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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  CRV Review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jdsbythepond - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the CRV after a lot of research and havent regretted our decision once!

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  Allies 1st new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Don Berthiaume - October 28 - 8:59 am

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  2005 CRV-SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Sporty CRV - October 27 - 3:00 pm

  I love the vehicle - For it being an SE it is missing some features such as homelink, powerful stereo, lit vanity mirrors, power drivers seat and fog light. The CRV is very fun to drive and is compact but has alot of room...etc backseat and the rear. We love how the back seats recline. I am suprised that Honda hasnt moved the gear selector. This is definately the best vehicle for the room and the money. You cant go wrong with a Honda.

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  Versatile vehicle - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Miller - October 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with my CRV. I love the size of the door openings and dont need to bend my head for entry. It feels as though you can walk into the car for seating. Gives you a great view of the road and seats give good back support. Back seat passengers are very comfortable. Great when roads are slippery. Use the fold down seat option often. I am having trouble deciding rather to buy out my lease. or if I should new CRV.

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  Nearly perfect MINI SUV except power - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By wz4wwk - October 26 - 2:00 am

  It is a Honda, and as expected, its reliability, build quality, and comfort make a nearly perfect balance. As far as a mini SUVs are concerned, you cant beat CR-Vs interior space. One thing that makes me say that it is only a near perfect about this car is its fuel economy and power. My 2001 CR- V LX is slower than my Moms 11-year old 1991 Accord EX on uphill freeways. I constantly get about 22.5 MPG (combined) which is worse than my other car (1999 Nissan Maxima with automatic transmission). How does Honda explain that a 4-cyl 2.0 liter engine gets poorer MPG than a 6-cyl 3.0 liter engine?

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  Great improvement over previous models - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Nelson - October 26 - 1:15 am

  I only have 4,000 miles on this 2017, but it might very well become one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned.

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  Extremely disappointed with this CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By nk - October 22 - 7:50 am

  We traded our 2002 Honda CRV for this 2009 Honda CRV. Same car, right? Wrong! The 2009 CRV we purchased 10 weeks ago has horrible wind noise/wind shear when you go over 55 mph. We have not yet had it on a freeway where we can drive 70 mph. We will do that next Tues. and take it back to the dealership once again. It has already been looked at twice and the last time the "windshield molding was poorly glued and removed, resealed and reinstalled." The noise is still the same. And when you go over bumps, there are various noises yet to be examined by the dealership. As much as I loved my 2002 Honda CRV, thats how much I hate my 2009 Honda CRV. Lemon law is becoming an option.

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  great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By GH boomer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive with storage, comfort, performance and decent MPG to boot.

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  My Pearl Blue Honda CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LaFlaca - October 20 - 11:53 pm

  Its so smooth to drive, so comfortable. I can get the kids in and out of the car easily. I can fit so much in the car. I dont spend alot on gas and I have alot of room up front for all my belongings.

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  Excellent Car For Your Money - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AK - October 18 - 7:23 pm

  I absolutely LOVE this car! Roomy for me (I am 61") and my 3 kids, very fuel efficient, excellent all- wheel drive (its fully automatic, no buttons to push - the car kicks in the AWD system as soon as the wheels start slipping). Inside design couldnt be better, very intuitive. The road noise is more than I used to driving domestics, but its the only "negative" comment I can make about this vehicle. Very impressive! Highly recommend to anyone who wants an AWD with good fuel economy and outstanding reliability.