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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  New CRV lacks power!!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By joe - January 15 - 8:46 pm

  My wife purchased this car and overall I would rate it as OK, but not outstanding. The big issue is no horsepower. The CRVs engine is horrible. Throwing a low powered 4 cylinder engine into a heavy SUV body really doesnt give the power it needs to move, especially on hills where it is very noticeable. As for safety Honda is forward thinking but many of the other Japanese SUVs out there have identical safety features. The new styling (interior and exterior) was a much needed change to bring the CRV in line with all the other crossover vehicle.

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  Well Made Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Phillip Centola - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I received my CR-V after much research on the internet in June 2002. Its an EX auto. It was great during the winter, and has good pickup and gas milage. The only problem is that my 10 year old pickup truck gives a better ride. I have returned it to the dealer about 4 times, and each time they say that they aline the tires. On the highway it still gives a rough ride....

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  CRV Review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By rvoigt - January 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very efficient and reliable vehicle. I would buy another one in the future.

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  Transmission vibration/ Idle speed not constant - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By William Digdo - January 6 - 12:34 pm

  Very disappointed with transmission and idle /vibration in steering wheel when accelerating and backing out of garage after starting car in morning

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  VIBRATIONS AT IDLE !!! Not an issue, a problem! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By badvibration1 - January 6 - 8:24 am

  Bought in December 10 2014. After a 2 block test drive I really liked it. After purchase I noticed a vibration in the seats and between1000 and 2000 rpm and a droning noise. Thought that was the way a 4 cyl. was supposed to be since I have always drivin 6 cyl. Well I looked online and omg! This is not what is normal prior CRV s . Honda is telling thousands a fix is coming, if a fix is needed for a new car how can you sell them knowing there is an issue, Honda calls it an issue, to a consumer its a problem! Honda uses the word issue to downplay it. Look out Honda! You tricked the wrong person. Imagine your an ant, all others are stepping on you to kill ya, well Im a 20 lb sledge.. Fix it!

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  Ks CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By k_killings - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive! Eng.loud inside under load or going up hills. Also more road nosie than I would like to have.

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  Worth Every Penny! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By gmrfish - January 4 - 10:06 am

  We compared the Subaru Forester and the CR-V. The Forester had a bit more pick- up, but was such a "wagon-style." The CR-V put you in a commanding position without compromising design, safety, nor gas milage! Honda did an excellent job redesigning an already great model. The ride is smooth, but road noise is pronnouced. This can be corrected by purchasing better tires (comon Honda, Duellers are NOT the best tires in the world) such as the Goodyear Assurance, or the Regatta IIs. Storage space in and around the cockpit is exceptional, the cargo bay can fit 2 large dogs (65 each) comfortably and easily. The lowered rear deck is very accomodating for easy access into the back.

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  I Found Something Else - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By al morgan - January 3 - 5:28 am

  I originally thought the CR V would be what I ended up with, but I got the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and found that for the money and features (and gas savings) that was the way to go. I wanted an AWD vehicle with plenty of cargo space , active driving assists, navigation in the dash, of course blue tooth, and the ability to quickly merge onto the highway. The CR V definitely had many advantages to the RAV4, like the right hand lane change video (..but not left hand for some strange reason?), CR V has a little bit more cargo room (the Rav4 hybrid battery steals slightly more cargo space than the non hybrid). But the Rav4 hybrid has better acceleration, much better MPG!, and a power lift gate...which for my wife who has issues with her hands and wrists is a blessing. I also liked the styling of the RAV4 a little bit better than the CR V. However, I prefer the square box SUV style than the "somewhere between car and SUV" style that appears to be the current...oh well cant have everything. I pretty much was a Hyundai guy (had a 2008 Santa Fe), but the had priced themselves out of the market for me ($33k for something similar to the CRV and Rav4 who where in the high $20ks).

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

• 

  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!