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:

• 

  Great Vehicle at a Reasonable Price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By freelanceinsa - February 21 - 6:06 pm

  I bought my graphite pearl CRV three months ago after months of investigation and test drives of all small SUVs in this category. Ninety days after purchase, I believe I made the right choice. As a former owner of a Chevy Silverado pickup, I had an adjustment period in the shorter wheelbase vehicle--ride a bit choppy and tire noise more intrusive, especially on coarse pavement. But I liked the much improved fuel mileage-- about 22 in town (I drive very conservatively.) and 26--27 on the highway at a steady 65 mph. Handling is tight, steering a bit heavy, fit and finish exceptional, seating firm but comfortable, controls smoothe and intuitive. Of course, ita a Honda, so it will last!

• 

  Amazing Surprise - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Daniel - February 21 - 12:52 am

  My wife suggested this vehicle. We were wanting to downsize from our GMC Yukon that was costing $300 per mo for fuel and was hard for her to park. The CRV amazingly enough is comfortable for my 63" frame, my wife is tall as well and can stretch her legs completely out in the passenger seat, and it has plenty of room for our two kids too! Wow, what a difference, cheaper insurance costs, easy to park, plenty of room for groceries, garden supplies, books, backpacks and general every day utility. It handles well and the difference in quality between our CRV and the Yukon is like night and day. My only concern is the missing armrest on the drivers side... whats that about?

• 

  CRV - great deal for SUV performance - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By hoya02 - February 19 - 8:16 pm

  Very reliable SUV. Fun to drive. Didnt realize it did not have a lock mechanism on the door panel of the front passengers side. Missed that convenience I had with my 98 Accord. Glove compartment is smallest I have ever had. The owners manual fits and little else. Miss the Accords roomy interior. CRVs great cargo area is the main reason I bought it. It uses gas a lot faster than the Accord, but as an SUV, its still more economical than most. Grocery shopping is sometimes a problem for putting away groceries in the back because of the swing out door. Other vehicles often pull too close to the back door, and it makes it difficult to open the door to put items in back cargo area.

• 

  Very Happy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By garrett welch - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Since buying this automobile we have experinced "0" proplems, except rear left window motor broken. Honda will fix with no problems. Dealership is awsome. Car handles well. plently of leg room. Which we never had with our nissans. Gas mileage around 18-20. This is a outstanding vehicle. Our family is vey happy thanks honda.

• 

  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jeanbean - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda CRV. It is a pleasure to drive. The car handles well in all types of weather. It gets fantastic gas mileage. I am presently leasing my car and will most likely either buy or lease another CRV.

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lovethis_CRV - February 15 - 2:00 am

  More we drive it more, more we like it! I work in DC and its perfect for city and highway driving. Dont have trouble parking anywhere. Plenty of room to carry just about anything.

• 

  Perfect, almost - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Greg in L.A. - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I was drawn by the exceptional improvements over the 2001. The rear wheel disc brakes, metal timing chain, greater interior space, the 100,000 tune-ups, and the greater engine size/power, for the 2002 left the 2001 CRV in the dust.

• 

  2002 CVR - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sue - February 13 - 7:38 pm

  This really is a good vehicle, but Im surprised at how poorly the tires have held up, the paint quality is poor and has anyone ever backed-up into something???? I tapped another car in my driveway and was surprised at how the back side fell apart. The body side molding unattached itself from the metal and oh my what a dent! That was from a little tap rolling out of the garage. I am really beginning to worry how safe this car would be if it were rear ended. Has anyone encountered any rear end damage???

• 

  Extremely logical, comfortable family car. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Matt P - February 13 - 9:46 am

  We have had our CR-V for over two years now , and I thought some of the ratings here were a bit unfair. This car is, and will be reliable for a long time, has excellent control, handling and visibility, and holds its own among similar crossovers or small SUVs. It took me awhile to warm up to the little car, but my wife loved it from day one. We were having a child, and planning on another. Our two dogs and kids all fit just fine, with to spare. The only cons I can think of are the interior seems a bit dated for the higher end model we chose, and the mileage could be a bit better for the size of the engine. Honda could also offer a more affordable extended warranty. It runs great, is quiet and handles well over the passes in winter. We hope to keep it for a very long time.

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MRains - February 11 - 4:03 pm

  This is the third honda I have owned and by far the best. The inside of this smaller SUV is plenty roomy. I am a real estate agent and this car fits 4 with room to spare and even enough room for my full size dog in the back. Everytime I get into it I like it even more. It looks exactly like a lexus or bmw suv at half the price and better gas mileage. I cant say enough good things about this car. It is truly honda quality.