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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  A Great Car - Horrible Comfort - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Renay Rodriguez - July 14 - 6:07 pm

  I will never buy another CRV again unless Honda decides to fix the interior car seat design. After owning the car for 6 months I now have a permanent shoulder and neck injury from driving this vehicle. The headrest is so far forward that it causes curvature right at the base of the neck into the mid spine area. As a result of being constantly curved you begin to develop next train with creates muscle tightness in the neck which is now resulted in tingling and numbness in two my hands. I tried turning the headrest around and felt infinitely more comfortable but its not safe because theres no support in case of an accident. An additional problem is the bottom part of the seats themselves even at 5 to the seats are too short. As a result you dont get any support behind your legs. And this creates neck and back strain as well as you are required to support your own legs throughout the drive with just your bottom on the seat. I drive a car to drive and go places and this car has been miserable. Another reason not to ever buy this car again is the road noise. You can barely talk on your cell phone in this car when youre on the highway because the road and wind noise is so loud. You cannot listen to music comfortably in this car because you have to blast it so loud in order to be able to hear the music over the wind and road noise. When I bought this car I was thinking great gas mileage reliability and safety. But I didnt think about Comfort because I assumed a car company like Honda as reputable as they are would have created seats that would have been comfortable.

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  Honda CR-V....Best in class - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By ONYXDJDIANA - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V is rated high for a reason! I test drove an automatic but preferred the manual for power...I own a 5spd and LOVE IT! I researched all the mini SUVs and Honda was rated highest. Now that I own it, I KNOW WHY! It is roomy, fun to drive, reliable, very quiet, and fully functional. Ive used it for DJ equip., distance travel, travel to and from work, etc. (versatile) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Only complaint: function of locks.

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  Ideal Small SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Newbie - July 13 - 4:43 am

  Im a Toyota person having owned and loved my Highlander and other Toyotas over the years, but I wanted a smaller SUV. The Rav4 has a bit better "fit and finish" and lots to like, but I did not want the rear door that opens like a car door nor the tire there. The AWD CR-V handles very well in snow, and the 4 cyl engine performs well enough for me. The CRV is the perfect size for me. It looks beautiful to me and gives a panoramic view of the road like other SUVs. Its safety record is tops.

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  Great compact SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By D west - July 11 - 2:46 am

  Great fuel economy. Good SUV for family of four , not needing 3 rd row seating. Great trunk room for groceries etc.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SMcMahon - July 7 - 5:30 pm

  Ive been driving a 07 CRV for over three months. I am extremely happy with the handling and ride quality. CRV is driven on hilly, curving highways and in city. Handles both very well. Look forward to driving it EVERY time I get into it!

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  I love to drive again! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By newhondagal - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I bought my CR-V about a week ago and I absolutely love it. Everyone raves about how nice this car looks. I got it in Glacier Blue and its so beautiful - in my opinion the best color this car comes in. Im already averaging 27 mpg with highway/city driving. I love sitting up high and the visibility is so much better than my old sedan. This SUV handles and corners like a car, going down ramps with tight turns is no problem, however, it does lack in acceleration, but Ive gotten used to that. Im not out racing anyone, but getting up to speed on the highways is tricky. Other than that, I love it!

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  CR-V 2015 drive shaft vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By acarbal - July 6 - 5:58 am

  November 11 2014 bought a new all wheel drive CR-V and returned the following days. There was a drive shaft vibration. Dealer agreed to give a new SUV. Drive shaft vibration problem was there again. Went to the dealer for repair, part was replaced but problem continues. Dealer cant fix anymore since Honda does not have a solution. 3 Months and still no solution from Honda. Should I buy another CR-V or Honda again? THE ANSWER IS NO!!

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  Loud noisey on the inside - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Please help with the noise inside of the CRV - July 4 - 3:16 pm

  I love the Honda, however, this CRV has loud noise from the tires, or the windows not air tight, I thought my sunroof was open because of the noise, you can hear a lot of air coming inside or the tires are loud too. I have a 03 Honda accord and I ride in it more because it is old but no loud and it came with Michelins Tires a very good ride. This CRV came with Cross or something, tires something I had not heard of before, and they have very noisy sound. I love the Truck, however, something needs to be done about the noise. I rather ride in the 03 Honda Accord and it shakes & vibrates but has a very quiet ride, the window comes down to get the heat out before you get to the care by holding the unlock button and it has six CD changer inside not sure why they deleted those options, BIG MISTAKES.

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  Almost Perfect - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Nick in Canada - July 3 - 1:10 am

  Ive been researching small SUVs for a few months now and decided to go with the CR-V mainly because Ive owned Hondas and always been happy with them. This is a really sharp looking little truck and a lot of fun to drive. I love everything about it with one exception, I wish it had a tad more leg room. Im 6 tall and I wish the seat moved back another 2" so I could stretch out a bit better on long trips. The gas mileage is good but not as good as they list on their web site. Ive been driving like a granny trying to see how good I could do with mileage but I have not gotten very close to the listed mileage yet.

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  Love our Honda CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mac - July 1 - 9:30 pm

  This is our second Honda, having a civic before. The drive & handling is very nice. The CRV is very comfortable. We bought the EXL and are glad we did - added extras are worth the money. We looked at both the CRV & the Rav4 for several weeks before we bought. We know we made the right choice. Everything about this car is quality. We love our CRV -- The engine does the job quite well - its not a hod rod and we did not purchase this vehicle thinking we could go 0-60 in 4 seconds. It cruises great at 70 on the interstate. I would have bought a six cyl. had they made it, but its not necessary.