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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  Honda SUV - good work horse - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By A.L. - October 20 - 2:11 am

  Good car if you need more space for hauling things than you can get in a sedan. Reliable with minimal maintenance of the past 11 years. Road noise is fairly high and the ride is stiff.

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  Another Sweet Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Jane - October 19 - 2:00 am

  After 7 years of excellent performance Ive purchased another model in the Honda line. Ive wanted a CRV for some time so noone I know is surprised by my purchase. Just big and tall enough to feel more comfortable on the road among the monster vehicles. Very fun to drive: responsive, drives like a car, whats not to like?

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  great - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By oakman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great suv.. fun to drive an has good cd player an good amount of room inside. My wife loves it and so do my teenage girls.The price was right and its a honda.

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  cool car cum SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By star48120 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  crv is a cool suv.ride quality is just like car.very quite ride.good on gas. its fun to drive.

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  awsome car!! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By ek1 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  i love it best car i had in my life!!

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  First Honda, First SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By EAJ - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is fun & sporty to drive and turns on a dime. By the looks of it, people think I paid WAY more then I did. The only problem I have experienced is that CR-V does pull to the right. Also, when I drive it in reverse it makes a whining sound...not sure yet if this is normal or not. (it is an automatic transmission) Anyone else out there have that problem? All in all it is a wonderful vehicle.

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  CRV Evaluation - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Ymmot - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is not a true off road rig. But as a winter vehicle for northern climes, it cant be beat. Fairly godd AWD. Adequate power. Always starts in below 30 temperatures. Good visibility and above average handling in slippery conditions. I really like it. Last vehicle was an AWD Ford Aerostar van.

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  First Car Decent, Yet Lacking - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Hondas4Life - October 16 - 2:00 am

  First car Ive ever owned, and its great to drive. Started having problems around 45,000 miles with the automatic transmission not downshifing to 3rd when drop in RPMs in 4th gear, causing the drive train to "lug" as a manual transmission car would if you failed to downshift and were driving it too slow. Causes a massive rattle that shakes the whole front dash, VERY annoying to deal with when driving around town. Other than that, very peppy car, gotta love the horn, and at 100,000 and still going strong.

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  All around good deal - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Fengar - October 13 - 9:52 pm

  Reputation & Reviews

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  1st impressions of 2018 Honda CR-V - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Bennett - October 11 - 6:02 pm

  I scheduled an appointment to complete the paperwork and take delivery of the car. After waiting for 5 hours I was given a 2017 Pilot as a free loaner and told to go home and return the next morning for my car. When I slid into the seat, it felt goooood! About the only adjustment I had to make was to comfortably reach the pedals. The wife was similarly comfortable in the passenger seat. It was also a pleasure to drive, accelerating easily and shifting smoothly. The next morning I picked up my new car and headed home. I spent a good part of the time trying to find a comfortable position with the seat. It is smaller with a short cushion and large bolsters top and bottom. The front of the seat cushion was digging into my leg, so I tried to adjust it lower. The seat accomplishes that by raising the back which also moves you closer to the steering wheel. Now from that position it cant slide back. So my hair is brushing the headliner, thanks to the moon roof that is standard, and Im closer to the wheel than I like to be without an extreme recline. I suppose Ill get used to it, but it is very disappointing to find such a poor seat in Hondas most popular car. It will never be a "oh, that feels good" experience. Even the steering wheel is uncomfortable being a hard plastic. Probably the Pilots was wrapped in leather or cushioned. The center console in the Pilot was excellent. It is a low, flat, surface providing a nice open feeling in the cabin as well as the perfect place to plop a pocketbook. The armrests are on the seat and can be left up out of the way or lowerd down to a perfect position. The CR-V has a center console that is split level, leaving not much room for anything. Also there are no slots or small drawers anywhere in the dash for small items. Everything must be thrown into the center console. When accelerating, the CR -V engine has an initial hesitation and a strained growl. The Pilot responds quickly and easily with no strain. Of course the Pilot is larger and more expensive, but it might be worth the extra investment.