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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  Reliable light car with the space of an SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Matt A. - September 11 - 6:23 am

  My CRV is going strong at over 143,000 miles and is great for city/suburb driving and commute, moving lots of stuff or large items, and the occasional camping or road trip. Engine/transmission and electrical are very reliable but acceleration is starting to drag a little bit, and the door lock actuator is broken (as in other reviews). But I have done all regular maintenance and major services like brake replacements, and the car is fine. Its easy to park and fits lots of stuff with fold-down seats. The seats arent plush, but the interior is roomy and practical with good driving visibility if you remove the rear headrests. Roof rack has come in handy. Reasonably safe, although you wouldnt want to be in a side-crash as many vehicles are larger/heaver than this. Feels like a light car with the space of an SUV. Paint and finish have held up perfectly.

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  Good Buy - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Eil - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used with 15K miles on it. Its perfect for us. Couldnt understand why everyone gets an armrest except the front passenger, but I got it installed aftermarket.

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  Big Improvement - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By pitcher - September 8 - 12:06 am

  Owned 97 CRV for 5 years. New 2002 vehicle is an improvement in ride, comfort, quietness, power and room. Only complaint is a place to put my left foot comfortably. Also the tires are noisy so I replaced them with Michelin X Ones(good for 80000 miles). Now a huge difference in handling and quietness. Also replaced the cheap paper cone speakers , added a subwoofer in rear and amp under drivers seat and have improved the sound 100%.

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  great Car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bernard Sussman - September 7 - 7:58 am

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  Fun, Reliable and Functional Machine - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tonyumd - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The primary driver for this vehicle is my wife, but i enjoy taking it out every chance i get. The fuel economy is good. The interior is very functional with lots of cargo space. The middle head rest is useless and blocks much needed rear-view. A V-6 engine would make this vehicle a perfect 10. We traded in our 2002 Accord and we miss very much the radio controls on the steerign wheel, leather seats, Home Link, visor lights, larger glove box (we cant even fit the cars manuals!), V-6 engine. Overall this is a good buy.

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  Great Little Car! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By two_turtles - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional quality. No problems at all. Gas milage is better than advertised. 2001 model is a little underpowered, but car performs well on city streets and freeways.

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  Torture Chamber - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - September 3 - 7:35 pm

  This is the tenth Honda weve owned, so you know we WERE loyal! Traded in a 2007 CR-V that we loved. Our 2015 CR-V was the most uncomfortable car weve ever owned or ridden in. Couldnt stand to be in it for a trip longer than 45 minutes. The seats were awful, and the front passenger legroom was terribly restricted compared to our 2007. It was so uncomfortable that we traded it in after nine months on a 2016 Ford Escape Titanium. We love the Escape! Its better in every way than the Honda: comfort, power, quiet, handling, technology. We havent missed anything about our Honda once since the day we drove away from it.

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  CRV LX 2WD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wandawoman - September 3 - 4:50 pm

  Just got my CRV 4 days ago. So far I love the zippiness (even for 4 cylinders) - it certainly beats the 98 Civic I just traded in. There is tons of cargo room which is deceiving from the outside. There is plenty of room inside for my family of four. Gas mileage is pretty good so far but Im hoping it increases a bit more as I break the car in. I only have 125 miles on it thus far.

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  annoying vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By zekewang - September 3 - 10:58 am

  I bought a 2015 Honda CRV EX and did the test drive at the dealer, did not have vibration problem, but when I was on the way to the dealer to get the registration, the car vibrated when it stopped at the traffic lights (brake on D). I told the dealer about it, they said Honda is aware of the issue and is trying to find a solution. I was very disappointed with the brand new car.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By kfost - September 2 - 5:29 pm

  Bought a 2015 Honda CRV-EX in late Jan and the vibrations have only gotten worse. Dont notice it when Im on highway, but in-town is a nightmare! Honda wont replace because they say its not a safety issue, only an annoyance. I should say so!! A brand new car should not drive like a 10+ year old car. I am so upset that I purchased this vehicle and will have to pay more to get rid of it. I expected SO much more out of Honda. Huge disappointment!! I want my old Honda back.