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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  Crv 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Christopher rysn - August 24 - 5:48 am

  I have a 2015 crv. Great car altho I do not like some of the safety features. For instance, if I am driving and my wife decides to put in a destination in the navi, it will not allow it. I would have to pull off somewhere s d stop to set it or make adjustments. Its stupid. I get that they dont want the driver to mess with stuff while driving but the side view camera is more distracting than my passenger adjusting the navi for me.

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  Never a CR V in my sights!!! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Jim M T - August 23 - 12:38 am

  I never owned an SUV and never wanted one!!!!. My VW Golf (loved it!!!)lease was coming to an end and l looked at Mini Cooper, Mazda 3 and Impreza with an eye to getting something with a little more room ,yet fun to drive. The 2018 Crosstrek caught my eye since it was built on the 2017 Impreza platform with great reviews and a cargo area designed to meet our needs. I was about to buy the Crosstrek when a mechanic friend suggested I check out a Honda product. On a lark I went to the dearlership near me and tested the CR V-2017. I was sold. The solid feel behind the wheel, the acceleration, the cargo room, the numerous bells and whistles, gas mileage and the automatic closing feature on the lift gate sold us . It was priced very close to the fully loaded Crosstrek. I had only one problem after purchase --road noise coming from the tires. The Bridgestone tires on the car did not get high marks from Tire Rack and others. After two days I called my salesman to ask if I could swap out the Bridgestones for a set of Michelins and pay the difference. ---72 hrs later I had the Michelins on the car--what a difference--no road noice, better in wet and snow condition for a small out lay of cash.

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  2015 CR-V - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By patf3 - August 22 - 11:06 pm

  I traded my 2005 Pilot for the 2015 CR-V in November. I did not notice in the test drive but I have the same transmission vibration others have described. I now have 1800 miles on it and I am getting nowhere near the mileage advertised. I average 22-23 mpg combined city/highway. Now that I have gotten the disappointments out of the way I have to say I love the car. It is comfortable and stylish inside and out. The cargo room has been sufficient for me considering I came down in size from the Pilot.

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  Not a great car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jignesh Vaghela - August 20 - 11:34 am

  The car price Vs feature value is not really matching well. Like Ive purchased EX version(middle range variant) and it does not have climate control, It is just and ordinary AC. No Digital speedometer. Prior to this, I used to drive Toyota Prius. It is very old model-2007 base, but still, the base version was covered climate control, digital speedometer etc. I feel, these basic has to cover in all car, at least mid variant).

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  Highly recommended - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By native21 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I leased mine, intending to give it up next week, but I have not found anything better for the value on the market, so Im buying it! New CRV is so ugly I cant stand it, but I love my 99. Have never had a problem, and only do regular oil changes. Easy to maneuver, impressive amount of interior room--even more than bigger SUVs. I dont do serious off-roading, but Ive taken it places I wouldnt want to drive a car with zero issues. Excellent for camping, and the picnic table...cmon! What could be cooler?

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  Fantastic - very pleased after 4 months - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By aj - August 18 - 10:33 pm

  Terrific. No problems after 4 months, looking forward to driving it every day. Great ride, getting 26 mpg non-highway, naviation system is fantastic, backup camera is extremely convenient. My first Honda, and will not be my last.

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  Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Wendel - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The Cr-V is fun to drive...tight and very responsive to the road. Quality is evident throughout. The rear is easily accessible and plenty big for hauling items from general shopping errands to small household projects.

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  Reliable, Solid, but not comfortable - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Alex K - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I really like how well this car performs and how solid it feels. Superb fuel economy, solid engine, trans... BUT, its not really comfortable. The seats are hard and awkward. Honda needs to put more foam in those seats.

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  Third New Honda is a Charm! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Ed IV - August 16 - 12:46 pm

  This is my third new Honda in the last 15 years and i would recommend them all. This is my first SUV, I looked at Toyota, Saturn, Mazda but Honda wins in almost every category. If you are looking for more space for a growing family but dont want to sacrifice EPA this is a Great vehicle! Mileage after 7000 miles is 25 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Kelly - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By ibekel - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had my CR-V for two years. It is very reliable and very easy to drive. It has big windows to easily see outside-no blind spots at all. Also, I love sitting higher than a regular car. It has manual transmission, which is a little noisy at times, but I would never have bought the automatic if I would have done it all over. The manual is just more fun in my opinion.