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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  Great Car - doesnt disappoint - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Carman - May 27 - 9:06 pm

  We brought our 2007 EX Cr-V and love it. Great look. Great design. Love the AUX port for the stereo..so much better than the FM transmitter. Got 27 mpg on the turnpike. Actually made the turnpike bearable. Great design for great price.

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  Love my V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By BLUEBOY - May 26 - 8:53 am

  I bought my V last month about a week before christmas, the buying process was done 90% via internet/email and phone, it went very smooth. After about 4 weeks now my V has 800s miles and it has been excellent and fun drive. The acceleration is very smooth, easy to get in and out, drives like a sedan, I can load my bike inside with the back seats folded. Plenty of storage spaces and very thoughtful. Honda really think forward and know what their customers want/need (mostly).

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  Great Car! Comfortable and Practical! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tat2dphreak - May 25 - 8:16 pm

  Ill admit, I initally did not want to buy an SUV for my wife. A nice, safe car seemed a better fit. Ill admit I was wrong though, the mileage for the CR-V has been very good, and its been very useful while making home improvements (which is why we got the SUV at all). Its fun and comfortable to drive, both for short commutes to work and long 3+ hour trips. MP3 player stock, iPod connection, solid, quiet, stylish, and reliable. I highly recommend!!

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  Very Happy with our CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By yankeecr-v - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Other than the bland interior our CR-V has been awesome. We average over 27+mpg with alot of highway. The interior space for cargo and people was a big factor in choosing the CR-V over the Liberty and Rav4. Im 63 and I can sit in the back without my knees hitting the front seat backs. The CR-V is a fun, practical, economical vehicle without the typical SUV liabilities.

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  Issue With Some 2003 CRVs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By marylou - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just got 03 CRV 2 weeks ago (old car was breaking down a lot and I have a baby) A couple days ago, we stopped for a red light and the car died. I panicked & called the dealership. They said they would call me back in 5 minutes (still waiting). It turns out that there is a problem with about 1-in- 200 new CRVs (not common enough for a recall). Their service bulletin reads " When the fuel tank is about 3/4 full, the engine may stumble or stall when the vehicle comes to a stop... due to fuel sloshing forward in the tank and causing a purge of fuel vapors to enter your engine." It was a 5-minute repair and was covered by warranty

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  Still have the vibration problem - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By E Wang - May 24 - 12:10 pm

  We just got this car a week ago. Did not feel anything when test driving it but feel the vibration the day after purchase with only about 100 miles. What we found out is the vibration only happens when the car is in gear at idle. After doing some search on the internet we found a lot of complaints for the 2015 model but not for 2016. The vibration is similar to a lot of comments people said about 2015: only happens at 600-700 rpm after the car is fully warm up. Went back to the dealer twice already and finally got the manager tried it with me and documented the problem. However, we were told this is the characteristic of CR-V and there is no fix at the moment. They can only file this complaint to Honda and wait for the update. I am surprised that I did not find complaint about it for 2016 on the internet yet. My guess is it probably a lot less severe than the 2015 but you can definitely feel it. The good part is I can turn the heater to maximum to bump up to 700-800 rpm then the vibration goes away but the VIBRATION DEFINITELY IS STILL THERE! Make sure that you test drive it on highway and local for at least 20min before you decide to buy it.

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  Toyota & Subaru: BEWARE-CR-V is #1 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wally - May 23 - 12:46 pm

  This is truly an awesome vehicle to own in its price class. Loaded with safety and standard features including leather 6 CD, heated seats and mirrors. The look and ride is smooth and fun to drive.

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  Car needs more power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By butch2u - May 23 - 7:26 am

  This is my third CR-V: 2007, 2008, and now a 2010. It is a very well built car; gives a very smooth ride and I have never had any problems with them. This is the best selling small SUV in the U.S. but what this car needs is a v-6 engine. Honda should give the public the option to choose a v-6. I hope to see this option in 2011.

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  Our first Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Vande Voort - May 20 - 9:48 am

  Not as good of discounts as some other brands but seem better made than others. More quiet cabin and better driver feedback when operating.

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  Lovin It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Casey - May 17 - 1:46 am

  My first Honda and I love it! I traded a 2005 Ford Escape because of issues I was having with the cloth seats falling apart and the interior felt very crowded. The Honda CR-V has so much more room. I love having the open space between the front seats vs a center console. I actually have a place to put my purse. Also the person sitting in the middle of the back seat has more leg room because the console is not in the way. Originally, I was concerned about the 4 cyclinder engine in the Honda but I found it is zippy and acceleration is no problem. After having looked at many other mid-sized SUVs on the market, I just kept coming back to the Honda CR-V. It has everything I wanted and more!