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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  Wonderful CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jlind2136@aol.com - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second CRV. I liked the first one so well I bought another one. My sister and I both bought a red one in 1998 and the Mojavi Mist in 2002. It is so dependable, and the dealership is great when we take it in for service. I had a 1986 and 1992 Honda Accord before I got the CRV. When I get another car, it will most likely be a CRV. "If it aint broke, dont fix it." Cant say enough about it.

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  Its a great car, a quality car.. - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tommy Gunn Minutolo - May 14 - 5:16 am

  So far everything is great w the car except one thing. For me its the way the phone is integrated in w the car. If listening to a music or satellite radio app on the phone and someone texts in, itll drop what youre listening to and start speaking through the cars speakers what the text says. Other than that, I love the car. Coming from a Hyundai Elantra that was honestly scary to drive in snowy conditions, the CR-V handles fantastic and I get peace of mind especially w my kids in the car.

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  First Honda... Love it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Susan Harper - May 14 - 2:37 am

  Went to Brannon Honda which is near my home. They are great. Great staff; very helpful.

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  LOVE my CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By betzchaz - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Cant say enough about my CR-V (which has been dubbed Cute Recreational Vehicle in our house!!) Have to turn this baby in at the end of the month due to lease being up. Going to dread every minute of it. It has been a wonderful vehicle and does great in the snow!!! Havent found a thing I couldnt fit in the back of it with the sits folded down either!!

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  The Best Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sunny Tucson - May 13 - 10:43 am

  Outstanding quality, great fit and finish, great handling. Based on consumer reports recommendations we went out to buy a RAV4, but decided to take one last look at a CR-V. The CR-V ride won us over. This is a great little SUV and Id recommend it to anyone looking for this type of vehicle.

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  My CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SUV - May 13 - 10:10 am

  Vehicle handles well. Has lots of safety features that are important to me. The inside is roomy and comfortable and rides well.

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  If youre looking for a really good SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Carl Morehouse - May 11 - 11:16 am

  Only down side is they dont provide a hard copy manual, so if you need to look up something right away, you have to go to the CD they supply. Very inconvenient.

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  Honda could not have done better !!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph - May 11 - 2:40 am

  I have had the car for over two weeks now and really enjoy it. It is fun to drive and it is a must test-drive for those looking at other Small SUVs. For a SUV that is priced under $25,000 it seems to fit in the class of the BMW-X3. Great job Honda!

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  Happy with my CRV-2010 so far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bobby - May 10 - 8:36 pm

  Bought CRV-2010 in SC and immediately drove to Orlando and back (about 1100 miles in just 5 days). Crispy vehicle. The maximum gas/mileage I got was 29.2 in the highways. Convenient and roomy interior. Pickup is slightly inferior when compared with a few of the others in this class.

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  Fun to drive-but watch out for repairs - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kar - May 8 - 2:00 am

  I really love my CRV. The dealer I bought it from was the best! I only wish I lived near them now. I just got ,y 2 1/2 year olad CRV out of the shop. The airconditioning went out. It cost me to the tune of $1800.00. I was very upset that a car this new would have such problems. I was thinking of buying a Pilot, but now thinking of different line of car. I have always been told Hondas were good for well over 200,000 miles and for such a repair.