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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I guess I got the best on the lot - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Todd Hutcheson - July 1 - 4:52 pmI considered a few other cars, 2015 Nissan Rouge, 2016 Honda Fit and Versa. They had one 2016 CR-V AWD SE in Pearl Blue Special Edition. Absolutely the best ride, controls, looks, comfort, back-up camera, 17 inch wheels, tinted windows, security features and only 24 miles on it. Love at first sight, fit like a glove, 1 and 1 makes 1. I am so proud of my new CR-V AWD SE that I bought at Lynnwood Honda (north of Seattle), the radio, heater, wipers fold down seats with my all season floor mats and cargo mat in the back. Just... I am in tears. I drove junk for 18 years, this will be my last car and I made the correct choice. The Back-up Camera alone is worth the price. It has power when I need to pass and the Econ button saves me the gas. Some times when I get to where I am going... I just dont want to get out. And there is always the look back. After 2 months I have not seen another Honda CR-V AWD SE in Pearl Blue Special Edition like mine. Happy happy happy. - Sincerely, Hutch
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Very happy with purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
By Dennis - June 29 - 7:50 pmTest drove this car before I purchased it and find take off wasnt as fast as I wanted it but, It is only a for a 4 cyl.. Other than that Im very happy with my purchase. Very dependable. I take care of my cars and plan to have this for many years to come....
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just OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
By lisa - June 28 - 3:36 pmIm not sure what all the rave is about and why the CRV gets such high marks. This is certainly a practical car, but it doesnt have much power and doesnt handle all that well. Ive had issues with turning and accelerating, especially on wet surfaces. And this car is NOISY. The noise from tires and wind while driving is very loud. I much preferred the Jeep Liberty for pep, , sturdiness, handling and fun, but it did not get good gas mileage so I had to trade it for the CRV. Im disappointed but today, fuel economy is the most important factor for me. But that even suffers tremendously when using the air conditioning.
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Billf is happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Billf - June 27 - 2:00 amWonderful Vehicle if you in mind for a Mid to small size SUV....great gas mileage, comfortable ride...with quite a bit of pep.
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Nice compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Great CRV - June 26 - 3:43 amTraded in an Accord which was a great car, just sat too low, had difficult time getting in and out. The CRV is just the right height to enter and exit. Looked at the Rav 4 but decided to stick with the Honda. Handles great, leather seats are comfortable with good support. Power is adequate would like to see the 190 horsepower engine though
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Silver Bullet - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Lisa Hernandez - June 25 - 10:00 amAfter testing driving the Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Toyota Rav & Forerunner, Hyundai Santa Fe, the Honda CRV topped all of them. All of the others were V- 6s that I test drove, none of them had the ZIP that the CRV had, and its a V- 4. The car is spacious and plenty of legg room for passengers. I must say the design is getting better I disliked the earlier design which is why I would have never considered buying earlier models. You cant beat the reliablity also.
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the best cr-v yet - 2008 Honda CR-V
By butch2u - June 24 - 7:33 amI traded in my 07 cr-v for the 08 cr-v ex-L. I have installed a k&n air filter and did a synthetic oil change. I have noticed an increase in power and mileage. I am getting 31 hwy and around 22 city. well above what this vehicle is rated.I love the ride and I dont think i could ever go back to a sedan.
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Five years later and Im still in love - 2000 Honda CR-V
By crvbee - June 24 - 2:40 amI now have 108,000 miles on my 2000 CR- V (manual transmission) and just had the first non-maintenance repair work done today. The right rear trailing arm needed to be replaced. To say that I have been thrilled with my purchase, is a bit of an understatement. Its been reliable, versatile, comfortable and fun to own. Its surprisingly roomy and can fit just about any cargo youd care to move on a typical Saturday. It cleans up well for a nice night on the town, but isnt too prissy to get dirty should the occasion arise. I hope to have 3 - 4 more years with this one, and wont have to look far for my next car. My local Honda dealer (where ever that may be) can expect me in 2008 or 2009
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Exceeded my expectations - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Chas - June 23 - 4:06 pmTraded Infiniti G35 for more cargo space. Now at 4,500 miles, I really like this car. Wife previously had an earlier model CR-V. This is far better. Gas mileage, interior, and performance. Dont be fooled by competitors 6 cyl models, this 4 cyl has plenty of power. Handled road trips on hilly interstate highway without annoying tranny downshifts. Gas mileage is 30 mpg on freeway if you stay around 70 mph. In town its around 22-23 mpg. Back up camera is GREAT! Really miss it when I drive my wifes car or a rental. Audio system excellent. Appreciate the PC-Card slot and integration with audio system to play MP-3. Nav system improved over my wifes 2004 Pilot, better than G35.
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great in snow - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Nova Scotia CRV - June 22 - 5:58 pmOur CRV was great in the snow. I put BF Goodrich Winter Slaloms on it and was able to plow through snow that was as high as the "H" in the grill.
