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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  Love the CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By snakeyk37 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my CRV. I bought it as something bigger then what I previously had, but smaller then a standard SUV. I knew that Hondas were reliable and built well. They have always had a great reputation and thats turned me on to them. My CRV rides nicely and is comfortable for long road trips, which I frequently take. Its roomy enough for four people and still comfortable. All of the features are user friendly and easy to reach from the drivers seat. I have yet to have any problem with my CRV and enjoy driving it all the time.

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  I love this car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By phxazcmw - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car, except for one thing. The brake calipers. There is a loud adjustment every time you go from reverse to drive. Louder than any other car ive owned. The dealer says this is normal

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  On my 2nd CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Lynda in SC - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd CR-V in less than a year. My 1st was totaled (not my fault). In the accident, I hit a concrete median wall doing 65 mph. Both my 3 yr old son and I escaped with NO injuries. I had to have another one!

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dan W - May 19 - 12:46 pm

  Maybe its just the new car allure, but so far I love my new CR-V. Ive owned Honda cars since 1983 and have enjoyed every one. I would still be driving my 2006 Honda Civic if it werent totaled in a fwy accident. I walked away because the car saved me. Honda engineering rocks! Thought my replacement car should be a little bigger and the CR-V fits the bill. New Accord looks nice but was just too big, too wide for what I need. Ive already bought about $600 in accessories to make my CR-V MINE!

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  I LUV my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MisterFurious - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  This has been the highest quality vehicle I have ever owned out of the dozen or so new vehicles I have purchased in my life. I have had no reliability issues, just a few annoying noises that probably cannot be fixed. They are very small things that do not affect the efficiency, effectivness, or safety of the vehicle. This vehicle rides so comfortably and smoothly and is wonderful in snowy Michigan with its AWD.

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  Happy Driving - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By davidwcramer - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new CR-V has provided the perfect match between long-range driving (comfort and great gas mileage) and easy around town/day trip excursions. There is plenty of room and its a peppy performer. Some folks knock it for noise, but having had a convertible previously, it seems very quiet to me!

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  2002 CRV-EX a solid winner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By carfool2000 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The new CRV has real pep - transmission seems to get the most out of the engine, including acceleration at highyway speed. Stable too, supposedly because of 500 lbs of steel strengthening the frame. Moonroof is also quite welcome. Nice to have "options" standard. Car not seduce you with design or style; it wins you over with sheer practical appeal. Dash is very easy to use. Wonderful for hauling from flat floor to great fold-down seats without removing headrests. The walk-thru is super. Only wrinkle is that I seem to get 19mpg around town... highway is more like 23 at best. The car also needs a deadpedal to rest the left foot. But its an easy car to live with.

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  POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS & BATTERY - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sumner - May 12 - 11:23 am

  BEWARE. Very poor design of positive battery cable connection. Instead of an adequate battery post clamp, it has a copper wire braid instead. This makes it EXTREMELY vulnerable to corrosion if battery leaks. Corrosion eats through copper wire braid and connection to starter is terminated. Car will not start. Fix includes replacement of the entire positive battery cable wire harness. Dealer priced new wire harness at $800 plus labor. Bought new battery and our mechanic rewired new cable to starter because the corrosion traveled down the cable to the starter. Battery should last more than 3-4 years. Googled to find numerous people have had this same problem on other models and years. Registered problem with NHTSA government agency for possible recall since it could result in serious injury or worse. Honda denied having had problem reported.

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lady d - May 10 - 11:33 pm

  Previously, I owned a Honda civic and held on to it for 8 years. I put a lot of mileage on a car and my civic was the first car I had ever owned that had lasted so long (8 years) with no major malfunctions, so I was already a Honda fan. Ive had my CR-V a week now, but I do really enjoy it. Its fun and easy to drive, and comfortable, with great gas mileage for its class. Ive had no problems at all with it so far, and love many of the features of the EX-L style. I would highly recommend this vehicle to others - its a fun, convenient car, with plenty of space, good driving, and Hondas impressive reliability.

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  Digital Displays - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By R. Komatz - May 9 - 7:53 am

  One big complaint about the 2005 Honda CRV. The digital display on the radio is way too small. You can not see the digits for time from the rear seat. Also, when the radio is on to AM setting, the display makes it look like the time is always "AM". Very bad design. Additionally, the outside temp display uses very tiny digits -- too small to read while driving! Otherwise, this is a GREAT car!!