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 Value - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By hondasrgreat - November 3 - 2:00 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our 2 small children when commuting and for vacations and the CR-V fits perfectly. Great ergonomics (except for window switches), gas milage, and storage capacity.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  This SUV has it all! Great gas mileage (24 city/30 hwy MPG), sleek and roomy interior, and classy yet sporty exterior. Materials are of high quality. Safety comes standard with dual front airbags and side and curtain airbags throughout, along with 4 wheel ABS. All at a reasonable price for a car known to maintain more of its value over other manufacturers. You wont regret it!

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  CRV is FABULOUS - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - November 1 - 2:39 am

  If you want a comfortable, high MPG SUV get a CRV. I am getting over 30mpg overall. This is great since i had held off on getting a SUV because of mpg concerns. My 2016 CRV has a smooth ride and performs very well in wet conditions. I am extremely happy to be a CRV owner !!! Thank you Honda for making a fabulous small SUV!!!!!

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  I love my CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By LASusie - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. I love the size and the turning radius is excellent. A bit of a problem with blind spots, but Id buy another.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By amazingmario - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV for the money with all the features included. I love this vehicle. Wish I bought it sooner.

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  Got this for Safety Reasons - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Threadbunny - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I got this suv because of the safety rating. I like it OK, but, I cant stand the back door that opens to the side. It has no catch, so if you are parked on any type of incline the door slams shut on you or anything in its way. The inside is comfortable, but, the rug is already coming up. I have had a maint. req. light and the car has had 2 recalls that it has had to go into the shop for. I do like the comfort in the back since my passengers are fairly tall and they say it is spacious. Also I was tapped at very low speed (less than 5 miles per hour) and a huge hole was placed in the bumper. So much for safety!

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  Hot, Hot, Hot - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Lover 2 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I brought this for the make and model. LOVE It, LOVE IT. Test drove the Nissan Xterra and was too small in the front area. The Hona CRV is comfortable and a great ride...

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  Great Mini-SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Darin Marple - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 CR-V is another great car in the Honda line. Build quality is great and the initial impression of this car is that should serve me for many years with little or no complaint from me or the car. The real-time 4wd was a real selling point for me. I tried it out on some wet roads and the car stuck to the road. All in all, the combination of fuel-efficiency and reliability of a civic with a SUV platform was a great idea. My wife has an 03 forester, both are great cars, choose the CR-V for size and finish, the forester for performance.

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  Good so far - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Adrewskie - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good so far. In city mileage even during the breakin period was 22-24mpg. Very comfortable and easy to drive.

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  Youll love it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By becklou - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have twin daughters so we need lots of space for the stroller, toys, etc and this little SUV is really bigger than I thought it would be! We can even fit a 3rd person next to the two car seats in the back. Honda has added thoughtful little extras inside - lots of cubby holes for CDs, change, cup holders. It even a util tray UNDER the passenger side seat just right for maps, books, etc. There are pockets on the back of each seat (a must with little kids in the car), plus several pockets on the back door. I also like the safety test results and you can get side impact airbags in the EX.