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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  My Drive to Florida - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Henry Johnson - September 17 - 4:50 am

  Two days after purchasing mr CR-V EX 4wd I set out at 5.30 a.m. for Florida from just north of Montreal QC. It was a nice sunny day calm wind, by the time I arrived at the border on Interstate 81 my wife said to me that she was disappointed with the windshield noise and I had to agree with her, it was very noisy. Later on during the day she mentioned that the seats were very stiff and not very forgiving and although I had put a gel cushion on my side I again had to agree with her. Other than that the view from the cabin is wonderful after driving Camrys for the last 12 years and I found that not using cruise control gave me better mileage.

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  Solid car/very functional! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By ZMan - September 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great to drive. The only problem Ive has is drivers side power mirror stopped working in 20 below weather in Upper Michigan last winter. It magically started working again.. I recommend this car to everyone.. I usually get 22.5mpg highway @ 70-75mph

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  CR-V Test drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By John S. - September 16 - 8:24 pm

  Noisy engine, very loud at higher RPMs. CVT keeps the engine in higher RPMs. Not a fan of the transmission with this engine. The interior is roomy and I like the control placement, but lots of air and tire noise can be heard inside making it difficult to have discussions from back seat. I do not recommend the CR-V based on the harsh sounds from engine, tires, and highway noise. I purchased a new 2016 Hyundai Tuscan Limited instead of the CR-V Touring. The Hyundai is quieter and has a smooth ride with lots of options, better warranty.

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  Look for something else - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Bob2007 - September 16 - 2:08 pm

  The driving performance on the 2018 is passable for what it is. Dont let the turbo charger fool you- it is there to help gas mileage (which is ok); the CRV has all the acceleration you would expect from a low end economy 4 cylinder; i.e., not much. What is really poor though, and was poorly represented by the dealer is the "infotainment". The navigation is terrible (eg, searching for locations doesnt really work), the interface is clunky, and the syncing with phones is shaky at best. Its a shame that they dont offer the EX-L with a much more basic (and user-friendly) sound option. For the price, in retrospect I wish we had gone with a Subaru or Toyota.

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  Nice car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Roger Larsen - September 15 - 5:40 pm

  Would have bought it, but the seats were terribly uncomfortable.

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  One more thing - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By teacher2 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I forgot to add in my previous review that there is air noise in the cabin. That was the main reason I wanted to write the review! It is a little too noisy as compared to the Honda Accord.

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  1998 CR-V - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By teacher - September 15 - 2:00 am

  We absolutely love our CR-V. We have always had great luck with Honda anyway. We like the manual transmision and found this very fun to drive. We did test drive the Toyota 4-Runner and there was no comparison. The Honda was better built, had more room (3 seat belts in the back), and hey ! it has the folding picnic table! What great use of space ! :-) Being able to drive and get gas mileage of a car but the versatility of a SUV without looking like a mini-van-- this is great!

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  Beware before buying - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By HappyFrog - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I owned a prior CRV and I was disappointed to see that this CRV was lower then my 1998 one was. I have knocked off the CA fuel can for SMOG emissions 3 times now. I have also hit the fuel tank on the CRV with rocks and scraped it going over the same kind of terrian that I took my 1998 CRV. Honda informed me that this CRV was not to be driven on dirt roads or sand, yet they have ads showing this. Even recently I have seen a Honda CRV being driven on the beach (this is not reality). Dont plan on buying this car if you live on a dirt road, it is about as low as a regular car. On the Highway and streets it performs well.

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  my new honda crv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dean scanlon - September 13 - 10:00 am

  just love it. plenty of pep and still gets 23 to 25 mpg. depending on stop lite derby mostly. dean

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  what,s not to like? - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By kimball wyman - September 13 - 6:07 am

  A digital speed display with large font would be nice.