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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  excellent reliable vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By zee - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Anyone searching for a stable, reliable SUV should look no further than the CR-V. Roomy interior with plenty if not too much storage compartments, attractive interior, and pleasant ride make this car one of the best that we have ever owned. It is a quite ride, and dont be fooled by 4 cylinders, it moves when it needs to.

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  My 2001 CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - January 4 - 3:54 am

  As a college student, I am overly pleased with my 2001 CR-V. I am able to travel to and from school and home ocassionally with comfort and ease. My car was bought as a graduation gift almost four years ago and I have had no problem whatsoever since then. I hope to keep my car for many years to come. I am sure that it will be as reliable then as it is now.

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  LOVE IT !!!!!!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By YOUNG MOM - January 3 - 12:13 pm

  I AM A YOUNG MOTHER WHO WASNT READY TO GIVE UP ON SMALL CARS FOR AN SUV. I HAVE HAD MY CRV FOR 6 MNTHS AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. THE AMOUNT OF SPACE IT HAS IS INCREDIBLE AND U CANT BEAT THE PRICE. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS AND WOULD NOT TRADE IN MY CRV FOR ANY OTHER SUV.

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  What a great SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Alice J. - January 3 - 6:06 am

  Ive had my CR-V for 3 weeks and love it! This is my first Honda after having Mercury Mountaineers for the last 12 years. The CR-V has lots of room, is fun to drive, and the gas mileage is so much better then what I was getting. Its been on 2 long trips and averaged 30 mpg; around town is averaging 24-25. The 4 cylinder is surprisingly peppy! It had no problems merging onto the interstates and passing trucks. In fact, hubby was going 80 at various times and it seemed like we werent going that fast! This is a great car and would recommend it!

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  Small Suv but Big in storage and safety features - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Holmes - January 2 - 11:38 pm

  This is a great choice and a great value if your looking for large cargo space and all the bells and whistles on the safety features on a small SUV. I think it is fun to drive, nimble, very short turning radius, and quick to respond and brake. The music sounds much better than rated. Very comfortable. Cons for me are the 14 gallon fuel tank, Id prefer 17 gallons to not have to stop as much. The Honda CRV gives a warning to refill at 11 gallons useage which is a little early. Very happy with my purchase. Great value.

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  Love my CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By RuthW - January 2 - 9:13 pm

  Have only had my CR-V for 3 weeks, but love it so far. It rides and drives great-very comfortable, good handling. I havent had a single issue with it so far. Im a long time Honda fan and am not disappointed this time around.

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  LoveMyCRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By LoveMyCRV - January 2 - 4:03 pm

  The CRV is fun to drive and easy to handle. This is my first vehicle with anti-lock brakes and I wont buy another vehichle without them. The CRV has great storage built-in and the picnic table has proved to be useful on several occasions.

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  Wise Choice - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Rod - January 2 - 1:10 am

  Excellent performance overall. My only complaint would have to be the paint job which is very easily marked by the slightest contact. I have driven my CRV on lengthy road trips from Florida to Virginia several times and can honestly say that I have no complaints. My CRV has received three recall notices for minor adjustments which I could not notice as far as performance goes. The only time I used the warranty was when my door lock on the drivers side would not accept the key. I will soon have 60,000 miles on it and have replaced the tires once and make sure my oil is changed every 3,000- 5,000 miles as suggested.

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  Ron`s Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ron D. - January 1 - 4:09 pm

  Great car to drive(fun), solid,very reliable, maintenance free, good style. Would recommend to buy. Feel very safe in vechicle, Wife`has no fear of driving in the snow.

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  CRV- EX 2016 interior noise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa Rosado - January 1 - 6:37 am

  Im just buy my new car a CRV 2016 on February . Im so excited but at the same time worried. The CRV looks amazing but Im worried about the interior loud noise I have to put the radio loud just to ignore the loud noise. I dont know how to explain It feels like an airplane. The noise its so loud I dont know if its normal???