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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  ear plugs required - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Georgia boy - September 19 - 5:24 pm

  this vehicle is the noisiest vehicle I have ever ridden in, I suppose it is road noise, but then it shutters frequently at25-30 mph so perhaps transmission issues also. dealer could careless, says nothing is wrong. this is my wifes car I cannot stand to ride in it thinking about how much it costs and how totally unpleasant the ride is. You cannot even hear the radio on the highway. Avoid this vehicle. My Camry is so much more pleasant.

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  My baby - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By irenemichelle - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is very reliable. It holds its value extremely well!!

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  Best Mini-SUV out there - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By robbellr - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the CRV in the end of December 2002. We have about 2,000 miles on it right now. It is running nicely. We tried several other Mini-SUVs and felt this one was the best. The dealership wouldnt move much off the MSRP.

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  CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By A. Peltier - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Living in the snow belt of Massachusetts and the hills of Worcester, I traded in my Accord of 5 years for the CR-V and I love it. Its been a great ride during lousy weather.

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  Really nice - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andy - September 16 - 11:33 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Subaru Outback for the CRV. The CRV is a wonderful midsize SUV. Styling, performance and handling are first rate. Standard features and the quality of the materials and build would have you think you were in a 35,000 vehicle. Only real negative is that rear seats do not fold flat. Other than that, flawless.

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  2009 FWD EX-L with Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By doffer - September 16 - 8:23 pm

  This is a well-engineered, solid vehicle at a reasonable price. The vehicle provides better road visibility as it sits up higher than a sedan, decent mileage, and is flexible enough if we need to transport small stuff (e.g., chairs, boxes, etc.). The ride is kind of rough, not sure if a change of tires would help, or thats the way it is supposed to ride.

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  2013 CRV 100% Reliabilty - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guerry bethell - September 14 - 4:23 am

  A pleasure to own and operate. We added after market leather and heaters for both front seats.

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  Honda CRV - Generally great ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By RS Desikan - September 12 - 9:12 pm

  Honda Link App for Navigation needs improvement.

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  Love the CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jeffreys - September 12 - 10:00 am

  After doing much research between the CR-V and Toyota RAV4, I decided that the CR-V would suit me better. Its an enjoyable car to drive and has the space to haul cargo, unlike the RAV4. I absolutely love the fuel economy that I get with the CR-V (especially coming from a gas-hogging Jeep Cherokee). It offers a very smooth ride, is responsive in steering, and has a slick and stylish design.

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  I am happy with our CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Zorrolf - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We have bought it 6 month ago and are really happy with it. If you consider buying a CR-V check out the front passenger leg room though ! It is very tight and on longer trips it can be quite annoying for people with longer legs.