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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  Solid Car, Great Value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jimhoss88 - December 28 - 12:02 am

  I travel extensively for business and have put 20000 miles on the CRV in the first year. The CRV is a sturdy car. It cools quickly in summer and heats quickly in winter. The handling is solid. The drivers seat could use some additional lumbar support. Road noise is pronounced. Back seat is very comfortable for adults--Im 6 feet tall and have no trouble riding in the back. I wish the mileage was a little better. Ive maxed out at 24 mpg on long trips. In addition to being my primary work car, its the alternate family vehicle (our other is a 2000 Odyssey). No problem with 3 kids in tne back. Im very pleased overall with the CRV.

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  "Love This Car" - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Carolyn Walton - December 27 - 11:53 pm

  This car was a retirement gift to myself and I love it. It performs superbly on the road, its comfortable and looks good. Very easy to handle for a female.

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  Its reliable car.. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By stevey79 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Good ride.. good looking.. enough power.. and its Honda.. Its reliable brand name..

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  Happy I chose the CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crv4me2 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  After an extensive search for a vehicle (I took my time, wasnt in a hurry) I picked the 2002 Honda CR-V EX as my first choice and after several weeks, I know I made the best choice. This vehicle is comfortable, easy and fun to drive, attractive, roomy, and has plenty of power. The CR-V 4cyl holds its own and gets better fuel mileage than the vehicle with a V6 I traded in. For me, thats important. When compared to competing vehicles, the CR- V is clearly the winner.

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  Great Vehicle - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Evie Sanders - December 24 - 12:31 am

  Love this car! Super comfortable, reliable and great looking too. Doesnt get quite as good gas mileage as my Honda Accord but that was to be expected with a bigger vehicle and AWD. I gave some questions a NA status since Ive had it less than a month. But so far...I LOVE IT!!!

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  Dont do it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Denise - December 23 - 8:05 pm

  The vibration issue is real!. After five months I began to feel the vibration especially when holding the brake while stopped at a light. It has gotten increasingly worse. Three trips to the service center to be told that this is normal. Shame on Honda. This problem outweighs any positive features.

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  Great SUV, but poor seats and transmission - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Floyd - December 22 - 10:18 am

  After 42000 miles I have had great around town results. The only problems I have had are with the seats and transmission (which was covered under warranty). The seats are hard and after an hour of driving become uncomfortable, nothing like the great ride from my 1998 Chrysler Town and Country, which I use on any trips longer than an hour. The transmission started shuddering when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear and was replaced at 33000 miles. I understand the newer models use a CVT transmission. I plan to keep the car for around town driving.

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  Great little SUV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - December 22 - 8:37 am

  In January 1997 I literally drove my CRV off the showroom floor. I believe it was the first CRV sold in Tampa, Florida. Seven years and 117,000 miles later, it is the best car I have ever owned, although it is not without problems. The A/C is very noisy and too weak for the Florida summer (dark tinted windows would probably help). Needed head gasket replaced at 97,000 miles. After 85,000 miles I had to switch to mid-grade unleaded to stop engine from knocking. My mileage is about 22city/25 highway, not as high as Honda claimed but better than any other SUV. Extremely reliable, I have driven several trips of 1200+ miles. Worst problem is abysmal service from theHonda dealership.

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  Honda Employee Buys A CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Kim - December 18 - 11:20 am

  I worked for a Honda dealership for several years and this was by far the employee choice of car. When buying a gen 1 CR-V, installing the passenger side armrest is a MUST. For $50, why wouldnt you want your passengers comfy?!? I can load anything into my CR-V from furniture to a christmas tree and I can even haul a small U-Haul with it. Unload everything, flip the seats up and you can parallel park it anywhere. With todays gas prices it is a great choice and my favorite Honda.

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  Just got it yesterday... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By H-guy99 - December 16 - 3:10 pm

  This review is not intended to offer a long term analysis, as I just got the CR-V yesterday. In a nutshell, the car is amazing. Quiet, fun, handles like a car and quite luxurious, considering the price. I got mine (on the road) for a tad over 27k. Interior is perfection and IMHO, better than the higher priced Acura RDX and blows away the RAV-4, which were the other cars I was considering (the car is actually for my wife). Weve been driving it around for two days now, and the fun factor is enormous. The RAV-4 will give you more bang for the buck, but I think other than sheer performance, the CR-V is a much better vehicle. The others arent even worth mention.