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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  Still Going Strong - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Convert - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 103K miles on this baby in just 4 1/2 years, and it still rides new. First set of tires lasted 80K. First major check-up at 90K. Only problem were brakes - never buy aftermarket brake parts. Went back to Honda parts and have had no problems since. Giving up my Civic wasnt a problem, because it still felt like one, only better. The new look doesnt appeal to me. The original square design looks tougher.

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  Everything is great but the paint! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By D. MacArthur - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little SUV. We did some research prior to replacing our incredible 1989 Camry wagon, and based on safety tests, interior design and the vehicles handling, we went with the CRV. However, the one glitch is the paint job. Our Chianti red paint is chipping off the hood at an incredible rate! At 2 years of age, the hood and front fenders are in far worse shape than our 13 year old Camry. The rest of the vehicle seems to scratch very easily as well.

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  Good car but . . . - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kendoll - November 12 - 2:00 am

  There is lots of room for improvement. I have the EX model with 15,000 miles on it and I get very poor gas mileage no matter how I drive, (17 mpg). At 61" tall, I barely fit in this car. I have one in black and the paint appears to be very thin and shows swirl marks and scratches easily. I added the aftermarket leather and aftermarket 16" wheels with Bridgestone Dueler tires to make the ride a little bit smoother but it is still rather punishing on the freeways. Overall I think the car is very good but I think the engineers at Honda could have put a little bit more thought into it to make it a really great little SUV.

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  Honda CRV - Good choice for the money! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mattgella - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a small SUV that had to satisfy four requirements: 1.) It had to come from a reputable manufacturer. 2.) It had to be fuel efficient. 3.) It had to be attractive. 4.) It had to be fun to drive. As soon as we took the CRV for a test drive we knew we found the vehicle we were searching for!

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  dissapointed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rob4248 - November 8 - 4:35 pm

  car is disappointing. the rpm is to low when stopped at lite with car in gear, vibrating a lot. also while excellerating between 1000-2000 rpm the car vibrates and moans. it seems like it should be downshifting but is not. it is not there just riding with the cruise on.i test drove 2 different 2015 crvs that were fwd and they were fine. mine is a awd.

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  Awesome - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By scherrywade - November 7 - 10:30 am

  This CR-V is absolutely awesome. It is beautiful in design and comfort and has all the extras I wanted. I have grandchildren and it is perfect. My sister just bought one too. The EX-L is just gorgeous and handles like a dream. Cant go wrong with this one for price and luxury. I only buy Honda and this one is the best!

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  Love My Honda - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mesagrunt - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I had never owned a Honda. I was so pleased with the CR-V! I sold three of my friends on this vehicle. They all feel the same as I do. For my first taste of a SUV I was so impressed with the CR-V. The only drawback has been there isnt enough room for all the shopping trips we go on!

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  Love my CRV 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cigarbnd - November 4 - 10:26 pm

  So far so good. Very punchy w/new engine. Gets on highway effectively. Choice of interior fabric not too good. Wish they offered leather...Handles well in bad weather..snow/ice and rain. Love the new design and room/comfort. Sold my Tahoe/Chevy and havent missed the room. The new CRV is suprisingly comfy and roomy. As much room in cargo as a jeep cherokee. Gas mileage is lower than expected, but Ive only got 2500 miles...so it may improve w/mileage.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By djbe - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Great Car/SUV not too big, not too small and its fun to drive!

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  Nice! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By RA Corrow - November 2 - 12:36 am

  I had 22 wonderful years with my 1986 Ford Bronco II, so I knew I wanted to stay with a small SUV, but I wanted a 4- door this time. I looked at the Toyota Rav4, but decided on the CR-V. I was a little worried about getting a 4cyl, but I have no trouble passing. It handles really well and has a quiet, smooth ride. It has nice smooth brakes. Good gas mileage, I get 22-24 mpg. I hope I have my CR-V for 22 years!