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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  Excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Kar - May 15 - 7:26 pm

  Replaced my minivan with the CRV. After researching other competitive vehicles (Rav4, Rogue, Tiquan) went for the CRV. Have owned Hondas in the past and do now. Great vehicles. The CRV is in line with my past purchases.

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By stockarb - May 15 - 3:53 pm

  I have had alot of cars in my day..BMW , Volvo, Chevys and Fords..I was hesitant to get this auto as it is a Honda..I had one in the 80s and it was just Ok..anyway..my CRV is a great little SUV. I live in NYC and I can get into tight spots, enjoy hwy miles all in one. Highly recommend it

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  Workhorse - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Annapolis - May 15 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has seen us from a newly married couple using it on our daily commute to a family with two kids and a dog. We have only had two non- maintenance related trips to the garage and one was covered under warranty. While under-powered in the year we bought it, the CRV has been flexible enought to meet all of the demands of a growing family. We have >110,000 miles on it and it shows no signs of quitting.

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  None - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bob N. Whitehall Pa - May 12 - 2:30 am

  Have driven 1600 miles. Added Remote start and Back-up sensors at the dealer. Two things really bother me. I am getting no better gas mileage with this 4 cyl on the highway than the 3.9 6 cyl Impala I turned in. The other thing is the Remote start. Why would you have to turn off the engine before you can open the door and get in. You have to restart the car. Double work for the battery and starter. On the GM vehicle you just enter the car and insert the key and drive away. Come on Honda, if GM can do it, so can you. If they can correct this and add a 6 cyl like the Rav-4, I think I would be close to a perfect vehicle in this class.

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  What a vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - May 12 - 1:26 am

  2010 Honda CRV with navigation is amazing to drive. First the in dash GPS lowers the volume of the stereo so you can hear the turn by turn. The bluetooth feature for your cell phone performs outstanding. Loud and clear over your 7 stereo speakers. The backup camera is crystal clear and you can see wide angle what is behind you. Honda has added automatic headlights for this year and they perform flawlessly. The beefed up their engine giving a little more power on acceleration. Gas mileage improved about 1 mpg. Insurance rates actually went down because this vehicle is one of the safest vehicles to drive. Wider arm rest and redesigned front end adds to the vehicle. Deals are plenty.

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  Great Small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Don - May 11 - 6:06 pm

  I love my CR-V. I own a 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe but was looking for a smaller SUV with better gas mileage. After much research I narrowed my choices down to a Honda CR-V and a Saturn Vue. I really wanted to Hybrid Saturn Vue, but after discovering that they were few and far between and that Saturn was having problems with the hybrid battery, I chose the Honda CR-V. Needless to say, I am VERY happy I chose my Honda CR-V EX-L. My wife has had both a Honda Civic and two Accords, and I purchased a 2000 Honda CR-V for my daughter as a college graduation present, but this is my first Honda. I love the styling, ride, comfort and all of the extras that make the CR-V EX-L a "poor mans luxury SUV"

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  2006 CRV LX AWD - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 10 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle gives the driving impression of being a larger SUV. The interior is very functional with lots of small storage trays and well laid out. Power is suprisingly adequate for a 4 cylinder. Gas mileage is 25 to 27 in urban driving. Vehicle performs very well on wintry roads.

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  Oh how I wanted to love this CRV. So disappointed - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Run from Honda - May 8 - 4:33 pm

  Beware! Do NOT purchase any CRV made in 2008 or later. My 2013 CR-V that is cared for per manufactures recommendations and driven moderately has been making a terrible grinding noise since about 1 year after purchase. Honda Service has diagnosed the noise as emanating from the VTC Actuator. Noise has become much worse over time and this noise occurs after every cold start. The noise is so loud that it turns heads in parking lots. What is really frustrating is that Honda has know of this issue since 2008 and still has not corrected the problem and does not disclose the issue prior to purchase. Honda simply states, "Yes there is a loud grinding noise but dont worry it is not doing any damage to the engine." This is my fourth Honda (I typically purchase a new car once every 4 to 5 years). This experience has left me resolve to never purchase another Honda. By the way three of my family members own CRV (2011, 2015 and 2016 -- two of the three make the same LOUD grinding noise when starting the engine. Toyota or Subaru here we come.

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  Practical Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gibber - May 6 - 4:23 am

  Well packaged, well made small SUV. Engine/tranmission is smooth and reasonably powerful, but no rocket. Front seats are OK, but should be angled a bit more for taller drivers. Outstanding rear seats. Good controls, although the gear shift can be in the way sometimes. Nice open cabin. Good handling, nicely weighted steering, easy to maneuver. Reasonably quiet, but road noise intrudes. Mileage ~24 mpg(needs more driving to get a better average)

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  Honda CRV rating - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Gaylene reier - May 5 - 2:22 pm

  This is my 3rd CRV. It is my 6th Honda. Reliability us top notch.