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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  HORRIBLE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kimo - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Worst quality ever, less than a month owned and twice to the dealer for loose junctions, a third for the AC, cant believe the nightmare im having since i got this car

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  Best Honda Ever - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By BryanBarrett - July 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my CRV for six years now. Best car Ive ever owned! I have just replaced the original tires at 90,000 miles. Not one thing has gone wrong with the car. At 92,000 miles, all Ive done to the car is the routine changing of various fluids as stated in the owners manual. It still has the original brakes and has averaged 28 mpg for the six years Ive owned it. I plan to keep this car until it registers 200,000 miles. Great car Honda!

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  Im surprised... I like it! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By kimberkook - June 29 - 6:30 am

  The CR-V is my first SUV. It was purchased to deal with the deep winter snows weve been getting here more often. So, while Im most interested in utility, finding that the CR-V really handles well, has great road feel and peppy performance is an unexpected bonus. Gas mileage is higher than I expected, too. This is a thoroughly excellent vehicle.

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  Pleased CR-V Buyer - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gohonda - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a second car that would have more cargo room than my old sedan, good enough gas mileage to commute in, able to get through the occasional snow storm (4WD), and enough power not to get blown off the road. The CR-V fit the bill on all accounts. Very impressed by the 4cyl performance,this car is flat out fun to drive and does not seem lacking in power in any situation. Interior is well thought out and stylish; seats are fairly comfortable, although I could use more legroom in the front. The ride is smooth, and fairly quiet for an SUV.Combine that with typical Honda reliability, and itÂ’s a no-brainer when compared with the Santa Fe and Rav4.

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  2nd t ime around - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Malex - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first CRV in 2001 when my car was flooded in parking lot during a tropical storm. Never owed an SUV. Was impressed with the CR-V and the salesman and dealership. Decided to buy another. Went back to same salesman, dealership and said...lets deal! First time I ever bought the same vehicle a second time. Now I think I am hooked!

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  The BEST & most FUN car Ive ever owned! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Thalia - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I had a Honda Prelude, but this CRV drives better than it did. This CRV is the most fun car that Ive ever driven! My husband even told me that hes glad that I finally have a car that I LOVE to drive now he gets to enjoy the passenger seat. I bought the Honda used. This Honda has been so enjoyable from my first test drive! It handles magnificently, will slide into any parking spot, turns on a dime, it drives more comfortable than any SUV Ive ever driven before. Our driveway is very steep & gravel and it goes up it like a dream! I plan on keeping this Honda for many, many years!

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  I love this suv!!!!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jingle - June 23 - 10:16 am

  This is my first Honda and SUV, and I would buy it all over again in a second! There is nothing about this vehicle that I dont like. I bought the LX 2WD model about 1 month ago, and let me tell you, even though it is the base model, Honda proved that they still care about my comfort, and most of all mine and my childrens safety! When I bought it, I did not like how the door locks worked, I would have to push my unlock button to get my kids out of the back seat. But , My husband read the manual, and found that this can be changed. I have 5 different options of how I want my doors to lock, and 3 options for unlock! HOW COOL IS THAT!!! Buy This car, you wont be sorry! I LOVE IT !!

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  Great vehicle. Great price. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Likesfishing - June 21 - 7:57 pm

  Amazingly spacious. Handles very well. Excellent gas mileage. 32 mpg average in the mountains of Utah. Navigation is very good with the single exception of recognizing some named locations. Navi is excellent on addresses. The display. This CRV is very comfortable to drive for someone 63" and someone 54". Excellent value. Cross-shopped against the new VW extended Tiguan (unimpressive) and the Subaru Forester and Outback. The 2017 CRV is totally new and is much longer with much more luggage space than prior CRVs.

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  Horrible vibration and heater - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Springtime - June 21 - 10:48 am

  The vibration is ridiculous. I had two fixes and still have vibration. The amount of time it takes for the cabin to get warm is unacceptable. I live in the NE and if it wasnt for the heated seats Id freeze to death. I drive both city and highway and I havent even achieved the listed city mpg. This will be the last time we buy a Honda.

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  terrific - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ann h. - June 20 - 2:00 am

  this is an incredible car? SUV? Drives like a car but does great in EXTEME conditions... I live in Idaho, came back from Sun Valley last year down terrible road conditions, my cr-v did great... cars, SUVs, pickups all over the the side of the road (off the road and ditched... my cr-v just kept going... no problemo.... P.S. We have a 1992 landcruiser (old tank type) and for on-road conditions of any type, this really does better!