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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  Fun Compact Recreational Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Archie Corona - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive never driven an SUV before thats easy to park. The turning radius is so tight that I can flip a huey in an instant. The intrument panel is easy to read along with the newly designed knobs for the air and heater.

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  Mixed Experience - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MatthewJ - October 6 - 2:00 am

  When we first bought out CR-V I loved it and considered buying a second one. Interior space, standard features and performance were among our likes. Since then, it has been recalled 5-6 times, and one item with the shifter has been a recurring problem. I also had to replace the back brakes, including rotors, at 25k for about $400 due to a stuck inboard caliper that dug up the rotor. The paint quality is terrible, it scratches very easily. I notice others with the same problem of scratches around the door handles. The door switches also keep failing (3 of them) which has caused us to leave the lights on more than once and kill the battery.

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  dissapointment - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gabemar - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Right after manufacturers warranty expired, V-Tech oil pressure switch failure, driver side electric window mechanism had to be replaced and AC compressor had to be replaced. This is my 3 Honda and by far, the biggest dissapointment...

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  VIBRATION ON IDLE - 2016 HONDA CR-V! :-( - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By CeeCee - October 4 - 10:48 am

  2016 Honda CR-V Vibration Issue - More than two months ago, I started to notice a slight vibration under my drivers seat when at idle, e.g. sitting at a traffic light. Shortly thereafter, I received a notice from AHMC regarding a software update that needed to be done ASAP on my vehicle. The notice mentioned that, "the software in the PCM causes a low pressure problem in the CVT. This may allow the belt in the CVT to slip. If the belt slips, you may see a surge in RPM when driving at highway speeds. If the belt slips the transmission will be damaged and DTC P1890 (the CVT speed control system) will set." The software update was completed about a month ago and since then, I have experienced a more pronounced vibration under my drivers seat and even into the front passenger seat. The intensity of the vibration varies, but it has not gone away. Now that I have hit the 5K mile mark and had my first service done, I am afraid that the older the transmission gets, the worse this problem might become. The service advisor told me that the software update had nothing to do with the vibration issue, but I am not convinced. Before buying this vehicle, my research indicated that many customers with the 2015 model started to report the vibration issue right around this time (5K miles + or around the first scheduled service) and for most, the problem became worse. I am convinced that these issues are related to the new CVT transmission that was put in the 2015 and 2016 models. I have always been loyal to the Honda brand and I really like my vehicle, but I am starting to regret my purchase!!! :-(

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  Good Little SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By GSC - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very reliable, comfortable, and well laid-out vehicle. Kudos for the interior layout - everything is right where its supposed to be. Well, the automatic gear shift takes a bit of getting used to... just close your eyes and pretend its attached to the steering column. In two years, Ive had only one problem: the outer left rear brake lining detached from the metal backing pad. This caused the most awful metal-on-metal sound. Replaced the rear brake pads & had no more problems. One note: dont get the black exterior paint unless you have the means to have the car washed daily! The OEM stamped steel wheels are also a bit cheesy go aluminum.

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  Ive Always Had Hondas - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Loyalty - October 1 - 5:33 am

  Ive had Hondas forever, and have always loved them. When looking for a small SUV, I considered the Xterra because of 6 cyl. engine. Was totally surprised at the pep in the CRV. Ive always drven manual transmission cars, but wanted an automatic. Was afraid that Id lose too much pickup. I went to the EX model mostly because the upholstery in the LX was tacky. I didnt really want 4WD since I live in FL and its not necessary. Im a teacher and off-road stuff is not my thing. Honda always equips their cars well, and the CRV is no exception. The comfort level is great. I think Im going to love this car.

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  Horrible Wind Noise! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Horrible wind noise - October 1 - 2:03 am

  It seems that I am not the only one with a problem when it comes to interior noise. When I go over 55mph there is horrible wind noise. I have taken my CRV in for service and they have yet to fix it. I will take my CRV back to service and hope that they can fix it soon- the noise is loud and annoying!!

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  improvements on 200 Honda CR-V. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Lou Akerman - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The head rests, both front and back seats, interfer with looking over your shoulder when back, to see if you are clear. I took the rear seat ones out, but the front seat still cause a problem. The handle of the gear shift on the dash, should be a different shape. I am still not convinced it shoudl be where it is. Would rather have the tire inside, where the table currently is.

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  Honda Lemon??? - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike K. - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Lots of small problems, engine light (fixed on third dealer visit), noise in headliner (fixed after two visits), noise in drivers door (working on a fix), drivers seat rocking back and forth (fixed after four visits), headrests coming up by themselves (no fix) and last but not least, rattling noise in the sunroof (taken to dealer seven times, noise still there, told by Honda "its normal for SUV to make noise like that") All in all, the car spent 1 month at dealers out of nine month that I had it. The dealer in this case tried everything possible to resolve the issues, but Honda did not even called me back after several complaints.

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  Test drive one and you will want one! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By honda57 - September 29 - 2:20 am

  My wife and I have owned CR-Vs for 7 years now! We went to test drive the 2007 CR-V and were very impressed with the quality, performance and features! We ended up trading up to a beautiful red CR-V EX AWD. We just felt like the redesign was fantastic! The ride is much smoother and quiet! The automobile is a real good looker too! We test drove one and wanted it right then!