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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  Excellent - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Rathan - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best of all the mini SUVs. fun to drive.

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  F to the 5th - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By car review person - October 30 - 12:30 am

  Awesome SUV

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  Utility and practicality cant be beat - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By highway24 - October 29 - 7:16 pm

  I carefully considered the Forrester, the RDX, and the Jetta TDI wagon. I came to my senses and committed to the CRV and Im loving it. The reviews mention a slow 0-60. I havent noticed much lag in city traffic. The 0-35 I have to do almost every other block around town is zippy. I love the look of the redesigned CRV. They borrowed from the best. The sculpted hood, the curves and points of the headlights...very appealing. Tail-lights were transitioned from an earlier model which evoke the design of certain Volvos. Mileage is around 23 mixed. Hint: go with good gas. I noticed a remarkable drop in engine noise when I didnt skimp and that V-Tec 4 went butter soft, in a good way.

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  I have a CRV and absolutelyLOVE IT!!!!! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SJOVTV - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 4 1/2 years and absolutely love it. I have had NO problems at all with it. Its spacy, comfortable, fun, its all I needed. I feel very safe when driving on the snow. Its just the best! When Im ready to buy another car, Ill get another CRV for sure... Im hooked!!!

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  cool and sporty - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Brenda and walden - October 27 - 2:00 am

  My car does it all. I love to zip around town in my honda, knowing that I am getting great gas mileage for an SUV. Its totally sporty and cute. The transition from a back seat to a cargo area is easy and it has an extra bonus that no other vehicle has----oh yes, the picnic table that doubles and the cargo bed. It also has a lot of cool storage areas including one under the picnic table. I am looking for a new car and cant find one the rivals the CR-V

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  All around Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By herbjunky - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive never been disappointed with a Honda before, and this vehicle is no exception. Even though its larger than most cars Ive purchased, it has extremely responsive handling and is quite fun to drive. The back seats fold up to hold all sorts of large cargo loads and still handles well fully loaded. We had an optional trailer hitch put on to tow our kayaks, but have not yet purchased a trailer. Hope it will tow nicely too. All in all, a very comforable vehicle to drive.

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  Love the CRV EXL but note what it doesnt have - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kreid - October 21 - 7:10 am

  I turned in my Honda Crosstour EXL (which I really liked, with the exception of the obstructed rear window) and leased a CRV EXL. I do like sitting up higher, the bodystyle fits in my garage better, and the cargo space is larger. I am disappointed however, that it doesnt have the Homelink garage door button, the memory seats or power tailgate. I wasnt aware I needed to purchase the Touring model in order to get some of the features I had on my Crosstour EXL. I am still very happy with my purchase, but please note, if you were used to the remote garage door button and memory seats, you wont have those options in the CRV EXL. Also, beware, my dealership set my lease at 39 months instead of 36, added $75 Oil Changes and $299 Antitheft Insurance without my knowledge. Apparently this is what they do on ALL new cars (whether you want it or not). I had to go back the next day and have them rewrite the lease to 36 months (which coincides with the 36 month warranty) and remove the $374 worth of extras they the automatically include (but charge you for). Im sure I will enjoy this vehicle for the next three years.

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  GREAT SAFETY FEATURES - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By supechief 20 - October 21 - 2:46 am

  GOOD: back up camera; blind spot camera [ except when sun glares]; collision avoidance; lane change warning; better acceleration than my 2013 model BAD: adjustable Cruise control slows car down around slight curve on highway when a car is in other lane.

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  A solid compact SUV! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By emanky - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Well-built, solid, small-size SUV. The reliability is great (what you expect from Honda), have owned for 3 years, not one problem. The AWD is great in bad weather conditions. Cargo area is spacious, a good car for longer trips, as well as, carting the family around town. The fuel economy is good as well. Only shortcoming is four cylinder engines horsepower, its adequate, but engine struggles in passing situations and up steep hills. I believe Honda has improved this in later models

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  2017 Honda CR-V Touring - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - October 21 - 12:30 am

  Be sure to shop around as some dealers arent likely to give best price.