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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  another winner - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By vagolds - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth honda. I will only buy a honda. I had the 1997 honda crv for five years and I do nno think I ever did anything other than changing the oil and brakes. This 2002 crv I have had for two yeas. The only probelm was a rattle in the belt that was fixed and I new brakes. i swear all hondas have brakes that go after 20,000 miles. Other than that I have not had one probem and i do not expect any for the next five years./ I will only buy hondas.

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  Honda CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - June 10 - 12:23 am

  Weve owned quite a few Honda products in the past. When the newly designed CRV came out, we decided to move into a small SUV and are glad we did. The CRV is a great vehicle. It sits up higher than our previous Honda Accords, handles very well. It is surprisingly peppy for a 4 cylinder of this size. Gas mileage is running about 22 in city driving and up to 28 on highway runs. We are very pleased with our CRV and recommend it highly

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  Love, Love, Love my CR-V! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - June 8 - 7:46 am

  This car/suv is fabulous. Luxurious leather seating, thoughtful interior touches, so much roomier than it looks. This definitely has a lot of zip and is a breeze to pass people. Its such an incredibly smooth ride. The steering is very accurate (not numb like the Escape) and the brakes are tight and responsive (unlike the spongy Escape ones). Im very pleased with this vehicle. I test drove the following cars to come to this conclusion: Escape, Tuscon, Equinox, Rendezvous, Sportage, Sedona. This Honda beats them all hands down!

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  Great little SUV!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lynns SUV - June 7 - 8:20 pm

  Excellent SUV from Honda, like the ergonomics and the dashboard layout! CRV handles real well on very winding roads were we live. The suspension handles potholes good too. I am getting 28 mpg overall so far, have less than 900 miles on Honda CRV. Test drove other SUVs comparable to the CRV ,they did not compare!

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  Overall great suv - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By king james - June 7 - 2:00 am

  i felt that i shoud give my review of this suv before i traded mine in.Over all its a great ride.just had a few problems.1)i have noticed that when u take a very hard turn such as a u-turn it make a wierd ticking sound like an axel is mess-up but i came to find out its comon in all crvs.It never hampered my driving.2) on long trips i found my feet going numb.well i am a tall guy about 60.i found myself shaking my legs awake while driving.my wife who is few inches shorter never complained about it.but i do most of the driving.3)for a 4cyl its pretty powerfull.

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  Supposed to be hers! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By benlawrence - June 5 - 6:10 am

  We bought our CR-V in December of 2006. Originally we wanted the Royal Blue but had to wait 2 months due to high demand. Now I know why. I dont think that there is any aspect of this SUV I dont like. Ride quality is amazing, view out the front windshield is outstanding, and the gauges are by far the easiest to read out of all the SUVs we drove. We test drove an Escape, but it felt to flimsy in comparison. Lights are very good at night. Despite the size I have been able to haul anything I need to with the seats folded down. The only problem we have had is that I drive it more than the wife and we bought it for her. Its just such a fun vehicle, I cant help it!

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  Great car for great price - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Gregg the car freak - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Altough every one in America has a CR-V it still is a very good car. It is harder to rub it into peoples faces because theyll just say "well i have one to it is no big deal." The exterier of the car is some what ugyl.The 4 cylinders narrows the cars off road abilities. The engeine is a little bit nosiey. There is so much room in the car it is amazing. The ride is a little bit bumpier than other cars. There are alot of cool and useful features in the car. All in all the Honda CR-V is a great car to have for its cheep price and great prices.

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  1998 Honda CR-V Definitely A Great Buy! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Chen Family - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car no long ago. Was driving a Lexus LS 400 and Toyota 4- Runner but they were both gas guzzlers. Started to look for something more fuel- efficient without compromising the reliability, design, and fun and voila! Got this used 1998 Honda CR-V (still looks and drives great!) and is loving it!

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  Lovin It! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By luvmycrv - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my crv. I thought it was going to be hard living without a 6 cyl, but the crv handles great!

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  I researched them all for a year - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By dizzie - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very happy I did all the leg work driving all the other suvs. Price was right. It has everything I wanted: standard. The body styling is much better than years past. I want it all, but can not afford it, so this made me happy.