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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  I love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sheyna - October 21 - 9:30 am

  I just bought a 2007 CR-V in November. So far Im completely in love. It looks great and drives even better. There are so many Wow factors on the 2007 model. Im not a big fan of the shelf in the back but at least it can be taken out and if I ever need it, its there. Other than that, it feels like a high end car for the most part

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  Honda 2000 CR-V SUV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By iluckeei - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy driving my Honda CRV!!! Great mileage, leather interior, At 37,000 mi still drives like new.

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  Cheap Quality SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ttn - October 20 - 10:00 am

  We put over 13,000 miles within 8 months of ownership. There is no problem or whatsover with this quality SUV. I could not notice the difference between this SUV and the MDX that my brother just bought. Mine is just quiet as his except for $20K less.

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  Top Notch SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RonBowden - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I think Honda are wonderful vehicles & CRV is one of the best Hondas! I Love that vehicle--the dealer was wonderful,too!! RON Bowden

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  will be looking for something else - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Disappointed - October 17 - 2:49 am

  Bought 2015 CR-V(EX) this past October. Now has about 7k miles on it. Have to admit I am disappointed. Feel scrunched in front seat. Im 6ft tall. This car is made for those 58" or less. Had to tilt the back of seat back a little to create a little more room. The problem when you do this is you cannot fold down the back seat due to hitting the back of the front seat. The levers under the stearing wheel( lights and wipers) are not lit up. Cant see at night. The AWD system is my biggest complaint. The vehicle chooses when to place the vehicle in AWD. This was an issue when purchasing but like a fool I listened to the salesman. You never know when the car is in AWD. There is no indicator. The owners manual has one sentence about AWD. I want to know when Im in AWD. I would think the driver knowing that could be kinda important. How do I know if there really is an AWD system? My driveway has a minor hill. Last fall with some freezing rain the front wheels spun barely making it up the hill. No help from the AWD. The car does have a very minor vibration when ideling at stop sign. Plus, when purchasing(October) I asked the salesman when the 2016s were coming out. He stated in the spring. Two weeks later there were 16s on the lot. Mileage is good. 33-36 on highway per computer.

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  almost perfect - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By edbbb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased CRV for wife and kids to drive - great around town and on trips. Gas milage is not great but ok. Road noise is an issue but not bad. Vehicle handles great and power is adequate. So far we have enjoyed this vehicle.

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  Wife loves it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By RKM - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Wife test drove the CRV and the Escape and she fell in love with the CRV. No problems with the vehicle as of yet.

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  Somewhat disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By M Case - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V has been an OK vehicle, but by no means great. Evidently designed to be a grocery-getter. To accelerate, it almost always has to downshift. Its the easiest vehicle that I have ever owned to slide while going around a corner. Had to replace brakes at 33,000 all 4 tires at 35,000. In retrospect I wish I had bought something bigger.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By B.A. - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Honda CRV LX and it is even better than the one I purchased in 1999, which I thought was great. Honda has excelled at building a vehicle that combines practicality and safety with fun. If you want a car that rates high on safety features, interior comfort, good gas mileage, low maintenance, and dependability, this is the car for you. It practically drives itself! I commend Honda for keeping the best features of the older model and upgrading the engine, body, interior, and comfort features in the new model.

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  A "Must Have" Kind of Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Savvy - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have owned since I was 16 years old.