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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  Really Enjoy my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By NotASoccerMom - August 11 - 3:56 am

  I had a 97 CR-V and really like the changes they have made to the 07 (except loosing the picnic table). I drive 120 miles a day to work. I traded in my Civic Hybrid and was concerned about loosing the mileage. I am getting 29 on the highway and 26 in the city, I do expect this to improve. I have lost some mileage but love the extra space. It is so much easier getting my daughter in and out of the car and feel safer with a little bit larger car. I feel like the extra safety features the car provides. It drives great and is very comfortable. I would recommend to a friend.

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  lacking seat comfort for tall drivers - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By john miller - August 8 - 9:56 am

  I bought the 2002 CRV EX for its generous and plain interior space. Performance & fuel economy: Good enough. Build Quality: Good enough. Reliability: Dont know yet. Comfort: Im a 6 footer and I do seem to have a problem with the driver seat position/contour. After only a few minutes I feel the unpleasant sensation of my legs circulation being cut off. Is it the seats angle/front edge, or lack of lumbar support? I wonder if there are other tall drivers with a similar experience.

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  2016 Honda CR-V EX 4WD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Honda - August 8 - 1:51 am

  Have had an EX 4WD for 3 weeks. It is just another great product from Honda. Everything is great to what I expected for this trim. To me, the only complains are: (1) The front driver seat. Somehow I felt it is a little bit small and it is not comfortable no matter how I tried to adjust it. (2) The headlight is kind of dim. BTW, I have owned Pilot, Accord , and Civic before

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  Not for off road driving - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By SkyPuddle - August 7 - 2:00 am

  For most driving, we love our Honda CR- V. But we have had real trouble driving it on anything but paved roads. Both last summer and this summer we damaged the vapor recovery system (it hangs down under the rear axle) when we drove it on rough roads. We were not taking on particularly hairy roads but the CR-V really has no more ground clearance than a sedan. Not recommended for those that want a car to take to the mountains.

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  Excellent quality ride and price. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Big Pun - August 6 - 9:53 pm

  My first Honda and its a fantastic compact SUV. I was trying to decide between the CRV and the RAV4, but went with the CRV. The RAV4 was louder even with the V6 and I didnt like the spare tire sticking out the back. The CRV handled great, is reliable, has good resale and includes a lot of standard equipment. Would buy it again.

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  2002 Honda CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Case - August 5 - 5:06 am

  I have never owned a more reliable and maintenance free car. I purchased this car new in 2002 and other than oil changes have never had any mechanical issues except for a heater sensor which I replaced last week. Of course there were a couple of "recalls" that I had done.

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  Perfect! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By T. Bowe - August 4 - 11:20 am

  First off it doesnt need a 6cyl engine, its a small to midsized SUV for crying out loud not a Bugatti Veyron, it does just fine with a 4cyl . The Einsteins crying for a need for speed are the same geniuses that drive down the road yapping on their cell in one hand eating with the other and steering with their knees all the while compensating for a lack of a 3rd leg( just my own opinion) ! My 2012 CRV EX-L bought with 59,650 miles with myself driving averages 26 city / 34 highway. Not crazy about the hard plastic in the interior but not a big deal. Absolutely love the heated seats, the generous cargo space, the car like ride and handling, the gas mileage, beautiful leather seats. If I had to pick a con and its very hard to find one, it would be that the rubber seals around the door frame on the shell of the CRV sag and dont hold in place. This CRV is my most favorite yet!

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  Perfect! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By T. Bowe - August 4 - 11:20 am

  First off it doesnt need a 6cyl engine, its a small to midsized SUV for crying out loud not a Bugatti Veyron, it does just fine with a 4cyl . The Einsteins crying for a need for speed are the same geniuses that drive down the road yapping on their cell in one hand eating with the other and steering with their knees all the while compensating for a lack of a 3rd leg( just my own opinion) ! My 2012 CRV EX-L bought with 59,650 miles with myself driving averages 26 city / 34 highway. Not crazy about the hard plastic in the interior but not a big deal. Absolutely love the heated seats, the generous cargo space, the car like ride and handling, the gas mileage, beautiful leather seats. If I had to pick a con and its very hard to find one, it would be that the rubber seals around the door frame on the shell of the CRV sag and dont hold in place. This CRV is my most favorite yet!

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kay2015 - August 4 - 5:19 am

  I bought the Honda CR-V 2015 in Nov, 2015. I felt vibration at stop on D. I did call the dealer in few days said will go away after 1000 miles. I took it to service center about 1500 miles, service center said we did not feel anything. Very disappointed. I took the suv for the second time when the miles at 3200 because the vibration getting worse. I did not put on park at service center, just left on D. I called the service consultant including the manager to feel the vibration. Everyone agreed, but when I went to pick up the suv they did not fix the issue said "this is the characteristic of the new CR-V". They even gave me in writing. UNBELIVABLE AND VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  Super car, new tires help road noise - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Chino - August 1 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great. Some reviews talk about road noise, and I know what they mean, but I got Goodyears new Assurance tripletread tires, and what an improvement! Much quieter and the pickup definitely improved. This cars steering is tighter than most, but try it with these tires its amazing! I would recommend this car and these tire replacements.