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 Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By hot 2 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is not my 1st honda nor will it be may last. This is a great small suv;hovever,it still holds a family of five.

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  Actally a 2003 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gester - January 10 - 10:30 pm

  Overalll an excellent, dependable, well built machine. I dont ever get the advertised MPG (I never get better than 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG highway. I feel very safe in it and find it to be more reliable than anyother car Ive owned. Pepole are amazed at how much "stuff" I can pack in the cargo area.

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  Awesome SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rottnhombre - January 5 - 7:23 pm

  Living in Phoenix, AZ I expected the summer use of AC to give low gas mileage, but my CR-V averages 29 MPG highway and 26 city with AC on full-blast. Reliable, fun to drive, comfortable - and hauls the rottweiler! All my friends love riding in it. Im a very happy owner.

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  Nice Ride - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Cbone - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this vehicle......but so far so good. An excellent choice for someone looking.

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  Best for the price - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kperf - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Comparing mini-suvs on the road today I would have to say the the EX, which comes loaded with options, is probably the best mini sport utility on the market. The price starts higher than most but the top price is less than all others. This is on a loaded vehicle with more options than my Accord EX. This vehicle rides smooth and turns on a dime. Our CRV has been all over and still runs smooth after 15000 miles in the first year. What more do you expect its a Honda.

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  Died in the middle of the street! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By first honda - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I drove a CRV automatic for about 50K miles. It died in the middle of the street when I was attempting to accelerate repeatedly. The warranty was still in place but I was told the warranty was voided because we could not show documentation of the oil change schedule. Then the service technicians told us that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle despite the fact that it died repeatedly. I traded it and wont buy another Honda.

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  Love Honda, love the CR-V EX - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Terzic - January 2 - 7:49 am

  I had Hondas before so it was easy decision purchasing another Honda product. Known for reliability, value, safety and resale value.

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  Great Honda, Great SUV, Not an Acura - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By steven mcdonald - January 1 - 10:37 pm

  This is a very high end Honda, but this is not the quality of materials (the leather seats), or the fit and finish (particularly the rear hatch seams.....), of my Acuras. I assume it will have the same reliability as the 8 other Honda products I have owned. Details: average mileage is ~25 MPG; when you go over 78 MPH the turbo is on all the time, mileage drops fast (to around 22 MPG?); transmission is good, even acts like it is shifting when you push it hard (I like it?); rear seat room is awesome; handling is awesome; the leather on the front seats is weak, really weak, it will wear fast; get the all weather floor mats, they are awesome; the fit of the rear hatch baffles me, it is so bad I can almost get my finger in the seams....weird; the infotainment system is aggravating at best, very confusing; bluetooth is crazy, out of control, takes control of your phone even when you have deleted your phone; Android Auto works fine, but be prepared, Android Auto messes up your phone bad; Apple Car Play also works fine, but that product is terrible; love the deep white Touring color; AWD is awesome and seamless; There is a slight vibration at 78 MPH, I think it is the turbo not being isolated - I am getting used to it, so not a problem; we have 6K on the CRV. This CRV looks so much better than any of the previous versions, that is why we took a look at it. We do love it, quirks and all. We have 4 grown kids, and 2 grandkids, and we think this will make a very nice hand-me down at some point in the future - as did my 99 TL, my 05 Odyssey, my 08 Fit, and my 09 TSX - and 92 and 93 Accords....ugh....yeah, that is not all the Honda products, but most of them.....

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  Honda CR-V No surprises - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Barry Harper - January 1 - 10:16 pm

  This is a very nice vehicle. The package additions make it very nice compared to the LX, without going overboard. The only thing that we dont like are the controls for the radio. The touch screen buttons are small and somewhat hard to read and locate. The vehicle does have controls on the steering wheel that mitigates the issue a bit, but I would like to see better controls. There are not as many cubby holds to put stuff in the front compared to my older (2003) CR-V; this isnt a big deal but something that we noticed.

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  Glad I waited - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 31 - 8:00 am

  Im glad I waited for the new CRV. Was about to get a new RAV4 but did not like the large spare tire on the back. The new CRV looks great and you cant beat the build quality of Honda. One dealership had a $2500 mark-up above MSRP. My dealership never does that and I got a good deal considereing i was getting one from their 1st shipment. The transmission is really smooth - car is extremely quiet. One-touch sun roof cant be heard. Room is fine. Thought I might ge the LX, but the price differnec between the LX and EX isnt all that much. Great looking - gets unanimous praise for looks - really happy with this car.