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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  Nice ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bob - September 6 - 3:13 am

  I traded my 2001 for this, and the change is like night and day; the new model is much less truck-y looking and feeling, and has a much quieter more car-like ride. The gas mileage over my old 5 speed standard is better; with not quite a month of very mixed driving, the mpg is around 27, and an early highway trip hit 29 mpg. The CR-V hugs the road better and feels less skittish than the old model in sharp turns; there is a fair amount of thump and bump over uneven pavement, but still a big improvement. I was waiting for the new model to come out before trading, and it was well worth the wait.

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  No disappointments - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DJ Vale - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Silver LX 4x4 auto. Drives beautifully, interior a little blah at first but quickly grew on me. Comfortable seats, lots of room, especially in back, great acceleration for a 4-cylinder, mileage great so far with terric Honda quality and resale value. A few negatives: Paid almost full MSRP via the internet due to popularity; adequate stereo but not great; no standard keyless entry on LX model; Lots of road noise particularly on rough road surfaces; poorly designed rear door opens on left with tire mounted outside causing potential high- cost from a rear-end minor collision.

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  Not happy with new CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CG - September 3 - 5:13 am

  As an expectant mother I wanted a mini SUV and wanted the "reliability" of the Japanese cars. I went with the top of the line SE edition. Within 3 months of buying the car, a strange clicking sound began from the steerting wheel area. It became unbearable and so I took it to the dealer. They needed an entire day to take the entire steering wheel apart. I had meetings in the afternoon and since Honda has no loaner program even for situations like this where a new car is performing so poorly, I was unable to leave it. I planned on taking it back, but the noise has become inconsistent and they wont be able to work on it if they cant duplicate it. I am very unhappy with the CRV and Honda.

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  Tom on the CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Tom from Kirkland - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The CRV was our first SUV and Honda experience. As far as this class goes, the CRV is exemplary in that it combines much of the best of both world: car-like manners and comfort with enough off-road capabilities for most camping and hiking trips. (Note that it emphatically will not do the Paris to Dakkar rally...) Reliability and build quality are wonderful. With 60k miles, the car has required two non-routine maintainence repairs: a loose gasket on the rear license plate holder and a rear diff oil change. The car still has the original brakes and needed only one set of tires. Not a rattle or squeak to be heard.

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  Good choice - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By walsh03 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Very versatile. Excellent room inside for a small suv. Handled well.Two minor compaints, no power in regards to the engine and the exterior design was a little boxy. Overall I was very pleased with this car.

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  Reliable 4 wd commuter with fun to boot! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Brian_B - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2001 LX in May, 2001 and its ran great as of this writing (August 2002). My purchase criteria were: 4 ddors, 4wd, PS, PB, AC, CD player, Good MPG (>25 hwy), good looks, Comfort, Safety, and Strong V6. I got all of these but two: Comfort and a strong V6. I decided to go ahead and buy after driving the 4 cyl. Its not as strong as a V6, but it moves the vehicle just fine and gets good MPG. The seats arent too comfortable though. And lack of front passenger armrest is a mystery? Its needed!

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  CR-V is the way to go. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By detroit_nilu - August 30 - 10:00 am

  My first Honda. Love the ride, handling, and engine performance. (instr book asks to not step on the gas or brakes for the first 600 miles, so havent pushed it). Love the roomy, well laid out interior (my previous car was an ergonomic nightmare: a 1994 Saturn SC2). Road and wind noise are well insulated, but there is noticeable steering wheel vibration at idle. Im concerned this may worsen as rubber mounts age. 2nd row seat didnt tumble forward delivery day- and the tech took 20min to fix. Love the dash-mounted shifter. The radio knobs seem too far to me & I lean over to reach them.

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  More fun than a Honda - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By writesometimes - August 29 - 8:29 am

  This is not the Honda of old the outside is stylish and looks as nice as any in this class. Interior roomy and comfortable with plenty of storage. the turbo adds pick up and milage but this is not a rocket but suitable for entry to a highway. The weakness may be in the interconnect with the phone which now seems difficult the car is new but I have set up many phone interconnects and this ones tough.

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  Excellent SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By JustMe - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have my SUV for 1.5 years already, this baby never gave me any problems ! Also its fun to drive it with a stick.

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  Hated CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By jls1337 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I hated this car. I was uncomfortable driving it - both the seat and the seat back were hard. The armrest was in an awkward position and was uncomfortable. The ride was awful - not enough power. Going up a slight incline was a struggle. Glad to be out of it and back into an Accord.