big issue. Why cant they put more sound absorbing insulation and carpet in their best selling vehicle?? The new lane watch camera on the passenger door mirror is awesome! The 3rd/last line in the mirror image are perfectly aligned with the grill of the car you just passed. You know, like you were taught back in driver education! Awesome design! Not a fan of the new tiny console. Way too small. Went to five dealerships in one day looking for a white EX-L with beige leather interior. Not a single one to be found in the Houston area. A few days later, I was contacted by my favorite dealer that they had found one, obtained it, and were waiting for me to pick out the dealer installed options. Who knew that white with beige interior was so hard to find????

• 

  Nice safe vehicle - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda L - July 17 - 4:06 pm

• 

  I Love My CR-V EX-L AWD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By JerseyGirl - July 13 - 9:03 am

  When shopping around for a new crossover vehicle, I also considered Toyota RAV4 & Hyundai Santa Fe. RAV4 was too small, leather seats were uncomfortable, interior was disappointing - cheap looking - tire cover on back is ugly. Santa Fe priced right, roomy, comfortable; however didnt like "fake wood" on dashboard and doors. Made interior look old fashioned. CR-V EXL 4 door AWD came standard with leather package including moon roof, rear storage cover, floor mats & other extras were all included in price, not add-ins like the RAV4. The 4 cylinder has just as much acceleration power as competitors V6s. Handles well on curves. Plenty of storage spaces. Sufficient leg room in front and back.

• 

  First new CAR - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EAB1 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  We evaluated all vehicles for over a year before buying our 03 CRV-EX. Deciding factors were room, lack of center console (a good thing, I like the space left open), and fuel mileage. The automatic is more that adaquate. We test drove a stick and that thing is just plain FAST!!! First tank I checked fuel mileage, got 23.8 in mixed driving, outstanding for an SUV of this size. Drivetrain is extremely smooth. There is plenty of room up front and in back, more than most other SUVs regardless of size.

• 

  New CR-V Special Edition - Fantastic! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By neilinnc - July 9 - 11:13 pm

  Just purchased but already know Im going to love it. Remarkably quiet, responsive, good power in 16valve VTEC 2.4l engine. Typical Honda quality and thoughtful layout. Leather seating and heated seats worth the extra money. Unbelievable features in a $25000 SUV