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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  I love it! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By countrycommuter - November 18 - 2:00 am

  My husband calls this (affectionately) the "gutless wonder." It is underpowered but on my 110-mile commute on hilly, country roads, I dont have a chance to pass anyone! It handles superbly. The reliability is fantastic. The only car I have ever owned with 0 defects on purchase. It still has no mechanical problems. Ive been in two fender benders (including hitting a mule at 35+ mph) but no structual damage. I wont swap it for my husbands 2002 CRV!

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  Practical - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Brett - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the CRV after comparing it to the xterra, Escape, RAV4, and VUE. I picked to CRV because I thought it had the the most room, quickest acceleration, and best price. The Escape was a close second but I have had reliabilty issues with Fords in the past.

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  I love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By debbie - November 15 - 12:00 am

  I love this new cr-v. Im getting pretty good mpg around 23/24. Wish that were better. I love the roominess of the interior. Has pretty good pick up a little lacking on hills but overall its great. I love the look of it. Great in snow..

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  What it lacks - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hondadriver101 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the 2001 Honda CR-V is a good compact SUV. It rides comfortably on the highways, and its gas milage in the City couldnt be better. It could come with a more aggressive suspension system and with larger tires to make it more fun off road. But overall its worth the money.

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  Functional & efficient yet well appointed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By WM PATE - November 10 - 6:56 pm

  Great bang for your buck with quality appointments, function & economy. Purchasing a certified used vehicle provided the added security of recasting a significant portion of both the 100k drive train and standard 36K warranty.

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  Love my new car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By D. Arnett - November 7 - 8:44 pm

  Please just shop around at different dealers. Might be able to work out a better price (significant) for same car if you are willing to travel a little for it.

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  a great little suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cory hughes - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is a great car family car. Youd think that an SUV wouldnt have that much power but this one has a lot. 160 horses worth of it. Its built really well. Average Honda quality. Its also quite roomy despite what the size looks from the outside. It turns as sharp as you could want. A short wheelbase. Easy to drive. A good car to learn in.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T Frye - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 95 Civic. I enjoy the reliability of the Honda. The CR-V is so quiet I cant tell if it is on or off. My overall expectations have been met and then some. It is great on long drives. One of my best decisions. A "BLESSING" in disguise.

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  crv excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By The Boot - November 7 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle even tows my small trailer with my 4 wheeler on it.

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  Great car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frederick Hanhauser - November 5 - 9:11 am

  We required the power lift gate, so had to get the Touring trim. I am very happy with the packaged features, although would not have ordered some, like the moonroof.