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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  Not up to typical Honda quality - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis O - February 9 - 2:58 pm

  This CRV is a disappointment. All the struts had to be replaced before 32K miles--the right rear twice! Cruise control never engages on the first push of the button. Its hard to get into 1st gear and is very difficult to put in reverse without major gear grinding. It has a high frequency vibration at 60-70MPH that comes and goes. New tires improved it but not completely. Factory tires are junk. Rear door strut failed, and had to be replaced. There is excessive road noise, especially at highway speeds. My dealer has been super in helping resolve problems. Ive had more issues with this vehicle than with all the other 4 Hondas Ive own combined. Next car: Highlander.

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  Newly purchased CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jpkant - February 9 - 8:53 am

  Having owned it for a month and 1600 miles, I am delighted with my new CRV. I traded in a Forester which was only 2 years old and I am pleased with the performance and comfort of the CRV. Plenty of power for commuting and super comfortable on the road. Very quiet and smooth ride (unlike Forester). Seats are so comfortable. Plenty of room for 4 adults too. Love the XM radio. I am getting 25 mpg in mixed driving and over 27 in all hwy driving which is what the Subaru got. Only complaints are rear visibility is a bit limited but not terrible, and the heat is slow to warm up.

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  Best in its class. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Edith - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned cars ranging from luxury to utility. This is without a doubt the only vehicle Ive owned wich offers everything I need. The 4WD has gotten me out of some tight spots on slick roads and on the other hand it looks great! Would recommend for family or singles. You wont be disappointed.

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  Wow!!! Totally Impressed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nycteacher - February 8 - 12:05 am

  I love this car. Just picked it up today and what an auto. I am crazy about it ... thank you, thank you honda.

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  Mainstreaming Easy Driving - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By thdave - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  The nice steering of this vehicle sets it apart a bit from the RAV4 and Outback, the other two vehicles I shopped. It feels small when driving due to its ease of maneuvering and parking yet it is large inside the vehicle. It has great tire grip and traction in the snow. I really like using the electronic brake next to the transmission, as it allows you to take your foot off the brake pedal after you have stopped. Most significantly, the adaptive cruise control works great on the road and in city traffic. It smoothly follows other vehicles to keep the same space between cars, it brakes smoothly and appropriately when the car in front brakes, it "resumes" (you tap "resume" if you have come to a complete stop for longer than 2 sec) or accelerates and follows after the car in front very nicely, too. This reduces driving frustrations and I instead feel like I just cooperate with traffic. This brings us closer to self-driving cars. Note I have less than 500 miles on the car so I answered OK-N/A to many questions (I have not filled up the gas tank yet).

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  My first new vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By 4x4 - February 6 - 7:03 pm

  Love it , very roomy, I dont like the seatbelt, hard to manuever over the thin armrest, but she is a sweet vehicle

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  Excellent choice - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By H West - February 6 - 6:58 pm

  Very dependable vehicle.

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  Great vehicle for drivers of any age! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By hkjcrv - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Im a recent college graduate. I had my eye on the CRV throughout the last 3 months of college, and decided to go for it after I landed my job. A month after purchase, I have 1000 miles racked up on it. Ive taken a 300-mile weekend trip, and its taken me all around town. I love my blue CRV! I love being high up off the ground to see over other cars, it has great pick-up, cargo space is amazing. I previously owned a 91 Civic so the gas mileage is a step down for me, but Im still pleased with the numbers Im getting (23 city/27 hwy), and Im told itll get better when engine is "broken in." I love the look of the interior plastic, but its easy to scratch

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  Honda lives up to its name - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JBarnes404 - January 30 - 7:14 pm

  This is a very very very good brand of autos, I was looking for an Expedition for about $10 K, but ran into a CRV, drove it and loved it...got it with 100000 miles now 126000 not one problem replaced the brake pads and oil changes this Honda looks and drives like new, I bet I can get well over 200000 miles we will see.

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  Dissapointed - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By J Papadatos - January 29 - 10:36 am

  For years I heard about how great Honda cars were. I bought this one and said never again. Its got no power. Ive had loads of trouble with it from day one. It eats brakes, always needs something adjusted or replaced. The drivers window has cost me over $300 so far and still isnt 100%. Overall a very poor quality product in my opinion. The dealers I have dealt with are arogant and unhelpful at best. You wont see me in a Honda after I get rid of this one.