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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  Honda does it again - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Smoke "House" Brown - June 23 - 1:23 pm

  After having my CR-V (EX) for a little over a month I can honestly say that this is a super vehicle. I should have made the purchase at the begining of the year. It has lots of leg room and is roomy inside. The car has that certain feel that things have which are made to last. The American People are aware of this and you see them everywhere. I just got back from a road trip, the car was setting the pace on the highway. I paid 24K out the door for the Ex model, which is well worth kicking in the extra 2k. If you are thing about getting this suv, then think no more. I cant wait to read your review.

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  Disappointed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rgallup1 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  I love aspects of my CRV but it has had many problems for a new car. Ive always been faithful to Hondas but Im thinking of trading this one in for a Jeep.

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  Yeah for the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Utah Student - June 20 - 2:06 pm

  Ive been driving a standard compact Ford Focus for seven years, so the CR-V is quite the improvement. I opted for a little upgrade with the moonroof, privacy glass, and AWD. Immediately after purchasing it I drove 250 miles through rural Utah. Had no problem accelerating, even going 75 on a steep incline, or passing. Also had no problem with the road noise that others mentioned, although Im used to way more road noise. The mpg has been around 20 in the city and 25 on the highway, I expect it to increase as i break it in a bit more. Even with the underbite of a front bumper, I couldnt be happier with this car.

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  Great new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By George Liapis - June 20 - 6:00 am

  Not only is the body style very much like the Acura SUV but the ride and gas mileage are great. I am getting over 30 miles per gallon on the highway and the ride is smooth and very quiet. This is truly a keeper. This is one of those vehicles that you will own for over 200,000 miles. After all its a Honda....what more could you want!!!

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  Anti-SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By WOOF - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I read all these reviews.. I wonder what people are thinking saying "add leather, paint the bumpers, navigation systems,etc." Adding fluff just adds to the price. The middle of SUV means utility.. its refreshing to see a real utilitarian vehicle. We have not seen them since the demise of the true Land Cruisers prior to 1990. I owned 2 and they were simplicity and quality. A work/play truck. This is no truck, but the general idea is there. Use it, thrash it, and have fun with it,knowing you didnt sell the farm or are selfishly depleting the enviroment and parking spaces.

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  Rear End failed in 7 days - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wayne - June 17 - 10:23 am

  After 5 days the rear end started making noise on turns, i took it back to the dealer on the seventh day. They replaced the rear end differential pump and clutch pack kit. I should have bought an American made car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cindy Rider - June 17 - 10:10 am

  I had decided to buy a Toyota Rav 4. Several people I knew had one. However, when I drove it, and then compared prices with the Honda CRV, it didnt compare. For less money and a quieter ride, I could get a 6 cd changer and all wheel drive on the Honda. The Rav 4 was not nearly as good a value and the interior was not as comfortable as the CRV.

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  Jans 1st SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Janis gallagher - June 16 - 7:54 pm

  Just realize that SUVs get poor gas mileage vs a car. But if you live in an icy/snowy climate and have to get out it a must. This particular SUV is even fun to drive.

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  2007 CRV IS A LEMON! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Adam - June 15 - 3:10 pm

  The rear Differential broke 2 times within 2 weeks and 700 miles on the car! The power steering is jittery, They also installed the ski rack on wrong and The bike rack is too high on the car to even put a bike up there. This car is nothing but problems and poor design. Also the extended warranty has about 3 pages of what it doesnt cover, and only 1 paragraph of what it does cover and maybe when you will use the $1000 dollar warranty, it may cover a radio now if youre lucky.. When I got my car back from the dealer it seems like the 4wd doesnt even work.

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  Serious vibration issue - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By UnhappyHondaOwner - June 10 - 3:51 pm

  Disappointed in the 2016 CR-V. It has a serious vibration issue. It appears that the vehicle was not designed to minimize the impact of the vibration of the engine and the entire car is constantly vibrating regardless of the condition of the road. In stop and go city driving it is less noticeable, but it becomes immediately apparent when maintaining speed at 45 mph and gets much worse at highway speeds - 65 to 70 mph. I did not see this issue mentioned in any online reviews and it was not noticeable in the test drive. I have subsequently discovered that there are many other CR-V owners with the same complaint and a class action suit has been filed against Honda. Honda acknowledges that the problem exists in some 2015 CR-Vs and claim they have developed a fix. They supposedly resolved the issue for the 2016 model, but that is not the case. Dealership has tried to fix it, but to no avail. It appears it is unlikely there will be a fix. In order to get increased fuel efficiency, they have sacrificed comfort for drivers. If you do any long range highway driving, I recommend that you do not buy this vehicle. I know many other loyal Honda owners and they have always been satisfied and impressed with the quality of the vehicles. Sadly, that is not the case with the 2016 CR-V. I will be getting rid of this car after owning it for less than 1 month.