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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  Perfect car for our new family - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Steve111000 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 2003 EX CRV automatic. My first though on this car (before test driving it) was that the four cylinder would be anemic. However, Ive found it to be fairly peppy and definately fast enough for us. There was more torque than I imagined it to have. The car handles well and the turning radius is excellent. Also, the interior build quality is spot on with plenty enough room for our new baby. All around its a great (small) family hauler. If our family gets larger, Ill look forward to getting a Pilot.

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  Best of All Worlds - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Grailmanitou - July 30 - 6:16 am

  We bought this new SE in looking for a car for my mother--we wanted everything- -particularly in a safe, comfortable, attractive drive which could handle all road conditions, coming truly highly rated on all aspects which make a difference. This SUV has everything one could want, with a car-like ease of driving. We know we wont have to worry about my mother in terms of safety or reliability. This is a well thought out design on all fronts which merges attractiveness, drive, safety, interior features, incredible standard features and overall class for an incredible price for the Special Edition.

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  Brand New 2015 CRV EX with horrible vibrations when idle. Do not buy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By vibrations - July 29 - 9:37 pm

  My wife and I were so excited for our new CRV. We have two small children and this was going to give us extra room for our kids and their stuff and was replacing our 2002 Honda Civic which we had for 14 years with no problems. We loved all of the features and look of the CRV. We had come to love Honda from our Civic experience. However after purchasing the car and driving home 30 minutes (our test drive was about 10) we realized that the CRV had a serious problem. At idle at a traffic light the entire car began to strongly vibrate. We btiught the car back to the dealer and tested several others and they all did this. We have come to find out that the car idles at too low an rpm. Do not buy!

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  Northern Michigan CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By newzboy - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is very capable. The on- demand all wheel drive is a big help here in Northern Michigan where winters can be very harsh. I wish it had more power to challenge hills though. It sounds like a buzz bomb when its climbing hills. I heard the newer models do have a more powerful engine. The automatic transmission was a little herky-jerky...some hard shifts here and there. You wouldnt know it by looking at it from the outside, but the interior is very roomy for this size vehicle. Theres plenty of legroom both front and back. The cargo area is also quite adequate. All in all, this is a pretty fine little SUV.

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  crv great quality and fun to drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By denise - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Have done extensive online research,and determined value of this vehicle ex style for $22,000 cant be beat....4WD,largest interior room within its class,reliable honda reputation...dealer states honda has a deal if extended warranty is never used,at the end of the 7th year i get my $1591 warranty fee back!!!CANT BEAT IT....FUN TO DRIVE ...

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  Going Back to American - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Edburhop - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Well, a died in the wool Chrysler buyer bought a CRV because we liked the interior room and layout, and the price was good. We wanted to try Honda because we drive our vehicles forever, and heard the quality was excellent. Well, it is underpowered, and at 50000 miles we have a check engine light AGAIN!!! The software that determines the working of the transmission has had to be reloaded TWICE. We had another check engine light, and they charged us 112 bucks to give us a new GAS CAP. We are trading in this lemon and going back to American Cars. I guess the quality thing is just for Accords

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  MPG is a lie - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lisab23 - July 22 - 2:48 pm

  I purchased a 2015 Honda CR-V AWD with the sticker claiming 27/33 with an average of 30 mpg. I am barely making it to 27 mpg on the highway. The car is currently in the shop (only a week and a half after I bought it) for vibrating and shuddering. I was told by service that Honda is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. He said, "They believe it is a software problem". I am a previous Toyota owner, and I have to say, I am regretting making a switch to Honda. I am currently thinking about making a trade to Toyota. I am a commuter and the MPG is a big NEGATIVE for me.

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  Montana 2011 CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By david hospodor - July 22 - 11:22 am

  Great vehicle for road trips. Very comfortable. Handling is not as tight as I would like it to be. Just OK. Otherwise, it is the second most favorite car I have ever owned. First was a 1963 Austin-Healey I owned when I was 19. It is now about a year since I wrote the above review and the CR-V is still the second most favorite car I have ever owned. But, the older I get (74) the greater the distance grows between the second place CR-V and a 19-year olds beautiful red 1963 Austin-Healey........55 years ago!

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  Montana 2011 CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By david hospodor - July 22 - 11:22 am

  Great vehicle for road trips. Very comfortable. Handling is not as tight as I would like it to be. Just OK. Otherwise, it is the second most favorite car I have ever owned. First was a 1963 Austin-Healey I owned when I was 19. It is now about a year since I wrote the above review and the CR-V is still the second most favorite car I have ever owned. But, the older I get (74) the greater the distance grows between the second place CR-V and a 19-year olds beautiful red 1963 Austin-Healey........55 years ago!

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  Love my first SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Logan208 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my first SUV. Plenty of passenger room and lots of extra room when folding the seats down. Overall comfortable car too. Gas milage is excellent. Plenty of head room. Sunroof is awesome. Love that theres no center console; finally a place for my purse. Dislike hatch doors, so the barn door is great. The 6 disc changes is sweet; wish I had more watts though.