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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  Im disappointed with the CRVs comfort - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By noki - October 18 - 5:46 am

  I guess it all depends on what you want in a car. Ive always liked the Honda cars Ive had in the past, but Im thinking of trading in my 05 CRV soon. I absolutely HATE the drivers seat, the most uncomfortable of any car Ive ever had by far, Im not sure why but it gave me a headache/ neckache until I got used to it after a couple months. The interior does not seem "designed" so much as improvised to keep costs down. Do NOT get the MANUAL trans model, very poorly designed inside. The inside has many bizarre trays and odd holes that are mostly to completely useless except for the CD case compartment. The stereo is HORRIBLE for a $20k+ car & hard to upgrade! No fun to drive for me... IMO

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  First time CR-V owner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By greg t - October 18 - 5:10 am

  Having a great time with this vehicle. It is such a pleasure to drive and the ride and handling are excellent. Not to mention all you get for the price.

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  Great car for all uses. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jon Richter - October 17 - 8:56 pm

  Ive only owned the car for 7 mos. It was stolen off of street parking. I liked the car a lot. My main dislike is the body is made of plastic with underlying cardboard in places, but thats how all cars are made today. The gas mileage did not approach the EPA ratings. It was far less by 6-8 mpg.

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By lovechild - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my CR-V for a week and a half and already have 600 miles on it. I just traded in a 96 Taurus for a 2003 CR-V and was very surprised at how well the car handled. It is a very smooth ride for an SUV. The 6cd changer and the moonroof are excellent standards on the EX!

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  Great compact SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bobrobin - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding features and ride for a vehicle in this class. Well put together and great interior versitility. Base model comes well equiped.

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  Great Value CR V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Good value - October 9 - 10:40 pm

  Searched and test drove many small SUVs, Acura RDX, Toyota RAV, Subaru Outback and Ford Edge. Honda as always provides the best overall value for the money. Yes, it is not a powerhouse but it does have enough power for most situations. The benefit is good gas mileage and the power issue is only evident in some situations. The fact is that if you know the car you can easily manipulate the power to suit your needs in those situations with the gas pedal. Hill climbing is impressive and the grade- logic design does eliminate gear hunting so I think the Edmund reviewer was a little harsh with the comment in their review. Car is put together well and quality material is used everywhere.

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  Mixed thoughts on my CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By boxerlover - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 1999 LX CR-V for 8 mths now. No problems yet, great gas mi. for a so called "SUV". It was cheaply made on the inside, seats are horribly hard for my 2-3hr per day commute. If you have dogs the back is poorly thought out, no pop out windows for air. Sound system stinks. Control pannels poorly placed. I am yound and feel like an old timer driving this car it seems too much like a wagon and kick myself for not spending the extra money for the Toyota 4Runner which is so much more plush all around. If you want a cheaper (cost wise)SUV you WILL wind up with everything "CHEAPER!"

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  CRAVE the CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jlow - October 8 - 2:03 am

  I love my new 2007 Honda CR-V. This is a great vehicle that has exceeded all of my expectations. I love the way this car handles and all the features you get for the money. Honda did a great job when redesigning this car. I feel very safe driving this car.

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  Keeps getting better! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ED - October 7 - 3:23 am

  Just returned from first trip with 08 CR-V. Mostly highway over 1,000 mile round trip Aver MPG 28.2, great ride and confident handling. This is our 3rd CR-V and they keep getting better. Drove all the major competitors and this is the best compact SUV by far.

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  very nice car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rotomloot - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Car is very comfortable to drive ,had to have leather upholstery put in. The honda interior was ugly. Honda lies cheats and steals on the gas MPG. Am getting 17 in the city and 20.5 on the hwy. For a 4 cylinder!!!!!!! Oh well great car and am very happy.