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 value for the money - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Ajmmmr - March 5 - 6:30 am

  My wife actually bought the 2002 CRV LX model. We test drove several SUVs, from the Isuzu Rodeo to the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CRV gave us the most comfort, less noise, more power, and easy handling. At first we did not like the gear shift location, but we soon over looked the location. Overall, we feel it was the best value for the money. And with the great gas millage and the cost of gas, it makes sense to buy a fuel economy veichle.

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  Perfect for us. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ispano - March 4 - 2:48 pm

  After going to a few auto-shows and sitting in dozens of SUVs and compact SUVs, we decided on the Touring FWD in White Orchid Pearl with beige interior as our family hauler. Main reasons: low floor, 90degree opening rear door. The power-train is very peppy and gets up to speed surprisingly quick. I never find the need to use sport and always have ECON mode on. Avg 26mpg on a light load, 22mpg with the whole family and peripherals. Curiously, I am not experiencing any vibration issues others mention.

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  Great SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmy Damron - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had several Hondas. I love this 2016 as well, very reliable.

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  2007 CR-V EX 4WD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jaydub - March 2 - 1:06 pm

  I traded in my 05 LX for this car. Love the new styling. I read through most of these postings and I cant figure out it people are driving the same car I am as I am not experiencing any of this negativity with my car. I just drove from Dallas to Nashville and averaged 28.7 mpg! Drive the speed limit and youll see a big difference. Road noise? My 05 was much louder. I miss the picnic table, but what can you do. Its a great car.

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  Great Value - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By William Wilson - March 1 - 2:26 pm

  I got what I paid for with my CRV, safe/reliable/efficient transportation, with great resale value. Its my third Honda, but after driving the new Mazda CX-5 recently Im tempted to defect to Mazda.....

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  Vibration is really Annoying. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By everwood168 - March 1 - 6:36 am

  So i bought my Honda CRV 2015 EX on December 1st. I was so excited, and first time I buy a new car. I didnt want to deal with headaches from used car, who knows what problems they have. When I test drive the CRV, I tried all the functions in the car, and they seems to be pretty good, I got a good deal on the price, and i bought it. However after i drive it everyday from home to work, and i live in New York. I have to deal with stop signs or traffic lights every couple blocks. The car just vibrates like crazy when im in D mode and brake pressed. The shake is pretty violent, and after i research everyone is having the same issue. Man i really wish i did my research first, now too late.

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  2002 Honda CR-V Satisfaction - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mbhun - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought vehicle new, customized to our specs. Vehicle has performed great. Recommend highly.

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  very pleased - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Santiago Ilizaliturri - February 26 - 5:59 pm

  Great family vehicle. Perfect car to buy if your looking for fuel economy, family suv ( I have a 5 month old baby), cargo space, comfort and fun to drive experience. No complaints here. Edmunds helped me so much with the shopping experience. If youre looking for a cross over suv the CR-V is the best out there. I never owned one before, but I shopped around and this one won me over.

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  Enjoying my new CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By KCD - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  I finally traded in my 2005 CRV for a 2016 SE AWD model. Overall, I am very satisfied with having decided to by another CRV. The ride is much more smooth and quiet. It feels like it handles much better. The interior is a step up in quality and feels more roomy. Its getting better gas mileage by about 4 mpg. And I finally have blue tooth and a backup camera. I chose the SE model because I wanted the larger, nicer looking wheels. Although the EX has some very nice features, I didnt feel like they were critical for me. While, I couldnt be happier with my choice, there are a few points about the vehicle that I am a little disappointed with. First of all, there seems to be less visibility behind me when I am backing up than I had in my 2005 CRV. I know there is a backup camera, but its new to me and still hard to judge what it picks up and where it has blind spots. There is less window area in the back, and I am still trying to get used to the driver side mirror that is split. Secondly, there is less room to stash my stuff up front. Theres a center console with two drink holders, some shallow storage spaces, and a covered deeper storage space that doubles as an armrest. My old CRV had a fold-down tray in place of the console and gave me plenty of room for my purse, other bags or books I might be carrying, etc. The acceleration can be a little sluggish when I want to get out of a tight spot, but that has been typical with all of the Hondas that I have owned.

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  Getting the Job Done - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mrwheel - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Using a tape measure I found it was the same size as my old minivan. We dont use the room in an Odyssey enough to justify it. CRV is better on fuel economy, lower insurance cost and price. Most important was the reliability rating from consumers report. I love the maneuverability and feel. Doesnt turn heads but it gets the job done at a better price and dependability. The LEV ratings of 8 was a plus. Honda has done a great job with this vehicle. The dealer was the only one who did NOT pack the vehicle with overpriced junk and run up the price. I should get 10 years out of it.