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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  I love my car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Gina Sue - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Cutest car ever! It is the perfect size big enough that I can see but not like Im driving a bus. I highly recommend!

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  Honda CRV Happiness - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By R Nadel - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Like most if not all automobiles made in Japan the Honda CRV has been the typical start up and go reliability we have come to expect from cars today. Bob Nadel

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  My new toy... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By roemer7 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my white 2000 V SE just before the new year, 12-31-03, for $13,100 (40,103 miles). I dont believe I could have done any better. Everything, from top to bottom, screams "HONDA QUALITY". Driving position, ride, and steering feel top notch. Gas mileage (~21/26) could be better.

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  2003 CRV-EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By pauls - March 25 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is fun to drive, if you are looking for off-road action do not buy this SUV.

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  2003 Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crv me ex - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the spacious feel and drivability on the road. Was looking for something larger but still decent gas mileage and it fits the bill. Good milage on the open road.

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  Poor Audio & Brake is funny - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Haligi - March 24 - 10:56 pm

  Audio sound increase when I am driving, I dont know why but I ask the dispatching staff of T&T Honda Calgary, he told me its a design from Honda to increase its volume once you accelerated. And the brake is not as good as my old CR-V 2006, there is some funny situation when I used the brake, it stops but not good stop. I dont like also the head rest of the 2nd row

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  Clear Why This Car Sells Like Hotcakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By masternc - March 24 - 3:49 pm

  To address the elephant in the room, my CR-V does vibrate my seat at 600 RPM when stopped in drive. However, shifting to N or turning headlights on raises RPM. Adjusting the idle speed would fix this, so I imagine Honda will have to address. Otherwise, loving this car for my extended commute. While the acceleration pattern takes adjustment, it handles well and I am getting 30 MPG (with AWD) from hwy & suburban driving. There are a few minor interior quirks but car is comfy and spacious. The CR-V is in high demand; you cant get a Touring for months and there is little negotiating room. Ended up going with an EX-L, which saved me $5,000. My EX-L took 4 weeks to arrive in my color.

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  My new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By RaghuKadava - March 23 - 8:03 am

  The car is pretty good. I paid $1000 less than the sticker price. I am very happy with the car for the price that I paid for it. I only wish they have a V6 option. The interiors are awesome. It is good to see Honda giving a MP3 on all their new models now. The exterior is more like a shrunk version of the Pacifica, but it still looks much better than the old boxy shape. The new Ford Edge is gonna look like its paternal twin when it is on the road with lots of similarities in the body styling.

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  Climate control condensation - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Tanaka - March 21 - 5:56 pm

  Although we are satisfied with the vehicle overall, we are troubled by the puddle of water on the garage floor each time we drive in. The dealer told us that this is quite normal, however, we have owned a Subaru Forester and other vehicles with AC in the past and have never had this problem. We do not believe that this is normal as the temperature here has not been over 20 and the climate contr0ol is always set at 22 or higher.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Klub - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CRV used almost two years ago with 117,000 miles on it. I got a great deal due to the high mileage. So far I have never broken down and have had to have no work on it other than routine maintenance and replacing some hoses before they became a problem. My car before this one was brand new and I had non stop problems with it from 6 mos until I sold it 7 years later. For an SUV it has a pretty smooth ride and decent gas mileage. I am pregnant now and will feel very safe with my child in it while still feeling sporty.