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:

• 

  AWESOME CRV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By ice dog - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I WOULD BUY ANOTHER CRV, I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL.

• 

  Lovin it!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By TLC911 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  My last car was a Ford Escort and this is my first SUV. We love it! Its cute, fun to drive and extremely comfortable. I have noticed a noise in the brakes when starting out in the mornings and have had 3 recalls in 9 months. We love the sunroof, stereo, and the idea of side air bags. My CRV is black and scratches and swirls in the paint were there when I bought it. I am teaching my daughter how to drive and feel very safe in this vehicle and feel that she is much safer as a first time driver. I love the arms rests and the cargo room. Whenever anyone gets in my CRV, they always comment on how much room there is in both the front and back seats.

• 

  CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Diablomeans666 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Good car and really reliable

• 

  Excellent small SUV for cities - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rockwell - April 18 - 7:00 am

  We are of a small family living in Houston and only have a BMW 325 sedan, which has limited carrying capacity (and not ideal for shopping at The Home Depot). We thus need something that can carry a lot of cargo, is easy to drive in an urban environment with reasonable gas mileage. We have tested drove both the RAV4 and the CR-V. We found that the design of the CR-V is very thoughtful for small families and for woman drivers. Thus far, we believe that we have made the right decision. Many people go with the RAV4 b/c of the V6 power but review from this web site has shown that the V6 produces too much power for such a small car to be stable at high speed.

• 

  WEe LOVE our Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Peter Martin - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a better vehicle with higher quality in my entire life!

• 

  Good Car - But Watch Rear Impact - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brian - April 14 - 12:03 am

  I actually love my CR-V. I have had it since December. On highway - gets advertised mileage. Around town (with some highway), only about 17MPG (this is the Auto, 2WD model.) One thing that bothers me is there is no rear bumper per se. I was rear ended this week - Nissan Altima doing about 5MPH. Pushed the back of the CR-V in about 1/2". Crushed the trunk (the wheel well under the floor.) When I crawled under it, there really is no bumper. The back of the vehicle is the bumper. I do not like that - this will be a VERY expensive repair bill. Like others have said, road noise is L- O-U-D .... have to turn the radio up to 60% or more to hear it when on the highway.

• 

  2002 crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ajintx - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have eaver had - - rides like a car, room to carry home stuff from Home Depot, comfortable, and just high enough to see around those other monster SUVs out there. 22+ mpg in city traffice helps too!

• 

  Just Love It. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By EdB - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and wouldnt trade them for my CR-V. For a little SUV, this vehicle has it all. Plus I like the fact that it seems not everybody owns one as well. After 3 months, no complaints whatsoever.

• 

  Initial Impressions After 1 Month - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Andy - April 10 - 10:50 pm

  Firstly Im pretty picky and I havent had the car long. The drivers seat could use better lumbar support and a bit more leg room. Cloth seat durability is ? + meant for smaller person. Backup sensor add-on although nice isnt something really needed. Its not hard to get used to backing it up. Cheap carpet floor mats are not going to last long. Rear door doesnt latch w/o slamming. Addon compass/rear view mirror sits too high on window. Too close to top console (no clearance). Wind impacts mileage a LOT. Very limited range (350ish and much less in wind). Bit rough shifting out of 1st sometimes. Braking is great. Handles well. Good visibility. For its size, I like the car. Hard to beat new.

• 

  I love my new SUV!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mindy - April 9 - 12:53 pm

  I just replaced my 2001 Accord with this new CRV on October 3, and just love it. The seats are quite a bit firmer than the Accord, but not uncomfortable. The blue lights in the dash are easy on the eyes and nothing is obstructed from view. Also, love sitting up higher. Always hated following behind other SUVs because of the blocked view of the road ahead. Now Im one of them and it feels great.