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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  I LOVE My CRV!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mike - August 13 - 1:13 pm

  Bought a 2010 ex awd, got the new crv color polished metal metallic/black interior. I just love this vehicle. Engine is smooth and quiet, ride is excellent. Just all around awesome, was close to buying a RAV but I wouldnt be able to live with myself with the rear tire on the back. Wake up Toyota...CRV looks good performs excellent, I highly recommend.

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  Purchased my Honda CRV for tow ability with RV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Ed Degenhart - August 12 - 9:29 am

  Tire monitoring system is a nuisance as it keeps coming on and tires are ok. Fuel efficiency is fantastic. Honda makes a very reliable car. Electronic features are so so. Have towed the CRV behind my motor home. Its light and hardly notice the weight being towed. Honda is making a mistake not offering the older version transmission in the 2015 CRV and beyond. It has a unique capability for being towed and utility when on the road camping. They would sell more cars if they offered the transmission version that can be towed.

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  robs review - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By big rob - August 12 - 2:00 am

  a great car and i would allways reccomend for someone to buy it, its also a great deal

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  Satisfied - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bf22 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with CRV. No complaints. Take out one of the back head rests for better view to the rear.

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  Serious safety flaw in VSA system of CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By paul singh - August 9 - 2:13 pm

  I was in a severe accident, because of the VSA system. I was on the onramp and there was a sharp turn, when I tried to comply with the turn, the VSA took over and turned the vehicle the other way, and I hit the guard rail, almost totalling the car. Be very careful I was lucky to walk away, with any major injury. I was slow enough that the airbags did not even deploy.

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  My new SUV!!!! :) - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tori - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Although it is an almost perfectly comfortable drive for the driver (some things could be changed), it could definitely be more comfortable for the front passenger. The seats in front do not go back far enough for us long- legged folks, and the arm rests are not long enough to be of any use. The backseat passengers have more comfort though and like the fact that the seats are adjustable.

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  It Goes Forever With No Problems - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Beamer - August 6 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 99 CRV new in January of 1999. We now have 102,000 miles without so much as a flat tire. Incredibly reliable vehicle, and it handles well. We purchased the 5-speed manual transmission version, and it is much peppier than the automatic transmission version. I highly recommend the 5-speed version. This vehicle gives you great visibility of the road, and handles like a car with the up-high feel of an SUV. Gas mileage has been real good and the Real- Time 4 WD works real well in the snow and ice.

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  AWESOME SUV!!!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By crimmer02 - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Definitely a SUV of choice. I test drove both the RAV4 and the Xterra and neither of them could compare to the practicality of the CRV! The gear shift is a little quirky, and it can get in the way of the radio, but the smoothness of the ride and the reliability of a Honda should overcome that. Ive read some comments about a click when coming to a complete stop. I contacted a dealer and they stated it could be from the steering wheel airbag. Other than those minor glitches, a fine car!

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  Just what I needed - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sam Thomas - August 2 - 6:18 pm

  I commute a lot for work but I needed something roomy enough to tote around what I need. This CRV is fantastic and I love it!

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  repeat CR-V buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By twin300 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Great...turned in 98 model with 130,000 miles just because it seemed like the time to get a new car.This has all the plus off the old with more convience.If it could have been done better it is...no problem with the old one (no repair work ,just maintenance)Atlantic Honda thank you for your service