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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  Japanese Auto Manufacturers Have 100% Pe - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By whitenavajo - December 30 - 10:33 pm

  After a long wait we purchased the newly redesigned 2007 CR-V. We are thrilled with everything about this car. The turning radius is amazing! The interior is extremely roomy and very well made. The leather cleans up great. The liftgate now opens up and not to the side so you can be parked inside a garage and open it with no problems. The cargo area has a dual decker shelf that can be removed. We love this little car.

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  Luv my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Jillith - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I am in this car over 2 hours per day in commute time. I carry loads of cargo that always fits. My car starts every time I turn the key, the fuel economy is great, the power is sufficient for driving in Phoenix area with no mountains. This vehicle is somehow larger on the inside than it is on the outside, I dont feel cramped at all. My complaints are the same as all 2001 CR-V owners. Weak stereo,no fuel cap holder, goofy window controls...little stuff. Other than that...Great! If I get a newer veh, Ill just get another CR-V. My mom bought the 2002 and Honda had fixed some of the 2001 and earlier issues. She also adores her car!

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  Not A Hylander - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MickeyP - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Initially I wanted to purcase a 6 cyl. Hylander, my wife talked me out of it because of the poor gas mileage. Instead we went with the CR-V, because not only did we get better gas mileage, but, we got a car that has as much horsepower as a family of 3 will need. In addition, we took it on vacation in July, packed it to the top, and included five people. Needless to say, even packed full, we had more than enough power, and we ever got about 26- mpg on the highway. Wow!!!

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  I love this car!!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Kathy - December 28 - 4:23 pm

  I waited for 3 years to buy the CRV. I did not like the interior of the 2001. Finally Honda made the interior with as much comfort as my accord. I love the size...not too big...I own the SE ...so it took a little while to get used to the leather interior but the heated seats in the winter were well worth it!!!

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  Great Value - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John - December 27 - 6:36 pm

  Great value for the price. Love my crv- the only reason I gave it an overall 4 is because of the significant blind spots due to the rear side windows. With the new safety standards Im not sure what Honda can do to avoid that. For you musicians out there the trunk space fits a full size tuba without putting the seat down!

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  GREAT little SUV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Rhonda L. Bonfiglio - December 27 - 7:03 am

  This car is reliable and handles the road well. My version has heated seats and electric drives seat as well as factory tint and electric sun roolf. The seats are leather and easy to maintain. I inititally intended to buy a brand-new Honda and select all my extras, but I bought instead a two-year old certified used because I SO appreciated the color; further, it had all of the add-ons I wanted. Its just a great HONDA. Love it love it love it.

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  Nice car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jmeqb - December 25 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive this car, the only complaint that I have is the rear tail lights are a little funky looking.

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  4 year test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By chris ronan - December 23 - 4:14 pm

  After completing a 4 year test drive on a 2012 cr-v, my wife was so satisfied that she wanted another one. Im delighted with the changes after experiencing zero problems with the 2012. Now theres heated and power seats, color outside cameras, and the best blindspot camera. The touch screen for radio and syncing your phone are excellent.

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  gas milage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Michael davis - December 22 - 10:55 pm

  the gas mileage was advertised 26 to 33 miles per gallon. I am not even getting 22 miles per gallon. I have yet to get even 26 miles per gallon. My wife also bought a 2015 crv. same thing mileage about 22 mpg. Blatant false advertising

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By C Samuels - December 22 - 2:06 pm

  I have owned, the Suzuki Side Kick and the Chevy Tracker.The Honda out performs both hands down. I am really enjoying driving my CRV. It has great pick up and is really comfortable.