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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  best car ever owned - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By e feiling - December 6 - 3:20 pm

  replaced driver side elect.window motor, replaced fluid in awd unit, replaced front rotors ( my fault) too much road noise, great car in snow and ice except when making turns even at slow speeds.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - December 5 - 7:23 pm

  This really is the best bargain out there in its arena. Honda keeps it simple and reliable. Ride and handling are excellent. They have improved the noise level and the punch from 180 hp four banger is remarkable. Mileage is in the 20s and wife loves the car. So practical.....

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  Glad I choose CR-V over Rav - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By adam74 - December 5 - 6:10 pm

  My CR-V is almost a month old. Just loving it so far. Very smooth to drive.

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  Short seat belts - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vern - December 5 - 3:46 pm

  i purchased a CRV for my wife. Im a big person (340 lbs) The seat belt on the pass side lock in place as soon as it is connected. My Honda dealer doesnt know what to do and states thats how Honda made it

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  2 years and Done with CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Joe in IN - December 3 - 12:54 pm

  Weve owned this car for 30 months and 43K miles. Boy this car started to wear on us. Had to replace the tires, the Firestone tires were coming apart in little chunks. Every other OEM tire has lasted at least 65K. Armrests are terrible. The check engine light always comes on. Stereo is weak. The most odd thing is the handling on ice/snow. The car feels like it is sliding all over the place, even though it isnt. It always goes exactly where I pointed it but has a lateral slide feel to it.... CRV has worn us out, but I have faith in Honda so on to the PILOT.

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  454 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pac Man - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I found It to Bellow my expectations for A Honda my my wifes Jeep Liberty is nearly equal in quality and reliability and is more capable and user friendly .

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  I LOVE this car!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By LovAladdin - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I guess the only thing that I have to say is that the CR-V all around is just a fun car to drive. I previously was leasing the 2001 model, and loved it so much I just had to go with another one when my lease was up. And Im proud to say Ive found that some of the features I found minorly annoying in the 2001 model have been improved in the 2003 model.

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  the truth - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kinky - December 1 - 10:00 am

  this is truely a great SUV. there is nothing else u could possibly ask for. high standand/ high performance vehicle. definately get ur moneys worth for this SUV.

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  the dashboard color. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Hondaboy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Go back to the light Charcoal grey color for the intearior, like you guys used in the 1998 honda accord. The grey color is much easier to keep clean looking.

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  Totally Fun - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By JKeith - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun Ive ever had driving. Very quick, agile, and ready to go. Very comfortable ride. Fuel economy is not quite what I thought, but I cant keep my foot off the accelerator either.