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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  Roomy, agile, well designed! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By yuppiejr - July 20 - 8:00 am

  My wife and I chose the CRV based on its balance of safety ratings, interior space, fuel economy, looks and Honda brand loyalty. The fit and finish are amazing (mine is 100% made in Japan), even compared to my 2004 Civic. The step-in height is perfect for my wife and I and theres plenty of room for car seats in the back seat even with a "family visit" worth of cargo (pack and play, stroller, suitcase, etc..). The 166 HP 4-cyl engine has plenty of juice even with the A/C on for a combination of aggressive city, freeway commute and 2-lane country driving. All of the key driving, climate and audio controls are well placed from the drivers position. The ride and handling are superb!

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  2003 Silver CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CRVer - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wanted to get away from the smaller car to a vehicle that had good all weather abilities(AWD), and had good enough gas mileage to commute to work in. The CRV came out on top to other Makes/Models.

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  Honda has lost another customer - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Angel T. B.Hall - July 14 - 2:00 am

  three months off the truck, the transmission completely obliterated. Seemingly, endless recalls. Most recently, air bags. In the sixteen months that we have owned this vehicle we have experienced complete A/C failure, trouble switching gears, four recalls for potentially fatal mishaps. And of course the transmission that died on us on our drive back from vacation. Dont make the mistake we did.

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  Lovin my new car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Michaela - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my Honda CR-V! I dont know if Ill ever be able to drive anything else! Its extremely spacious. Its wonderful for active people who can put all the sports equipment easily in the back. The only downfall I found was that I felt it should have come with a luggage rack, but other than that, this car is GREAT!

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  Love my CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Monique Funches - July 13 - 5:56 pm

  I like my new CRV, a bit pricy but it is definitely worth it. I have more space to carry my belongings and is great when taking a trip with family or friends!

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  NaviConvert - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BMWDriver - July 13 - 5:56 pm

  Test drove RAV4 but disliked the side- opening tailgate. Got CR-V EX-L 2 weeks ago. No regrets! Especially love the rear camera and the voice- command Navigation feature (e.g., you can ask it to find the nearest "Mexican restaurant" or to tell you what time it is). Amazed by the performance of a "weak" 166 hp engine! It is smooth and quiet. My other car is a 10-year old BMW 540i, but I prefer driving my CR-V EX-L instead!

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  My First Honda may not be my last! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By MartynFrances - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I looked at various "small SUVs" and picked the 2002 Honda CRV because of its reliability, looks, added features, and economy. It is a real blast to drive. Very impressive 4 banger engine that get the CRV out of its own way. Gas economy is excellant. I have read where people get around 15-16 mpg and I have only one thing to say to them. Either take you foot from the floorboarding the gas pedal or get your CRV fixed. We get around 21 around town and 26 on the highway with 87 octane gas. We love this vehicle!

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  Traded 325iC - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Amberg - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Finally got married, bought an acreage, the Bimmer ragtop felt out of place in the country. BMW was the first time I strayed from Honda/Acura and although the Germans have it in the image dept., for most of us, its not a practical only car. Cost of insurance, repairs, reliability offended my sense of value. I feel intelligent having bought the CR- V - unbeatable value/quality for the $$

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  really fun to drive car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ms t - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i recenlty purchased the lx model, this car has a lot of standard features for the money which i love. i have been searching for a car since 9- 01. I know this car will provide me with the quality and reliablity i want, i traded in a dodge mini van which i did not feel comfortable with in the quality dept. I was seriously thinking of purchasing the chevy trailblazer i know i ended up with the better built car with a better resale value

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  BEST CAR DECISION IVE EVER MADE - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By janinels - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The CRV is fun, plenty roomy and practical for shlepping kids and their stuff to games and lessons,doing shopping and taking long trips. Its roomier and peppier than my old, larger Pathfinder. The seats are very comfortable and visibility excellent. Im getting 24- 25 mpg! The picnic table is useful for soccer games. No wind noise from moon roof or open windows. Im in love and now my husband wants a CRV.