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:

• 

  Great Small SUV - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - October 5 - 12:16 pm

  Just a terrific vehicle.

• 

  crv nav - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By steve - October 4 - 7:56 pm

  Went from a 2000 civic to cr-v for room for baby. Back up camera works well along with nav. Excellent ride, comfortable with good pick-up.

• 

  The Best Car for Teenagers-Safest - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Regina Phalange - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The most affordable car for teenagers to drive. It is the safest because of its size between cars and suvs and it has an amazing crash test rating for a car of its type. It is ideal if you have a teenager or a new driver.

• 

  We like this car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Owner - September 30 - 6:53 pm

  This car was the perfect mix of a minivan/SUV, priced good and room for our two kids. The only downside is the interior scratches easily (plastic sides in the back and dash). We love to drive it, and the gas mileage is very good.

• 

  Smartest Buy In Its Class - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Neal - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I thought long & hard before purchasing my CR-V. Other models considered were the Tribute, Liberty, Sorento, and RAV- 4. Along with Toyota, Honda has superior reliability in this class. My CR-V has the perfect balance of what I need in a vehicle - high build quality, excellent drivability, AWD when I need it, good looks, and a spacious interior. Power could be better, but the VTEC makes the most out of what the CR-V has. Weaknesses? Stock tires are junk. Radio is weak in performance and reception. Auto trans selector is located right behind windshield wiper controls, causing the grabbing of wrong controls at times. Gas mileage is not as advertised.

• 

  What Happened? - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By RDEV - September 30 - 1:58 am

  I did a lot of research for a reliable, efficient and safe vehicle. The first year was great and now the cons list seems to be growing. Ive spoken to other 2013 CRV owners and they are running into a lot more problems than us - a lot that had been listed here - that Im afraid we will be running into soon too. This car is in immaculate condition and things just keep happening for no reason. I bought this new and went from a loaded Chevy to what feels like a stock SUV. Pros: Trunk space Exterior look Safe Gas mileage Cons: Very heavy doors for a smaller person Speakers have terrible sound quality Steering wheel started flaking and falling apart less than a year into owning Crunching sound when first starting Rear view camera just broke for no visible reason Cheap feeling interior - leather and plastics No garage door button Manual passenger side seats Heated seats only have one zone - back and seat instead of each having its own function Dual heat/AC is ineffective - one zone controls both no matter what the temp difference is No pickup LOUD road noise Thin feeling doors when its cold - not sure how this works since the doors are so heavy Manual hatchback closure - Im under 52. Closing the hatchback when its dripping and covered in winter can be messy

• 

  CRV upgraded - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Marie - September 29 - 6:43 am

  Overall, I’m very pleased. I love: Apple Car Play, Honda Sensing, 3 views for the reverse camera, and cross traffic alert. Some things I’ve noticed: driver side speaker cuts in and out in calls, volume of text read or voice prompts is very loud and doesn’t respond to volume knob. Also, ticking noise coming from right front of the vehicle, when accelerating.

• 

  Good CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Erin - September 29 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been very reliable... excellent on fuel economy too.

• 

  Overall a good car - except a few things - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By R G - September 29 - 12:46 am

  Purchased a 2010 CR-V EX-L with NAV a few months ago. Overall, a good car. It took me a few weeks to get used to the V-4 engine with less power. I was driving a V-6 car before.

• 

  Love this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By sdwb - September 28 - 10:03 am

  After researching a small SUV for three months, I finally decided on the Honda CR-V-EX-L. I finalized the purchase today and am extremely pleased with it so far. I also test drove a Toyota RAV-4, which was my first choice. Ive owned two camrys in the past and have always been pleased with Toyotas quality. However, I prefer the sleek, clean design of the CR-Vs exterior. This is my first experience with a Honda and I am very pleased with my selection.