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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  Just Bought One! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By T-N-T - May 19 - 3:47 am

  Brand New Small SUV! Super easy to drive. Super spacious and extremely comfortable on long trips. Highly reliable, we should have gotten 2 of them.

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  Great MPG and Comfort - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Dale - May 12 - 2:27 pm

  The Ex model I have gets great MPG, about 24 city and 32 highway. The MPG gauge is great I try my best to keep it at 30 or above whenever I drive-sure does help to coast to stops and be gentle on the gas pedal. The car is very comfortable on around town trips- longer trips do make you stiff, but hours in any car can do that. The fit and finish is wonderful and the layout of the dash is good. I had a 1998 CR-V and this one is much better overall.

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  Even better than our 1999 CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Two CR-Vs - May 9 - 5:47 pm

  After reading some other reviews, I expected to like the 2006 CR-V less than the 1999 CR-V we have owned for years. Since a manual transmission is a MUST for my wife and I, the SUV market has become increasingly limited. 2006 was the last year for 5 Speed Manual transmission on the Honda CR-V, so when we finally found a used one with the manual transmission, we bought it. I am pleasantly surprised that we both like our 2006 even more than the 1999! The 2006 feels bigger, feels even more solid and substantial, and is more powerful than our 1999. At the same time, our gas mileage is 26-28 mpg in normal mixed driving, just the same as with our 1999.

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  Trading for a 2010 CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sprig - May 2 - 10:32 am

  We have put 130,000 miles on this CR-V with no problems whatsoever. Handles great and nice to drive. A v6 is unnecessary, this vehicle has all the power we need. MPG changes considerably if driving into the wind. Weve made as little as 20 and as much as 50 (with a gale tale wind), but it averages 27-28 most of the time on the highway.

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  Favorite car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By marcia - April 21 - 10:52 am

  I have always had fords and i love my cr-v! i didnt think i would need a nav. but it was used and a good deal. had a Mazda 5 (made by ford) and it did horrible in the snow. i feel safe in this car even though its a 2wd. people come into my work asking me if the cr-v is my car and somebody bought one because of me. I Love It

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  Best ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By meadowmaven - April 19 - 7:15 pm

  I have owned Toyota and Honda going back 35 years and have liked them all. they have performed well with little maintenance. This CR-V has been the best all round vehicle for reliability, comfort and versatility. Nothing but regular maintenance after 7 years, my tall husband is comfortable driving it, and just about everything fits in it thanks to its boxier style. Good going Honda

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  Love it - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By lennie grooms - April 18 - 7:07 pm

  Me and my family love are CR-V it is the best car we have ever had. There is over 143,000 miles on it and we have had only one problem and that is with one of are window motors on the passenger side. When you start the engine you have to stick your ear on the hood to hear the engine running. The only maintenance we have done on it was routine. We love this car, my own mother loves are car too, even though she only rode in it once.

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  Satisfy with CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Thrifty Buyer - April 11 - 2:01 am

  I brought this car with 62,000 mi. Of course, the dealer offered an extended warranty which I refused. Its a Honda right? So,forget it. About six months later engine light was on, and the mechanic said it was the throttle body. Really? Never replaced one of these. I took the car to the dealer to confirm but, Honda corp ageed to replace the part. Honda paid for the part ($800), and I paid for labor. The AC compressor went out at 90,000 mi. My mechanic told me there is a problem with the compressor on these cars (depending on where the part came from) Again, Honda split the cost. Overall, I love my car. I have over 102,000, and have only replaced the brake pads. Love Honda.

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  Terrible tire quality - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mike - April 7 - 11:38 am

  I have been well pleased with my CR-V. It get better gas mileage than I expected and it has ample room for a small SUV. The one downfall is the tires. It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 tires. At 17.000 miles they are worn out. I went to the tire dealer and was told there is no warranty on that tire. I went to the Honda dealer and was told by the service manager that they sell cars and are not in the tire business. A few minutes later he offered to sell me new tires, to which I reminded him that they are not in the tire business. I think it is a shame that a manufacturer sells a car for $24000, but, cuts corners on quality by using CHEAP tires

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  Love my CR-V! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - April 1 - 1:06 pm

  When I was looking at cars, it was between this and the RAV-4. The rides were similar, but set this car apart was the interior comfort and style. Love the heated seats and still use them in Florida on cold mornings. Versatile back seat positioning allowing me to pack full to the brim with stuff. Great handling in rain and snow. Love how the car slows itself down when decelerating and the design of the gear shift.