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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  Crv better than Jeep - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Kenneth landis - December 20 - 8:17 pm

  Wife has driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the past 20 years. I asked her to drive the CRV. She did and she loved it. We bought two!

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  Faultless - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberkook - December 20 - 5:37 pm

  The CR-V is my first new vehicle in eleven years and I selected carefully. No disappointments. It is comfort, utility, style and dependability rolled into a nice neat package. Shortly after taking delivery we drove "the Beaver" trans continent for a total of 11K miles and it never skipped a beat. Mileage was spot on the ratings, but the power was peppier than I expected. Finally, I delayed writing this review because I wanted to wait for a couple of "snow trials" before commenting here. The original Conti tires came off and Blizzaks went on... nothing stops the Beaver now!

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  Its all good!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chipsta - December 15 - 2:00 am

  After all I read it is a excellent suv. Still a little shaky about off-road driving, but in terms of looks and mpg, its very good! We sure love it!!

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  Great car & price; thanks to Edmunds Price Promise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Tony Palmer - December 14 - 1:10 am

  Edmunds Price Promise and the dealers confirmation of this price via email and call. There was no quibble with the dealership. A very satisfying experience. Thanks very much for the Edmunds Price Promise -- I highly recommend it!

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  Love My CR-V EX-L - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chinhua Wang - December 13 - 9:02 pm

  CR-V is my first SUV. We loved the concept of SUV but were worried about the handling and gas consumption. We selected CR-V for its roomy interior, high mileage and its standard configurations. Honda is simpler and EX-L had all the features we wanted and none we didnt care about. It was a great decision. The handling is so smooth that it feels like a car. The mileage is very close to sedan. We love all the luxury features come with it.

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  Perfect vehicle for my college age daughter - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By J. McNevin - December 13 - 12:21 pm

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  The CR-V Won Over The Rav - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rick B - December 12 - 9:13 pm

  We traded in a 1997 Rav 4. It was my wifes dream to own a new one. She didnt like the looks of the CR-V but I convinced her to take a test drive. She loved it - then we drove the Rav. Within a block she said no to the Rav and yes to the CR-V. We found the CR-V had more room but also had a more comfortable ride. The way this vehicle drives won us over.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Diane - December 10 - 12:36 pm

  With gas prices being so high, I thought my next car would have to be a hybrid until I drove the CR-V. Wonderful vehicle, we even splurged & bought the rear spoiler, fog lights & auto dimming mirror. Im not normally a big freeway driver (I avoid it at all costs) but the CR-V handles so nicely its just a shame to keep it on the side streets only. Its very roomy & has all the features that will spoil you. (I cant wait for winter so I can try the seat heaters!) My husband is 6 1" and has plenty of room to ride in the front or the back seat. Very peppy & cute, its a very nice ride.

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  Best CRV Ive owned out of 5. - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By ccschanz - December 10 - 12:34 am

  Great all around vehicle for a very fair price. Ive owned 4 other Honda CRVs in the past and this is by far the best.

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  Great ride - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DP - December 9 - 8:38 pm

  Bought with 28k in 2002. Now has 125k. Super reliable. Very little maintenance. Best car we ever had. Great in snow. MPG around 28-30.