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:

• 

  Transfer case/rear differential problems - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By imslikk - January 28 - 2:00 am

  At 60,000 miles I am having to replace the transfer case and the rear differential. I am told that the bearings have worn out. The total cost of these repairs is over $3500. I am very dissapointed that the car would need such major work. American Honda has agreed to pay 75%, but it still means almost $700 out of my pocket, not to mention the headache.

• 

  safety features are great - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - January 27 - 2:58 pm

  The forward collision warning is great. An oncoming car made a sudden left turn and before I had time to react the brake came on. It is comfortable and the driver side mirror has literally no blind spot. The lane departure warning is a nice feature. There are 2 types of cruise controls. I had a BMW X5 and I am really pleased and surprised with the great value features.

• 

  2001 Honda CRV - Best in class - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By elchino02 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The absolute best mini-SUV you can find. Ive had it for 3 yrs and has only depreciated $4,000. Thats 80% value retention. Typical Honda quality.

• 

  Love It! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - January 25 - 12:13 am

  My wife and I both love this car. We usually end up fighting over whos going to take it. We can put three kids in the back with no problem. Great storage room behind the rear seat.

• 

  Just bought mine last week - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Diane - January 24 - 9:47 am

  Previously owned an o9 Honda Crv Exl with Navi and loved it! The best little car Ive had so far. The only think I dont like about the new EXL, is the interface, like the radio and no on and off buttons! Whats up with that! I wish they would go back to the -o9 interface on the dashboard. It was easy to use and had more features like: more stations, 6 cd holder, better controls, etc. This one takes time getting used to. Its as if they threw the dashboard together last minute with finger push accesse to music, navi...For the money, I would think that theyd make it more user friendly is all. Other than the user Unfriendly dash, its a smooth riding car...so far! I wanted to buy one last year, but heard about all the vibration issues, so I really wanted to take this one for a lengthy test drive. It seems fine. Love the interior beige leather too. Another thing Im not too happy with is the audio music!! Omg, do they put any speakers in the rear??? because if so, it doesnt sound that way. The more I write, the more Im missing my old car! Im sure Ill get used to all the so called "updated" features in time. Its a really nice car overall, but dissatisfied with the audio/navi... It shouldnt be that difficult

• 

  Good valur for money car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Prashant Bharate - January 23 - 1:41 am

  Car is good a little vibration from engine comes in cabin when idling in signal stops.could hav given few accessories n navigation in price.

• 

  I Love This Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rebeljim - January 22 - 4:53 am

  This SUV is so much fun to drive that I hunt all over the neighborhood for someone that needs a ride or to go somewhere, just like I did when I first obtained a drivers license

• 

  Not bad but... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By John from Kentucky - January 18 - 7:43 am

  The ride is stiff but for a $21,000 SUV you canÂ’t expect a Lexus ride. The seats are comfortable around town but will beat you up on 3+ hour rides. My kids love to drive it but my wife hates it. We bought it so my wife could use it as a work vehicle. She drives 50k yearly so we wanted a disposable car we could give one of our teenagers. In the end she took my 4-Runner and left me the CRV. Not a bad little car for the money but does not have a low range and the towing capacity is non existent. The car is tight and if it is like most of our HondaÂ’s and ToyotaÂ’s we expect at least 200,000 miles. I like the first major tune-up is at 110k instead of 60 k like many cars.

• 

  The park bench - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By RonS - January 17 - 3:21 am

  Old folks... need more seat comfort. Reminds me of a delivery van .

• 

  One week old - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Eckert - January 14 - 1:37 am

  I have not had this car long enough to read the manual (very small print) but hope to do so within the next 2 years if my eyes hold out.