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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  Simply the best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kerch - April 26 - 8:26 am

  Awesome car. I would say SUV, but it isnt. If you are looking for a vehicle to tow a ton of stuff, go 4 wheelin in the mountains and mudding and stuff like that then get a Jeep. But if you want a real, practical auto got going around town in, picking up kids, and making peoples heads turn, then this is it! Good power, beats the Toyota RAV-4 hands down! Great, great car! I have NO complaints! Awesome ride!

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  Great fun vehicle - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mountaineer - April 26 - 3:40 am

  Just bought it for my wife to take to work. She loves it and I want to take it away from her! Handles like a sports car, features of a more expensive American vehicle. Cant wait to try it in snow!

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  Love It! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv - April 24 - 11:23 pm

  Ok, Ive only had my 07 CR-V EX for one day, but I thoroughly researched several others (Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson) and just fell in love with this car. The dealerships around me sell the cars before the even reach the lot or within 2 days of receiving. I went 2 1/2 hrs away, but had a selection to choose from....and they came down about $1500 from MSRP. I got the green tea EX 2WD and love it. The only thing I dont like is the fold and tumble seats as opposed to "lay flat" seats. I was highly considering the RAV4, but hate the tire on the back and not willing to pay $4000 more for the limited with no tire on back. Honda also has better resale value and slightly better gas.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRF - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I was less than impressed by the power of the previous version, but liked the quality and versatility. The new model is a whole level beyond the 2001 model and I feel has been underrated by the "editors" on the Edmunds site. The power is almost V6-like in most applications and the handling is very competent if not exciting. I fault the somewhat low fuel economy and road noise as less than excellent. The door rub guards actually serve a purpose. I found no problem with the cup holders as indicated in the editor review nor tire performance. Quality is first rate as is the "feel" of the vehicle. Solid, fun, and very capable.

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  Too old for this car - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Priscilla OHara - April 21 - 7:51 am

  I have only owned this car for one month, which is why I could not rate all the items listed. The one thing that I do want to complain about is the headrest. It is installed at an angle which is not acceptable to me no matter what I do. I have adjusted the height of the car seat, the steering wheel, the angle of the seat itself and the headrest. I cannot find a combination that allows my head and neck to remain at a comfortable angle, or if I do, the back seat slopes away from my body and does not give me the needed support. In the past I have had a serious problem with pinched nerves in my neck and back. I fear that this car is simply not suited to my physical and medical needs. I did drive the car for about 15 minutes before I decided to buy it. At that time I didnt realize how difficult it would be to adjust the various components to fit my physical needs. In all of my 60 years of driving I have never encountered this problem and I am disappointed in Honda.

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  Had to choose the CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By kathgip - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I just got my CR-V 3 weeks ago. This car was not my first choice, but after extensive research and reading all the reviews, I decided to take one out for a test drive and I was impressed. I love the safety reviews. And the Honda reputation is unsurpassed. The interior room is amazing, and yet it is easy to drive. The turning radius is far superior than my old Altima. And the gas mileage is the same as my Altima. The 4cyl is very peppy and cruises at 65mph with no difficulty. I love it!

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  I love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mim - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd crv and I love it.It is so nice to drive. The 2004 model has a great interior with seats that seem to fit to your body they are very comfortable, and being a single woman i love the reliability.

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  GREAT VECHICLE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SHARON BEAUCHAMP - April 15 - 10:00 am

  DRIVES VERY SMOOTHLY,HANDLES VERY GOOD.THE EXTEROIR

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  My new 2016 CRV-EX - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Antonucci - April 10 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great vehicle....my only negatives....there is no auto garage door opener or trunk release button. This should be standard on this model. The bluetooth, radio, phone system is just ok and a little confusing. Much better on my 2016 Altima.

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  Loaded with safety features and loving it! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By RichNYC07 - April 9 - 9:35 pm

  Owned my 2017 CR-V EX for about 2 months now and been really happy with it so far. Got over 3,300 miles on it with no issues. Fuel economy has been great so far and the cap-less gas tank is really convenient. I had to replace my 2012 Acura MDX after an accident and was worried that I would miss the larger and more powerful vehicle but after driving the CR-V, I was very happy with the performance. I also currently own a 2010 CRV and the 2017 is a huge improvement over the older models. If youre looking for advanced safety features, then be sure to give the CRV a try.