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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  Black CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - September 28 - 6:16 am

  First personal car in 10 years, researched and drove a lot of vehicles. The CR-V has to be the best value out there. 2006 does not appear to be out at all and 2005s keep rolling in as of 9/05. 63 and good to get in and out of. Ride is not a Cadillac but tight and responsive. Some torque steer but not too bad. You sit up high and feel very safe. The LX has all but wheels and sunroof which lowers headroom. The LX for 2005 has all the safety items including side air bags. If you get black and tint the windows it is an EX w/o sunroof, all the plastic matches. Mileage poor but only has 800 miles @ 18 MPG mixed. 1 return for back seat belt jammed. Excellent pick-up and the 4 is enough.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By markllll - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in July of 2000. Put new tires on last week at 52000 mi. replaced wiper blades. Thats it. Going to give to my 15 year old daughter to drive to school and her mother and I are going to buy a new one.

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  Look at OEM Tires - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Cyclone - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I searched high and low for the right vehicle. After test driving at least 30 different models we decided on the Honda CRV. Shortly after purchasing the CRV we took it on a 2000 mile trip. It fullfilled all of our expectations and got 26 MPG in the process. My only complaint with the vehivcle is the OEM tires which came with the CRV. It came with Bridgestone Dueler HT 684s. These have a treadwear of 180 Traction B and Temperature of B. All reviews I have read about these tires inducate that they are crap! I do not understand how Honda can allow these type of tires on a any of their vehicles.

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  Great First Impressions! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Ron - September 25 - 9:56 pm

  Have owned several Accords both 4 and 6 cyl. Always great performers but I now need AWD (Colorado mountains/plains) and storage room. 27/32 HWY and 22/24 urban - REALLY. Very impressed w/power and trans. in mountain and normal terrain. Big guy, it is comfortable and stability is outstanding; w/performance in windy conditions surprisingly good. Have not had any snow to test in yet. Compared with Forester (lousy 4 spd trans.) almost went w/it anyway, Rav4 (not as stable and the swing out rear door is dangerous) and Edge (lousy mpg but felt substantial).

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Ultraviolet - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new and havent found anything since that would make me want to sell it. I have never had any problems with it at all. The only small things would be the small plastic panel cover to a compartment on the far back door doesnt stay on and occasionally the brake light comes on for no reason- but for a car with 70,000 miles, that is nothing! The only annoying thing is that a passenger side arm rest was a $50 option that I decided not to get, thinking no one would notice and EVERYONE who has sat there noticed! Aside from oil changes and tires- basic things, this car is maintenance free.

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  Best Buy for Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Professor - September 23 - 8:53 pm

  I believe this is a best buy for an owner of a small-sized SUV. 07-CRV model has all the features for a small family...with a quiet ride, sufficient power, cargo space, and safety features to protect the family. Interior features are very family- centered, and really like the exterior curves of the new model. As mentioned in a previous review article...kinda resembles a Lexus RX330..the vehicle I really wanted. Really like the real- time mpg monitor...will help improve my driving habits considering the price of fuel. The EX is probably the best-buy if you really dont need the leather...but I recommend it if you have young kids. Handling is good, and of course reliability is expected.

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  Love it! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Kate - September 23 - 1:20 am

  I just love my CR-V. Traded in a 99 Buick. My kids accused me of driving old-ladies cars so a crossover is a big change for me. Love the height/view it gives me. Peppy on the road with good, sharp turn capability and tight handling. I cant wait to drive it everyday. Thrilled with all the extras-leather, moonroof, heated mirrors and front seat. Dash is well light with sensibly laid out indicators. Excellent braking. Hubby is jealous the CR-V is mine!

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  Repeated repairs on my 2010 CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By A Ryan - September 22 - 7:58 am

  I bought my 2010 CRV used in 2013, with 38,000 miles on the vehicle. It now has 58,000 miles, so it has not seen heavy usage. However, the starter failed after one year (just after the warranty expired), at a cost of $900 to replace. Then a front wheel bearing went out, another $300. Then the engines variable valve timing advance went out, an $1,100 repair fee. Finally, the air conditioner clutch/compressor unit died a few weeks ago for a $1,500 repair. According to the internet, the valve timing advance and air conditioner are well known to have problems in the CRV. By comparison, I bought a 2010 Toyota Camry new. It now has about 57,000 miles on it. There have been no repairs beyond the failure of two tire pressure sensors, a $200 repair. The CRV was my first Honda after years of Toyota and my wifes Lexus ownership. I wont be buying another Honda.

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  2001 Honda CRV review - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Netnutty - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My CRV has been a wonderful and dependable car. Im a big guy & 62" and I fit easily. We just had to do our first major repair on it by having a valve job. Otherwise weve had to replace the tires once, and had the normal maintenance done on the car.

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  2007 crv ex 2wd is awesome - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Scott - September 19 - 8:46 pm

  Have only had it for about 100 miles but my wife and I love it.Researched all medium priced suvs and decided on the honda.Do not let the 4 cylinder scare you off until you drive it. Plenty of power.