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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  New & Improved - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By BP - February 7 - 12:10 am

  Looks & drive nice. New exterior makes it look like a high end luxury SUV. On the road a number of people stopped and said nice looking car! Seem to be doing very good on mileage.

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  I love my CRV! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By April - February 6 - 3:26 pm

  I had the 2003 EX and loved it. Now I have the 2005 SE and love it even more! I love the fact that Honda listened to its customers and made improvements. One great improvement is the safety features - VSA, more airbags, and lowering the rear head rests for a better view out the back window when driving. Im enjoying the extra benefits of the SE, such as the leather interior, heated seats and side mirrors. Im really impressed with the difference between the 2003 and the 2005 CRVs in general. Great improvements. Im enjoying my CRV and hope to have it for many years. Thank you Honda for a great little SUV with great fuel economy. You did good.

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  Test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Pitsch - February 6 - 8:09 am

  This vehicle had too much road noise for my liking.

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  Best Economy SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By blick138 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent economy SUV with all the features the average person needs. Like any Honda you never have to turn on wrench. They will run forever. This was my 3rd Honda and never had one single repair with over 250,000 miles total.

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  Cr-v - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Doug Fisher - February 3 - 8:31 am

  Pretty good

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  From Jaguar to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Smitty - February 2 - 3:16 am

  Turned in my leased Jaguar early to get my new SE CRV and love it!!! I drive a lot more miles now and the comfort and fun in driving the CRV is great. Easy to get in and out, great hauling space, beautiful interior (I had the wood grain added) with the leather seats and all of the compartments--its wonderful! With a lot of interstate driving it can move along with the best of them--a lot of zip!

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  Still room for improvement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By twilight901 - February 1 - 1:40 am

  Ive had my new CR-V for a week and unfortunately its already in for service with a noise when turning. Other than that its a decent vehicle. On the open highway I made about 26 mpg whereas 18 mpg on in the city which is well believe what they are saying as an estimation. hopefully it will improve in the future with different driving habits. The interior is decent although it would be nice to have a middle console. The display with mpg and oil remaining is very useful. All in alll its a nice vehicle to drive and is very sporty.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Kayaker - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks after purchace, drove to Canada from So Cal. We averaged 26 miles/gal for the whole trip, with air- conditioning running, freeway, city, mountain and off road. This car never skipped a beat and kept us very comfortable. While there is plenty of leg room in the rear seat area, my 61" body wold like the front seat to slide back about one more click. It isnt bad but that would be nice. It has plenty of power to handle every situation and a very large cargo area with or without the rear seats folded down. We are campers, Kayakers and white water rafters so space is very important to us.

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  I love my crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Global Girl - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is not a car I would have walked onto a lot and chose myself. I got my CR-V as a Christmas gift and I couldnt be happier with what was chosen for me. With 2 young kids and a lot of traveling, this is the perfect size car for us. It has enough room to haul everything, but designed so well that it doesnt feel like I am driving a huge truck.

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  Honda CRV AWD - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jack Russel - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Having had this car for a year now, I probably would have purchased another vehicle due to just one thing and that is how uncomfortable/noisy this car rides and handles. Everything else is fine, especially the styling and quality. If I drive this vehicle for more than an hour I am ready for a break. Dont take your eyes off of the road for a milisecond while driving because this vehicle will wander away quicker than I have ever seen another vehicle do.