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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  Love My CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Butr - December 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my CRV, it fits my lifestyle and I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Happy with Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Boy - December 19 - 6:30 am

  I am very happy with the CRV SE. I have had Hondas for over 16 years, I went from the Oddyssey to the Pilot in 2005 and now to the CRV in 06. Since all my kids have Hondas, I decided I didnt need a big vehicle anymore. It took me about a week to get use to the small size coming from the Pilot. I am very impressed and like the 4 cyclinder engine and ease in whipping around. My wife loves the car and this is the first time she ever said anything about the cars I buy.

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  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Great tow vehicle... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Blanchard - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We are full time RVers and tow this CRV and have since it was brand new, we probally have 25,000 miles of towing on it. It is a perfect car for this purpose, roomy enough for 4 adults, easy to tow 4 wheels down with no added mileage showing on vehicle. Only complaints it could be a little more peppy and Honda should re-think the transmission shift or what they call (grade logic). It causes the car to stay in lower gear when under a pull. This is good for mountains or bad weather but causes ecxcessive speed of motor sometimes. They should put a switch to change this like they did for Overdrive.

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  Nice cross-over vehicle. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By CP - December 14 - 5:53 am

  Have only had a little while but we really like the 2007 model. We compared it to the Toyota RAV4, which is more similar to the older CV-V, and felt this is a much improved design in many different ways. Appears beautifully put together, with lots of little innovations that really show that they pay attention to detail. I like the gear stick on the dash - keeps the area between the seats clear. No obvious tire noise (as commented on by reviews of previous models). Seems to have plenty of pep on the highway, even when towing a light trailer.

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  Love to drive - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tremoto - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Hondas second gen. body stlye is great. The car is perfect size for my wife to drive. My kids fit in it ( 10 & 2 ). The rear windows roll all the way down. The only complaint I have with the car is the rear gate opens towards the curb. If Honda can change steering for right-hand drive to left-hand drive they should be able to change rear gate opening.