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:

• 

  A Practical Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Anthony Capuccio - September 27 - 4:46 pm

  Reliable, dependable, great traction in snow. Good cargo space. Drove it down to Florida and back.

• 

  Great vehicle for the price! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rosalind Arthur - September 27 - 7:12 am

  This vehicle sways in the wind even when the wind is not that strong. Visibility along the sides towards the back is very poor, and makes it dangerous because you dont see vehicles in your blind spot.

• 

  Great vehicle for the price! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rosalind Arthur - September 27 - 7:11 am

  This vehicle sways in the wind even when the wind is not that strong. Visibility along the sides towards the back is very poor, and makes it dangerous because you dont see vehicles in your blind spot.

• 

  Love my CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Deann - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this car this is my second Honda My first is an 91 Accord EX I brought it new swore I would never drive anything els it has 130,000 miles still going I look forward to many years in my CRV even used

• 

  Steel Gray - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Schumacher - September 25 - 2:05 pm

  Top of the line but it doesnt have back up obstacle warning buzers

• 

  Bad electronics - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Schmoll - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This CRV was in the shop 5 time within two years. Three times for the same eltronic engin problem. The CRV is fine for flat land driving, but put it in the hills and it does not have enough power.

• 

  2016 CRV vibration issue still there. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By pjtr73 - September 23 - 12:09 am

  I can said now that I’m a proudly ex-owner of a 2016 CRV (very expensive washer machine, massage chair…you name it), it was known to happen with the 2015s( service bulletin 15-046) but honda claims it was fixed(which is a lie), so I got a new crv 2016, my mistake, I only had it for 3 months and about 1500 miles but I had enough with the vibration issue, lucky me I felt all the 3 modes described in the 2015 bulletin,. The vibration started @ about 500 miles and getting worst every day, took the car back to the dealer (2 of them) first one told me it was normal, they all vibrate and this is a “characteristic of the car”, the second one agreed with me that it was vibrating but after 10 mins., came back with the same b**l S**t as the first one, what a waste of my time, I called honda and created a case, they assigned me a case manager that called me and kept repeating that’s a “characteristic of the car”( if so, how come is not listed in the brochure?), his only goal was to get me to agree with his stupidity, which I didn’t, I will never purchase a honda again, quality went down the toilet, is not a reliable car anymore and of course their service department sucks.

• 

  Everything is ok - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ling - September 22 - 11:28 am

  To much nois on the road.

• 

  Transmission died after only 33,200... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Oregon_CRV - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been a huge Honda/Acura fan. In fact my family has owned four Honda/Acuras. We loved our 1999 CRV until two weeks ago when the automatic transmission died. The car is out of warranty it is over three years old, but we only have 33,200 miles on it. The dealer said it will cost $4900 to replace the trany. I have called Honda and am waiting to hear if they will offer a goodwill warranty extension. Has anyone else seen this problem?

• 

  Nearly Flawless - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By pgardner - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The only unexpected incident, a whining noise from the rear diff when doing a u-turn, was fixed by changing the oil in the rear diff. Mileage on this 5-spd has been better than expected. City has averaged 26mpg. Hwy mileage is another story, it really fluctuates with speed, as low as 22mpg driving a steady 85mph across Montana, to a high of 31mpg driving 50-55mph along the Oregon coast. Typical 65-70mph cruising yields 28mpg. Off-road ability isnt bad, but lack of ground clearance and any low-range gearing really limits your options. Replacing the stock tires was the biggest help off-road. Cant be beat in the snow & ice.