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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  2013 CR-V EXL w/Nav - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Fran - August 18 - 3:33 am

  Purchased this vehicle in 2013 certified with 6500 miles. I had to replace the Bridgestones at 39000 miles. Regular maintenence has been done, brakes are original. Hwy mileage is 32-34, city 21-22.5. Cannot beat this small wagon.

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  none - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By kllariv - August 18 - 2:00 am

  looking to buy, read all reviews and sounds like a champ!

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  Honda CRV (CVT) transmission problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By john802 - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  So I am not the only one complaining to Honda about their new CRV transmission!!! Just bought a new "Touring" model - not able to test drive before as none available but owned CRV before. On way home after picking up new car identified "Steady State" speed vibration and drumming in the car. happens at steady state speed between 20 to 40 MPH. Took it back to dealership - Service Tech came out with me for test drive and confirmed problem and suggested we take another newer 15 CRV out for a run - the vibration and drumming sound in the Cabin was even worse than mine!! Contacted Honda Canada to be told my car was performing as designed - so fault was "Designed" into car by Honda?

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  Drives great! Best features/price in class - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Magflo - August 14 - 11:18 pm

  There is no wonder this CR-V is a top seller and gets rave reviews from the pros. It truly delivers all a compact suv should be, space for people and stuff with a great ride. All of my passengers are 6 or so and have good space in pasenger seat and back seat. At least once a week I drive with three adults in the back row and while its a squeeze to get seat belts buckled, once theyre in theyre good to go. I cross shopped this segment heavily, even considered the prius v wagon, but in the end I found the CR-V so easy to drive. And while there may be others in the compact suv segment with lower starting prices for their base models, when youre shopping the top trim levels with all available features the CR-V is priced the best. The touring trim has leather seats , sunroof (wish it were panoramic), power liftgate, collision mitigation braking system (I actually saw this in action in my vehicle yesterday!), lane departure warning ( most others offer this too but I dont find this feature that useful), lane keep assist (most others dont have this and I find this VERY useful), adaptive cruise control (this is really neat, Ive used this around town but really looking forward to using this on our long family road trips ) and that nifty right side lane view mirror, Im really liking that. Im getting good mpg too. I hesitate to even bring up the vibration issue everyone talks about in the 2015 model but I am a motion sensitive person and I shopped the CR-V looking for the vibrations since I was aware of what others had said, I can tell you it really is a non-issue in the 2016 and from what I understand those with the issue in the 2015 can go to dealer to have remedy applied. No vehicle is entirely still at idle, except maybe the Prius since it shuts off its engine but then that Prius sure didnt drive like this CR-V does :-)

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  MY THIRD ONE... - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jweber - August 13 - 10:00 am

  If I did not like them, I wouldnt keep buying them. They keep getting better and better.

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  Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dan - August 12 - 7:10 am

  Just bought this SUV after comparing with the Escape which I like also, however decided on the CRV because of better resale and quality. Also liked the styling better thans the Toyota Rav. Really liked the Kia too but was leary of Kia s reputation.

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  Its just OK - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Will - August 11 - 1:30 pm

  I purchased the CR-V about a month ago and find it OK. It has horrible road noise and a very jumpy ride on rough roads. I do not like the shape of the rear side window. Gas mileage is only fair 21 around town. I traded in a 2005 Toyota Camry and in many ways liked the Camry better. The Bridgestone tires on this vehicle get a very poor rating. I am surprised that Honda would put these tires on this vehicle.

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  Highly Recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By rbm - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I decided to downsize from a Grand Cherokee and I have not regretted it one bit. Most of my driving is in town, and this vehicle is just right: comfortable, turns on a dime, excellent mileage, and ample cargo space. Its my first Honda, bought used, and I plan to keep it a long time. Drove roundtrip from SC to TX and it was a joy to drive. My LX had some EX upgrades (alloy wheels, CD player) but standard equipment is great for this price range.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By chris - August 10 - 9:50 am

  My dad purchased this vehicle for me in Nov. of 2004 when they first came out. I wasnt really excited about the CR-V because I had never really liked them in the first place. My dad being the Honda fanatic that he is, encouraged my to try it. When I first found out about the 4cyl engine I wasnt too excited, but when I started to drive it, every day I started to like it more. I was very impressed with the handling from the awd and the power of the small engine. The tweeter sound kit is very nice and the 6-CD changer is a great thing to have. The leather seats are very comfortable and easy to clean and most of all it makes the CR-V look even more stylish and expensive. All in all its a great SUV.

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  love the crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - August 10 - 9:13 am

  Love to drive the car. Easy handling. Found to be good handling in the snow. Gas mileage surprisingly good. I get about 25 on long trips.