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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  CR-V its for me. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By frank joseph - November 21 - 10:43 pm

  our 2004 v-6 accord coup was stolen and we replaced it with the CR-V. I am amazed how well it rides and handles and the 4cyl kicks which surprised me. the styling is great. a great value and its fun to drive. fmj

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  My 2nd CRV they keep Getting Better - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ralph Evans - November 20 - 10:20 pm

  I leased a 2000 CRV and traded it for a 2005, they have made suggested improvements & will probably continue. I like the reliability and low maintenance the best. Seems like the car just keeps going & going with no problems if u keep up the regular mainternance items. Its THE BEST IN THE SMALL-MID SIZE SUVs.

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  Excellent and reliable - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By A. E. - November 18 - 11:25 pm

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  Love It - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By roger heights - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Never would have considered this car until this year. It is so perfect for me - that right size, price, ride and looks. Only thing bad is that I constantly see the same car coming and going on the road.

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  Unquestionable Quality Abounds! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Musclejock23 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  You could not pay me money to give up my cr-v. I owned a 2002 model, but it got totaled when a Suburban ran a red light...long story. So I got another, because I had no problems with my first. There is always plenty of passing power, granted you pass at speeds less than 100 of course. I averaged 23 mpg in a rigorous birmingham, Ala rush hour commute, and it as an absolute blast to drive. It is larger inside than a liberty or an escape, is faster, cheaper, and of better quality than a Sorento(Kia), and like I keep saying is built like a rock (Arent all Hondas?)hehe. Anyway two major thumbs up on this fine ride.

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  honda crv 2001 - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By jan - November 18 - 2:00 am

  overall the vehicle is wonderful.... the only things i do not like are the power lock button is only on the driver door and the engine makes way too much nosie when driving on the hwy

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  First SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By B. J. Miller - November 17 - 7:35 am

  Chosen for reliability and safety rating.

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  Guzzle Guzzle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By hbhonda99 - November 16 - 5:16 am

  EPA 23 to 27? Was that measured while going straight down hill? Combined freeway and street driving is 19 mpg and that was with the cruise control while on the freeway. Hitting reset after tanking up then driving 10 miles in town displayed 15 MPG, about the same as my 4200 pound VW Vanagon and not even close to a 2001 C280 Mercedes 6 or a BMW 325 6 cyl, both German cars get from 25 to 34 mpg on the freeway. This reminds me, it did get 27 mpg on the freeway but that ended when the first hill was approached, then engine shifted and spun up to 5,000 rpm and the MPG display crashed to the low teens. Sorry Honda, but this is no gas miser, it guzzles!

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  EX in this case is not Extra eXpensive! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Timbo - November 16 - 1:12 am

  Great car! I really wanted the Honda Pilot in white, I just couldnt afford it. So I settled for the CRV, and, of course, the dealer didnt have white, but thats ok - I didnt care for the white exterior/beige interior color scheme and the black on black that I ended up with is really great. I love the ride, LOVE the right-turn & backup camera, and there is just so much room! I also love the fact that I can send and receive texts from my phone over the Bluetooth connection. That makes the car so great for commuting.

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  Who Could Complain? - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By zkidd - November 15 - 7:56 am

  I bought a 2008 CR-V to replace an aging (and thirsty) 2001 Ford Escape with a V6. My wife is the anti-Christ when it comes to car buying and shopping, and with this vehicle and a great dealer, she left after buying by saying "WOW!". While others have complained about the seats, we find them comfortable and the ride much nicer than that of any other SUV we tried. Many other SUVs were too "truck" like, and here in Seattle with small streets and cramped parking lots, the CR-V is a brilliant performer due to the size and visibility. I am loving this rig, and I have no complaints!