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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  Great little vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By snowflake - July 2 - 12:27 pm

  This is the 2nd CR-V that we have purchased. The 1st was an LX, this one was is an EX-L.The 1st was an 07 with 57000 miles. Absolutely no problems and was as reliable as the IRS collecting your taxes. If there is an area that I would change its the front seats get a little hard after a couple of hours in the saddle. Hopefully the leather seats and lumbar support with be better. One other gripe is the rear license plate holder. Why is there not a hold down feature on the bottom part of the license frame keeping it from slapping the tailgate when closing it or when going over bumps. Aside from those minor issues it is a great vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone without reservations.

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  Great ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By DaveCT - July 1 - 9:37 pm

  Bought the 09 in September and now have 21000 miles on it. Of course, all highway driving and I am averaging 26.2 mpg. I do watch the mpg gauge but average about 63-66 mph on my 39 mile commute (ea way). Lots of storage room when I drive to/from my kids colleges. Added a Thule kayak rack - busted my knuckles but works well. Great fit and finish. No problems other than brake grinding noise which turned out to be small stone that got caught up in brakes - just shook it out. Downsides: Fabric stains easily. No middle console, just cheapo holder between front seats which wastes space. These are awfully minor points and I love the CR-V, will def buy another when I hit about 130K or so.

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  Loving my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By john - June 25 - 10:24 pm

  Ive had my cr-v for over 5 years now. Its great to drive in this little cutie. Its peppy enough for me. Great on gas and always gets me to point a and b and then some. I purchased it with 45,000 miles. It s just over 140,000 now it runs like a champ. I recommend anyone to purchase a great vehicle like this. You wont be disappointed.

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  Great mpg, excellent handling, reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By clg22 - June 24 - 3:27 pm

  We bought our 2002 in 2005 with 40K on it and we have been very pleased. Seating is very comfortable on long trips and cargo space and versatility is excellent. Gas mileage of a car, but high like an SUV - great compromise. Nice pep when needed. Great in the snow (the Rav4 was awful). No major repairs at all yet! We have had the break pads replaced, the tires replaced, and all the other regular maintenance. No problems with AC as others have mentioned. Weve been very pleased with this car and would buy again.

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  My New 2010 Honda CR-V AWD with Nav - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Maria Karam - June 24 - 10:17 am

  I just got this vehicle a few weeks ago and am really very satisfied so far. Mileage is good and ride is comfortable.

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  Honda Hits Another Home Run - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Holly and Gary - June 17 - 7:15 am

  Best value for the money. The quality of the Honda CR-V is far superior to that of Toyotas RAV4. Its very comfortable to drive, has an excellent navigation system, solid performance, and RELIABLE! Having looked at many other CR-Vs, Honda provides the best value for the money. It is very roomy, with back seats that easily fold up like an accordion for more room. The dashboard has a smart layout, with controls on the driving wheel, plenty of leg room, well designed and fun to drive. Great visibility and handling on the road - a very well built car.

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  Keeps on Truckin - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By HondaForever - June 13 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my CR-V new and it has been outstanding. It just received 210,000 mile maintenance. Two minor repairs and scheduled maintenance only. It still looks and drives great. I would not hesitate to take off anywhere in it. Averages 26 MPG. My only issue is my neighbor wants to buy it and I feel bad because Im not giving this one up!

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberly - June 8 - 2:39 pm

  I love my CR-V! I feel safe behind it which for me is the most important thing! My complaints are minor though I will say the gas mileage isnt so great. But I love how it handles. This is the largest car Ive owned and parking it is a breeze.

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  5 yr old CR-V with no issues - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By flgramma - June 7 - 12:04 pm

  Ive had my CR-V since new in 2005. Just went over 87,000 miles. Bought one set of tires and change the oil every 8000 miles. Still runs great. I dont know the problems that others are having, but you can always get one bad vehicle out of thousands made. Dont judge this car by a few bad ones.

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  99 LX 2WD "Froger" - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By John - June 4 - 6:20 pm

  LOVE this car. 99 Clover Green 2WD auto. Driven her for 6 years after trading in my new off the lot 01 Dodge Dakota. Just put on another set of tires. Went up to 225/65/16s. Fun car to drive. Small, nimble, and green. Reminds me of the Frogger game in traffic. Not too fast up hills but she wasnt built for that. 26 plus on highway trips, 20 plus round town. Just pasted smog again with flying colors.