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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  My first Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shar - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned the CR-V for 2 weeks now and love it. I am looking forward the seeing how it handles in the snow this coming winter. I am disappointed in the gas mileage, and think some of the " options" should be standard.

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  Honda CRV SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By KVA - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I could have is that it doesnt have quite as much "pickup" as I would like when climbing a mountain road. Still, it doesnt LOSE any speed. Its the most comfortable vehicle Ive owned. Beautiful styling overall. I feel that it has the best parts of station wagons, SUVs, and minivans put together.

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  Bad Brakes - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By abwilson - January 27 - 7:32 am

  With only 3000 miles on the vehicle, it has been in for repairs 3 times. All of which are brake related. Rear brakes had to be replaced already. Its a fun to drive mini Suv, when it isnt in the shop. Very disappointed because it is unreliable. I will never own another Honda.

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  A great car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By GW - January 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is a great reliable car, not expecting anything less from a Honda! Purchased car new in 2001 and has been working great with no major maintenance just regular oil changes and service -granted it has only been 4 years, but our previous car which we also got new, within few months transmission went bad and car was never the same afterwards.

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  Excellent for small family - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ncruz14 - January 23 - 3:03 pm

  We bought this car 20 months ago and we love it. Aside from the 2 recalls there have been no issues with the car mechanically. The ride height is good enough to see the road and the CRV is not a huge tank of an SUV. The CRV is excellent for my family of three to go around town and the performance is good enough if you dont drive it like an Acura NSX. I knew when I bought this that I didnt need an offroad trail beast or a high performance rocket. I needed a reliable, efficient, comfortable and roomy SUV to be able to get around in and this is exactly what the CRV delivers.

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  Very noisy cabin - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By John Brown - January 22 - 6:44 pm

  I am really upset on 2018 CRV Touring. Before buying I did test drive for about 2-5 miles and everything was ok. But after driving car about 50Miles, started to hear very loud noise like a drum noise/rattling noise. This noise is specific to Touring model as stated by dealer. If I knew at the beginning why I am going to spend $35K for a car. Now I have to live with that noise. I strongly advise to new buyers do not buy touring at all. Heres is the link for recorded video:https://youtu.be/6oxQjXOQRVo

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  Rons Honda Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 2004 Honda CR-V - January 22 - 12:37 pm

  Looks good, handles very well, comfortable and economic for an SUV. Like it a lot and will purchase another after three years.

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  Great CUV for the $ - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bmwguy23 - January 22 - 5:43 am

  Superb fit and finish, relatively tight handling for a small SUV/CUV, impressive interior materials, upscale exterior styling. We paid a little over $25K for this vehicle which compares favorably to others costing $10K more (taking the engine out of the equation).

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  Great Northern Climate Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Wayne Bahlieda - January 21 - 5:12 pm

  Probably the most practical vehicle on the road today. This is the first Honda that we have purchased and what a gem. In general it is practical, fun, gets good mileage and is great in snow and ice.

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  very good - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By muoi - January 20 - 4:36 pm

  Road test before try to make a good deal,