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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  Best Value for a Small SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John H - April 8 - 5:20 am

  I tried the competition, Honda CRV LX is the top dog, drives like a V6. The CRV has it all comfort, great power, great gas mileage city and highway ave 28 to 30 on a trip. Cruise control is the key. My wife finds it easy to drive. Resell value is another thing in its favor. I recommend it highly!

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  My first Honda product - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Duncan D. Aker, Jr. - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Honda, it has 110,000 miles on it. Overall it exudes quality. Dependability and reliability seem to be its genetics. There are some downsides to it, but because of the many sterling other qualities, I can easily overlook those poor ones. First the seats are abysmal-they are the worst feature in the entire package. Second the engine is way too noisy, third, the transmission shifts weird and is unacceptable, but bulletproof I am sure. As for driveability and repairs. Love it, no problems, probably wont be any. I would buy another, hopefully the seats are right and transmission and engine are smoother and quieter in future models.

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  Shes The One! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Watchman269 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  What to drive? I picked the Honda 2003 CR-V EX over the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV 4 and Highlander 4. Better rear leg room than the RAV, higher than the Subaru, only 5" shorter an 10 cubic feet less than the mildly underpowered Highlander 4, it had better gas mileage, better ride, acceleration and pricing than any of em. A very good SUV among very good SUVs.

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  Good Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CETCRV - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a sweet car

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  Woo-hoo! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Kirsten319 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the CRV (used) with 83K miles and I love it! Nice, roomy interior, adjustable _everything_, and handles magnificently. I was worried about the change in handling from my 90 Corolla to the CRV, but I think the CRV handles as well as, if not better than, the Corolla. This baby really does drive like a car than an SUV.Im looking foward to some long distance driving (more than my commute to work) so I can see how it handles on the open road.

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  Outstanding Quality - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Dee - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Were not off roaders so this vehicle fits our bill. Just got back from a 1700 mile road trip, four adults loaded with luggage and usual gear, verdict: comfortable ride, relatively spacious accomodations, good fuel economy, reclining rear seats a nice touch, 6 disc cd made miles and hours a little easier to take.

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  Explorer V8 to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By William Patterson - April 1 - 4:16 am

  I had an Explorer V8 and loved it, however, it was always a gas hog. My CRV not only delivers on gas mileage which half the Explorer thirst but give a better ride and great manueverability. My big dislike is the dealer not disclosing the SE version which I could have purchased a couple months later and the excessive wind and road noise. Other than that its been a great vehicle.

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  Honda CRV Special Edition AWD - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BeckaSN - April 1 - 1:06 am

  I have recently traded in my gas guzzling Ford Explorer for the Honda CRV. I am already satisfied with the comfort, gas mileage, and peace of mind with a better safety rating. I love this new vehicle and would encourage anyone to go out and test drive one. You basically get more for your money.

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  Satisfies My CRaVing! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MYCRAVING - March 29 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased the vehicle after my 02 Toyota RAV4 transmission and computer expired (not what youd expect from a Toyota but corporate did fix the problem for free). However, not trusting a rebuilt transmission, I immediately went to test drive the 2007 CRV having admired the redesign immensely. LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! Although Im not getting the same fuel efficiency I did on my RAV, this car is above and beyond in class and style. I did purchase the roof rack, spoiler, moonroof visor and foglights to add a bit more excitement to the exterior, and I dont regret it. For the money, this vehicle carries lots of near-luxury styling! The more I drive it, the more I love it. You will too!

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  Wonderful little SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hads - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is Honda quality at its best. Overal great car and esay to maintain.