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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  Much Research ... One Answer ... CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Research Man - May 9 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought the CR-V after extensive research (for about 15 months). There are a lot of good choices out there for a small SUV and it isnt easy to find which one is best for you. We use our vehicles for commuting to work and to see friends and family. We dont need something that will break land speed records or tow a house. There is plenty of power and room, interesting features, and a lot of safety built into the CR-V. If you keep your vehicle on pavement and use it for everyday tasks, the CR-V is TOUGH to beat.

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  This car is s-o-o-o-o thirstyÂ… - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By algoro - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is s-o-o-o-o thirsty… Gas mileage is horrible… In city (no traffic) – 17 miles/gallon; highway – 23 miles/gallon. I even went on a trip Seattle – LA - Seattle to test/confirm these numbers… Dealer said that it may get better after 7500 miles… Why??? I think I would NOT buy CR-V if I knew about this gas consumption…

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  fun to ride and affordable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By henry - May 7 - 10:00 am

  performance is tremendous. very fun to drive and depndability and reliability is a factor

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  CR-Vibrator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By James allen - May 7 - 2:24 am

  I have owned my 2015 EX-L AWD since October and I am very disappointed in two ways. Obviously from the title and other reviews you know one issue, and I will not pain you with the details. The other is that I bought the car for the advertised MPG and it is a huge disappointment. I have never seen more than 28 mpg highway driving from Baltimore to Virginia on open highway. I average only 17-20 city on short drives. A family member gets better mileage in an ACADIA. I drove a new Nissan Sentra for a month (with a CVT) and it was smooth compared to the Vibrator. I will take it to the dealer to find out what is wrong but right now I cannot recommend it.

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  Road nosie is the only problem... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Newbie - May 5 - 2:56 am

  I am not sure if its me or the car itself. I have driven my Mazda 626 for 9 years now and I never thought I heard other vehicles passing when cruising on a high way at 65mph. But with this new CR-V I could hear every car that I pass and the ones that pass by me. I also think the road/wind noise is more. Thats my only complaint. The vehicle feels otherwise very crisp and comfort. The noise is heard only on some highways. If the pavement is a newly done one, the noise is not bad. I think the insulation by the car bosy and the window mirrors are of poor quality. I really expected a nice noise free ride.

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  Pretty good overall - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - May 4 - 7:22 pm

  Too many rattles, and not great visibility. But car handles great - and the amount of interior space is more than enough. Not sure Ill buy another due to all the rattling, however.

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  Our second CRV, 2002 vs 2004 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dtskiles - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We had to replace our 2002 CRV with a 2004 after the 2002 was vandalized. Concerns about road noise were heard by Honda and there is a significant improvement. The engine still achieves a good balance with gas mileage. Note voluntary recall items n the 2002 were not urgent and the service dept addressed them during a regular free service call. The 2002 never once had any mechanical failures. We anticipate the same flawless performance from our 2004.

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  Saw it, had to have it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By DJ - May 1 - 1:26 pm

  I saw the new 2007 CR-V on the dealer lot, I stopped, drove it and bought it. What a great vehicle this is, from the outside to the inside, not a flaw to be found. It feels like a much larger vehicle than it is, which I really like but it is small enough that parking is easy! I feel like I am driving a luxury car without a luxury car price.

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  Excellent, but not without problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By TtuCrv - April 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 1st 2002 CRV sold in Lubbock, TX and have enjoyed it. Gas mileage is great for an SUV, good in all types of weather. Plenty of power to merge with traffic. After nearly 3 years, im still happy with my CR-V, but glad I bought the extended warranty, because at 52,003 miles the AC system had to be replaced. Without the warranty, I would have been out $1,600. Only other problems: windshield and paint on the hood chip easily, brake rotors have been worked on, drivers seat became loose, and Ive grown to hate the "popping" sound the ABS system makes when it self-checks after starting. Looking forward to the updates on the 2005 CRV.

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  Expectations Met - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By almac - April 26 - 6:24 pm

  Replaced a 97 Explorer on 06/04, 17,500 miles now. Fuel economy improved to 26 mpg @75 mph and 22 mpg in town. Interior room a plus, excellent width and cargo capacity. Seamless auto tranny, meat locker A/C in hot FL summer. Cruises great at 80 mph. Agile in traffic. Would buy again.