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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  First Honda Owned. 16 Months of ownership. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tmo1976 - July 15 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Honda (have owned two Toyotas, three Volvos) product. Purchased as a CPO vehicle and had one issue, A/C clutch was on its way out after 10k miles of my ownership. Covered under warranty. Ride is firm but that is ok with me as I like a firm ride. Buttons on steering wheel are OK. Wish there was a scan feature for radio like one of my other vehicles has. CRV handles well in rain, light snow. AWD is allright for what is. Kids like the sliding rear seats so they can adjust as they like (believe that is no longer available on new ones). Rear seat recline feature is good also. Decent cargo capacity for travel.

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  Potentially serious issues with a 2003 HONDA CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gzp2013 - July 15 - 12:41 pm

  1. Changed all door lock actuators, including the hatch door 2. Poor to dangerous car stability on two occasions First time on a slightly icy road the car did a 180 degree turn while driving at 40 miles/hour, I landed on the opposite direction of a two way street, fortunately nobody was driving on the other side Second time the car did a 90 degree turn on a slightly wet road, again driving ~ 35-40 miles/hour On both occasions the CR-V had top of the line tires that were in fine condition I have also been driving VW and Hyundai cars and never had this kind of experiences as I had with the CR-V

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  Best Overall Value after Hours of Research - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mtayub - July 11 - 7:53 pm

  After much research, im a CRV Owner. Gas mileage in town is 27 Avg. Gas mileage on 2000 mile trip from Michigan to Alabama and back 29mpg. Econ mode on whole time. MPG AVG 28.7. Very Comfortable seats. Lots of leg and storage room for all passengers. Rear seats recline, love it. Low interior noise. Very High reliability. Blue tooth works great, and reads my text messages to me. I love the plastic stays nice longer. Its soft where it needs to be. I did significant research on 2013 CRV and 2013 Rav, I went with CRV. For 2013 CRV LX AWD Paid 24000 plus tax and plate. American Made in Ohio is a plus. Im pretty picky and hard to please, im extremely happy with my CRV.

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  11 years later - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By preble - July 5 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in 2002. After 11 years, we have had so few problems. I live in constant fear of the A/C compressor exploding, but that is about it. Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle for our Golden Retrievers.Recently looked at the new Crvs, and they seem much less spacious. Wont ever trade this in. Ever

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  Best Car Ever - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By dustygirl - July 2 - 3:23 pm

  Wish they still made them like this. I am the original owner of my 99 honda crv and now have 191,000 miles on it. No major problems...Just put a new radiator on it about two years ago, the old one just had a pin-hole leak. The original battery lasted 9 years and was still okay, but I decided Id just be safe rather than sorry and replaced it. Only issue I ever had with it was a bad clunking/thunking when going over even small uneven spots...it was a $12 fix and just needed a new bushing where the sway bar end link went in. We change the oil on time, and change the transmission fluid earlier than what it calls for. Ive checked valve clearance and theyve always been fine.

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  STRONG,SUPER CAR - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By hindi - June 30 - 5:56 pm

  we parached 2011 honda crv 4cyl from honda ,till now moves strong we drive it state now it 25000 miles its very strong,all my friends like my car,somtimes i smill the tires bad smill.other wise no problems till 25000 miles.

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  Honda CRV Door Lock Problem - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gcan3 - June 19 - 6:45 pm

  Recently I have began to experience malfunctioning door locks. I have read many similar complaints where the door locks spontaneously unlock while driving and relocate the remaining doors after opened. This is a major safety concern and I am shocked that Honda has not dealt with this safety issue. I see a class action law suit has been initiated in the US. Shame on Honda, I thought you were better then that. so far customer service at Honda Canada has been less then hospitable! Keep the documentation coming.

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  i want to love this car, but - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dean40 - June 8 - 11:58 am

  i talked my wife into going from a Lexus rx330 to the 13 crv, and for the most part i am happy with the decision, but there have been a few small headaches. Driving home from the dealer is realized the right front turn signal was inop, then when i got home i saw the roof rail was coming up on the rr, and 2 valve stem caps were missing. Took it to a different dealer the next day and he replaced the bulb on the drive, but i had to come back to have the roof rail replaced. So a car with under 100 miles on it has been to the dealer twice. Hopefully these little gremlins are just a fluke, and from now on its just oil changes and basic maintenance.

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  Stay AWAY! A/C and air bag problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By po1968 - June 7 - 3:57 pm

  After owning a number of Hondas due to their reliability, I finally have a bad one, and it looks like others have the same issue. The A/C compressor went belly up and its expensive to fix. There was a lawsuit about it, but too late to join [HTML removed.} I also have continued problems with side airbags where I get a message saying that they are turned off. Its been fixed twice and still it comes back. I dont think Im willing to pay the premium for owning a Honda any longer when other car companies are improving their reliability and cost less.

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  Poor Exterior Lighting - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pompom - June 7 - 7:09 am

  I was so looking forward to purchasing my new car. I did a lot of research and came to 3 top cars. I chose the CRV and I think I made a big mistake. It did not help that the dealer delivered a very dirty car to me and when I called to complain the salesman would not assist me. The finance guy tried and tried to get me to put almost $2,000 on my loan for an extended warranty. It would have been nice for someone to show me what the so called ten computers do instead of trying to upsell me so hard! Now when I drive at night the exterior lighting is so bad that I almost always have to drive with the high beams on something I have never had to do with other cars. Very bad experience!