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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  Great for my family - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J&C - March 1 - 2:00 am

  1000 miles and loving it. Im a big guy (64) and find plenty of room in the cabin as well as the back seat. Really like the sliding/ reclining rear seats, a big plus over the Subaru Forrester. (I didnt even fit in the back of the Forrester.) Handles great, a very quiet ride, probably would be quieter with better quality tires.

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  Satisfied choice - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By NJ - February 28 - 12:13 pm

  I returned my 07 Accord SE lease and bought a new 2010 Honda CR-V EX AWD. Odometer now reads 200 miles. The car is very comfortable, lots of room, and build quality is top notch. However, this car lacks power. CR-V is on little heavy side powered by 2.4L 4 banger. I havent tested AWD capability on wet or snow traction yet. One aspect that I really dont like is the Grade Logic Control system that locks into lower transmission during hill climbing and descent. My mind thinks it should up-shift in certain point but it holds down the transmission too long, and shift isnt smooth as Accord. Overall, I made a good choice and I really like the car. Ill get used to GLC in 3 years. =)

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  fun and stuff - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jennyjump - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1999 CRV - then went to a new Accord - missed the CRV for utility - What a difference from the 1999. Had a problem in the beginning with the ABS light coming on - ended up getting the entire ABS assembly replaced. Dealer was perplexed. No problem since - but it was an expensive (to the dealer) fix. Avant garde attempt with the gear shifter - but it does get in the way of the radio controls - I noticed a couple of people mentioning the clicking sound when you shift in and out of gear when stopped - took it in to dealer for that - they said this noise is typical for the car and nothing to worry about. Lets hope.

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  Never looked back - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By luvvit - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Get this as a fun, practical car that would last a long time. It has exceeded expectations, plus holds its value like nobodys business. Engine is just adequate at 150 hp but thats part of the package.

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  Not My 2006 Car Camping CR-V. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Flyfisher - February 25 - 2:12 am

  I was so excited to learn there was a redesign for the 2017 model. The day they arrived at the lot, I test drove an LX and an EX. We all know what is good: cargo space, mpg, safety. With the CVT, I am hoping we still have reliability and CR-Vs that last for 200k-300,000 miles, but too soon to tell. I sold my all-time favorite vehicle, a highly reliable 2006 CR-V that doubled as a fly fishing and car camping machine, to fellow fly fishing friends. Three years later, it operates w/o any problems. I sold it because I shouldve rust-proofed that Honda, but I didnt. ): In part because recent year CR-Vs dropped their earlier ground clearance, I bought a Subaru Outback. Great MPG, but Im concerned about their CVTs, and the 06 CR-V was still a better outdoor persons suv than the Subaru, which is marketed to outdoor enthusiasts. There were too many little things that disappointed me in the 2017 CR-V, and a few big things that dont suit my outdoor lifestyle, that led me NOT to buy the new CR-V. Boo! *1) No CD player... to play the audio books on those 4 to 8-hr car rides to my fishing destinations. 2) Annoying: no storage on LX behind drivers seat. Chintzy and impractical. Come on, Honda. Thats where my maps go. *3) No option to use a key to start suv in any models except LX. What if battery dies or fob becomes defective, gets dropped in water? I want a key to most-reliably start the vehicle. 4) Id love the choice of a mid-level suv that does NOT make me have a sunroof. 5) It seems that the light-colored exteriors no longer had black (dark), cloth interior options... Outdoorsy people can get dirty and/or wet pants and still need to sit on seats and drive vehicles. *6) If consumers all have to have touchscreens, how about angling them slightly downward or ? so the sun does not reflect off them into the drivers eyes??! And for that matter, can we get rid of the fake, reflective silver trim on the dash and center counsel? These, to me, are more important safety and comfort features than things like "acoustic glass". *7) Please, please, please give the 2018 CR-V fold-flat front seats like my 06 CR-V did and the current Rogue does!! With the fold-flat seat, I could car camp safely in passenger front/rear seat, leaving cargo area for cargo and allowing me to slip into drivers seat in case of safety needs/to drive away. I could also recline the rear seat and work on projects or read prior to going to sleep. The 2017 LX drivers seat almost folds flat enough, but serious padding would be needed for remotely comfortable sleeping. Fold flat seats also allow for hauling longer items for DIY projects. 8) Do you remember those hooks on the rear headliner of the 06 CR-V that were intended for use with child safety seats? Well, those hooks served other practical needs. I hung bungie cords from them, used Velcro on the headliner and attached bungies between the left and right passenger above-the-door handles to hang my fly rods in the compact 06 CR-V. Man, I miss that vehicle! No hooks on headliner of 2017 CR-V, but Rogue has one. Alas, Rogue is too small and Ive heard rumors about CVT concerns there, too. Every part of me wants to own the reliable Honda CR-V again, but Honda started turning it more into a car as years went on. Now, with increased ground clearance and improved height cargo area, maybe Honda is getting more practical again and gearing their compact suv to people who really want the utility of an suv? Fold flat seats would go along way to make the suv more outdoors and DIY ready. And what other manufacturers are ditching the cd player?! Lets get that cd player back in the cabin. Thanks for letting me do this review!

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  Honda CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Nathon - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, reliable vehicle.

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  Great little suv - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By h los - February 20 - 5:10 pm

  Presently I have over 150k miles, I have had very little issues with this car. Replace the sensor, bulbs, and breaks thats it. It is a highly reliable car.

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  Great little suv - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By h los - February 20 - 5:10 pm

  Presently I have over 150k miles, I have had very little issues with this car. Replace the sensor, bulbs, and breaks thats it. It is a highly reliable car.

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  OWNER - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Manager of yellow leaf llc - February 19 - 4:46 pm

  DO NOT BUY THIS BRAND. I bought this car on my birthday late May 2016 so far I drove in 5 months 13,000 mile and it broke down with over heat 150 miles away from my home at midnight, I got crazy because I never prepare for this situation with a brand new car. They towed my car to the local dealership and I had to call my family to pick me up and arrived home 5 am.The dealership took one and half day and found the problems and can not find the parts and tell me how long it gonna be to fix it(at this review is writing). THE WORST PARTS IS HOW AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMERS SERVICE TAKING CARE OF YOU. The dealership told me that they have loaner car for me but I have to come to pick it up by my own, I call Honda car customer service at 1 800 999 1009 and spoke with Stephanie and asked about reimbursement for car rental from my home(150 miles away) and she said no and sorry. She told me that I should tow my car back to the dealership near by my home, it my fault to bring the car to local dealer that night, how I know that because when the tow truck from Honda arrived and he give me two local dealerships to choose.

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  tsim - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By tsimone - February 19 - 2:00 am

  A great car for getting around close to home.