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:

• 

  Honda CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Gardengirlie - June 20 - 3:51 pm

  We put a lot of miles on our Honda. Its got over 130,000 and still running like a dream. Its never failed us, gets pretty reasonable gas milage, and is comfortable to drive. We have used the included table more times than you could imagine, camping, grilling out, tailgating, you name it. Its easy to fold down the seats for extra corgo room. We have used the cargo space a lot when landscaping or working on our home projects. We plan to buy nothing but Hondas from now on!

• 

  Love my Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By tinita721 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I plainly love my CR-V. I have at work a Jeep Liberty that is not even as half as comfortable as my CR-V. I even have transported passengers that are over 6 feet tall and feel very easy and comfy in the back seat of this apparently "small" SUV. You need to try to really agree with me. It is one of those cars that are useful and fun to drive.

• 

  Reliability and comfort in an affordable SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Bowie - June 17 - 1:20 am

  Other than low fuel economy (19 miles in the city) and a design issue with the cargo space (rear seat supports narrow the floor space in the center of cargo area), I love my 2008 Honda CR-V. Good pickup and handling, comfortable seating and decent electronics make this a great all-around auto. Im the original owner and have had no major issues and costs to maintain my CR-V have been excellent. Will keep her as long as she will run!

• 

  worst car ever - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By be - June 16 - 8:24 am

  My husband traded my honda pilot for this piece of crap 2018 crv. If you wan t to drive a 1999 car, then buy this. no storage space in the back every thing is just going to fly around or you have to put the thing were your tire goes. camera suck if u use it u will hit something this camera show thing s are far away when they are really close, and its blurry. I hate it with a passion worst thing my husband did to me and he financed it which makes matters worst. Horrible!!!!! A very dissatisfied customer!!!!!

• 

  superb - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By david w - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love it. it s dependable,good ride , handles great on corners.interior is roomy for vehicles over all size.

• 

  How I rate my Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mick Sanchez - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like/love my CR/V. I find it very enjoyably to drive. There is very little about the vehicle that I dont like. My CR/V has brought me joy and happiness as a owner. I think that Honda improves on their designs consistantly year after year. I am constantly looking forward to the new years models to see where they improved over the following year(s).

• 

  Excellent small suv - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Tomas - June 14 - 8:20 pm

  I have had my 2008 Honda Cr-v only a few weeks and so far i am very happy with this car. The ride is smooth and the build quality is excellent. I am getting 28 mpg on the highway and 25mpg overall, I am sure this will improve once the car is driven more. Honda is so focused on small details of the car, both interior and exterior features, and the ride is very quiet and comfortable. The styling of my suv, and it is the base model, is extremely sharp looking and rivals the appearance of much more expensive vehicles. The dealer experience has been great so far, I hope to have this Honda for many years. I would recommend the Honda Cr-v,

• 

  uncomfortable - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By meg - June 13 - 1:43 pm

  Gas mileage is excellent. Interior awkward and uncomfortable. Everything is too high. Cannot turn the smallest corners without everything sliding all over. Cups fall out of cup holders everytime you make a turn.

• 

  Peoples Car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By BartD - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Everyone who sees and or rides in mine assumes its a run of the mill $30,000 car instead of a sub $20K one. (Editors never fully seem to appreciated this accessability.) And of course, theres always that piece of mind, in those cold and wintery days, knowing youre in a Honda.

• 

  I Love It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheri Arp - June 12 - 4:53 pm

  I just purchased a Honda CRV. It is a vehicle that I have wanted for a very long time. I Love it, it is very comfortable and it is so much fun to drive. I also own a 2000 Accord SE and I have to say I do not think that I will ever own another vehicle other than a Honda.