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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  The word for this vehicle is "Nimble" - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Billy - September 25 - 12:55 am

  We traded our 5 year old Accord for this new baby and after three weeks of ownership the opinion is mixed. On the positive side this is a very easy to drive and very nimble vehicle, zips around corners easily and the acceleration is great. Ride comfort is okay, not great -but the noise level is a little much for an SUV of even this size. Our first three weeks average mixed mileage is 27 mph driving fairly conservatively, so not sure where that wonderful reported 32 mpg is. The most annoying thing about this vehicle is the controls for the radio and heater- big huge buttons for the temperature control but tiny little useless dials for the radio volume and channel control. Yes if youre not driving you can do lots of things but easy control for the driver does not exist in this vehicle. In addition the braking is very choppy- but perhaps this is due to the newness of the vehicle. We hope to love this vehicle eventually.

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  Waranty woes - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Not impressed! - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I recently purcahsed a low mileage 2000 CR-V. An ABS sensor failed just outside of the 3 year bumber to bumber warranty ( Canadian) . By just outside I mean 7 HOURS. Warranty expired on a Thursday at Midnight and the ABS sensor failed on the Friday morning at 7 AM. The Honda dealer adivised me i was out of luck and would not consider goodwill as this particular vehicle had not yet been serviced at the dealership. I only had owned it for 5 days. . I am appealing the decision to Honda Canada. Needless to say , I am not impressed or happy.!

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  Problems keep adding up - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ncg - September 23 - 12:57 am

  Let me start by saying I am currently in arbitration with the National Center for Dispute Settlement http://ncdsusa.org/ and will move onto Lemon Law litigation. I have a 2015 Honda CRV AWD Touring currently over 13k miles and have experienced an array of problems which really has put a sour taste in my mouth because of the numerous problems with our CRV and the type of response from Honda. I have taken the car into service departments that have either took note of, tried numerous fixes or not at all, but in the end we are told that nothing can be done because this is a "characteristic of the vehicle" and no fix is needed . Ive even been told by my Honda dealer doing the warranty work that I can take my business to another dealer. I recommend you document all of your visits, even test drives with service advisors, log phone calls and make sure service records state what you reported, what work was done, what was noticed on test drives. I have met with District Parts and Service Manager, filed with Honda Customer Service, sent certified letters and all have resulted in the same response. This is a characteristic of the vehicle. Make sure to file these problems/complaints with Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009 and the NHTSA https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/ so the government takes notice. Here are some of the issues you may experience with the CRV. 1. Vibration issues for mode 1, 2 and 3 before and after TSB 15-046 -Driving Mode 1: While stopped with vehicle in gear. -Driving Mode 2: While between 1,000–1,200 rpm at takeoff. -Driving Mode 3: While driving between 1,800–2,200 rpm around 40–50 mph. 2. Vibration at highway speeds 70-80+ 3. Shudder, stall when in reverse 4. Steering issues -Pulls left under acceleration when wheel centered -Does not maintain center/neutral position or track straight down the road without excessive intervention. -Intermittently needs unexpected intervention through turns as the steering is not direct or does not reflect input from the driver. -The steering requires more input in one direction versus another. Intermittently steering becomes very heavy as if no power assist is given. 5. Car whines/whistles when driving These are the problems my car continues to have after taking them in to get "fixed".

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  So far, I love it - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By joey - September 22 - 1:23 am

  It is so much fun to drive so far. I love the stereo and the sunroof. I wish the gas milage was a little better, but I am working on careful driving.

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  6th Honda 1st CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Sherri Kennedy - September 20 - 2:26 am

  After driving Accords both sedan and coupe for over 20 years, I bought my first CR-V. I am so happy with this vehicle for its overall performance and technology perks. I have the Economy version front wheel drive, which is perfect for a semi-retired educator. It is roomy and comfortable with more cargo room when the back seats are laid down. Ive had on a road trip and short trips. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  I should have bought one years ago! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jeffrey - September 20 - 2:19 am

  Always go with at least an EX. Worth the price, you can always lease an expensive SUV, but you will never own it.

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  gotta love a honda - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By brandy - September 19 - 2:00 am

  My CRV is a stick shift so i have very few problems with power... i have had it a year and will have to sell it in december due to moving to san fran and i hate to let it go!!! it is my first car that i absolutely love!!!

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  CR-V Review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Calypso - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CR-V since August of 1999, and Ive never had a problem. Its fun to drive, Good gas milage, and its rated high. Its big enough to fit a bike or 2 in, but small enough to fit it in tight spaces. It has 56,000 miles and interior still looks like new!

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  Very Cool Mini SUV! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By C Andy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my first SUV, my first Honda. Perfect for my 80 mile daily commute in MN weather! It is very solid, sturdy and quick. I feel safe, confident & cool in this CRV! There are only 2 things that I dont care for: 1. cup holders: too shallow, cups tip over (I fixed it by putting 1-sided sticky foam inside the holder) and 2. the seat belts are awkward to fasten.

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  Uncomfortable - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Danica7 - September 12 - 7:13 pm

  There is much to recommend the 2009 CRV, including a well-built car with many fancy features for a reasonable price. But after only two months, the horribly uncomfortable driving position - and the neck and shoulder pain I am experiencing - is causing me to sell it back to the dealer. I am 57" - and would not recommend this car to anyone my size or smaller. When seated a comfortable distance from the steering wheel (which telescopes only minimally), my knees hit the steering column. In addition, the active restraint headrests are horrendous, and there is nothing to be done about to modify their angle, which pushes the head forward.