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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  SUV not to be taken off road - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wizofwall - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Just got a 04 CR-V. Took it to my friends property for some very mild off road driving (got the car in May and I refuse to wait until next X-Mas to try the AWD). The result, $1000 in damages. The EVAT canister busted on me at the first rock. Youd think the car would have some sort of non-Mickey Mouse protection under the car... Overall it rides pretty nice though. The AWD did an excellent job. Ive seen anything from Explorers to Humbies getting stock in some places where I did too. The difference is that the CR- V got out and the others always end up requiring 5-8 guys pushing to get them out. Still licking my wounds over the canister, though....

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  love my honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dowling - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this honda. We previously owned a honda civic, we needed more space and a little more power. Well we got it in our CRV. This car handles just like my civic did. I can make a u-turn anywhere I want, and I can fit into any parking space, no matter how tight! It drives very easily, I do alot of high speed driving in my commute to work, and I am always comfortable never feeling cramped. My two year old son loves it because he can see the road from his carseat(in the middle of the car). Even my husband loves to drive it because it has so much more power than the civic did.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By shelton - September 1 - 2:00 am

  97 model but bought new in 3/98. great milage and good looks. slighly underpowered but plenty good enough for around town driving which is what this car has done for the past 65 months. Has not been any problem with car at all and replaced tires at 65,000. Recommend this car to anyone because it is on the Civic chassis so drives like a car.

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  Good Dependable Car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jewell wright - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my honda crv, I think it is the best car to fit my needs. I can haul anything that I can lift up into it. I call it my truck car.I would like to sell it to my daughter and get me a new crv because she needs a dependable car. I put new Michilin tires on it.

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  Like riding Indiana Jones at Disneyland - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By AlexC - August 28 - 10:39 am

  Seriously losing confidence in Hondas quality. Ive owned 2 cars in my lifetime.. both Hondas.. and both have glaring defaults within. (Previous car: 2001 Honda Accord, which came w/ a bad transmission) The 2015 Honda CRV came out of the dealership lot driving great. I thought I finally scored a great deal of a car! Then I started reading about the VIBRATION issues the car supposedly had. The car still drove well for another 10,000 miles.. But now, Im near nauseous at every stop light I find myself at. I look over at the passenger seat, which is shaking madly.. which means that the driver seat I"m sitting on is also shaking likewise. This shaking at idle reminds me of the transmission issue I dealt with in my previous Honda Accord, where the car constant risk of shaking and dying upon acceleration at eery red light. I certainly hope Honda does something about their problems with the 21015 CRV. They received incredible ratings and reviews upon initial release and rode it all the way to best seller. This is very unfortunate that the car does not deliver up to value and no has many (and priorly non-returning) customers. Very disapointing

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  Never Again - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - August 28 - 12:53 am

  Good vehicle if you live in city. Not good if you live in country in Wi., Mn., Mi. etc. The so called AWD system blows. I live in county. Driveway has hill. If driveway has ice front wheels barely enough to get up hill as they were spinning. Appears back wheels never kicked in. During winter there were times going into town or home and hoping didnt end up in ditch. No confidence in this vehicle. There are no indicators to notify the driver that the vehicle is in AWD. Driver has no idea when the vehicle is in AWD if it ever is. Do I really have AWD ? There are 1-2 sentences devoted to AWD in the owners manual. An AWD light will come on if the AWD system overheats. Bet this was done purposely(no indicator) do avoid law suit when someone gets in accident when the driver thinks AWD should have been in place when it wasnt. If you tilt the front seat back to any degree,which you will need to do if youre taller than 510", you cannot fold the back seat down as it hits the back of the front seat. Have 10,000 miles on mine and looking to trade in. Good gas mileage. Average 30-35 on highway. 29.3 overall since owning.

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  Back for another... - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Don McConaghy - August 27 - 6:53 pm

  My wife has a 2003, and she loves it. I saw a 2006 (same color) with a manual transmission and ahd to have it. It is fun, economical and will probably last a long time.

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  Great little driver - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Memphisguybo - August 27 - 10:00 am

  This a great vehicle. I have owned it only for 5 months and have just hit the 15000 mile mark. Bought it certified used with only 11124 miles on it. Love the AWD system. Can really feel the difference in the rain. Wish the driver seat would just give a little more behind the wheel. Not crazy about the small gas tank..only 15gals..makes a big difference..getting 21 mpg in the city. A little disappointed in the lack of engine power with the a/c on..having to run premium fuel in the summer.. But over all...man I love it!...

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  Great Smaller SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Soleil - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Going from a car, this is the perfect starter SUV if you dont want anything big and bulky. This is the first Honda Ive owned and I am very happy with the SUV. I have yet to use the picnic table that it comes with, but its nice to know its there. Id buy Honda again - maybe next time Ill upgrade myself to the Pilot.

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  Good user friendly SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By TROB - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CRV "V" new in 2002 I have had zero problems. I would like better lumbar support, larger tires less brake, road noise, and more bass in the stereo. Utility is great I have carried several large items which fit into an exterior that appears too small on the outside but fit inside.The fit and finish are great as is the rear leg room. I still think it is the best sport ute for the money getting the fuel economy it does. I would hate to be my neighbor who owns an suv so large he doesnt drive it but once every few weeks to once a month.