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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  3 weeks into new Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - July 23 - 5:50 pm

  Having gone from a 7 passenger minivan I was quite surprised how much luggage and cargo that the CRV really could accept. We put a hitch carrier on the back and were able to bring AS much cargo back as we took on a long X-mas trip. Good handling and comfort level and a pleasure to drive.

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  Good little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Luvahonda - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 4 1/2 years & have never had any problems. It has been a great car for me but I have outgrown it & plan to purchase a new Pilot. I think this would be a very reliable used car.

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  Pewter SE Problems - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By ClaytonHonda - July 18 - 6:16 am

  I purchased my Pewter Pearl SE on 2/14 from a dealership. It had 24 miles on it when I got it. The next morning there was a puddle on my driveway. Took it for repairs, and they changed out the power steering reservoir and hoses. The next morning, I had a smaller puddle, but this time it was oil. There is a faulty seal. It is 2/17 now and the car is still in the shop. The drives from my house to the service center have been enjoyable. The car is comfortable and seems to drive a lot like a nice car. My wife loves the room and the way it drives. Anyway, the dealer will not replace it, so I guess I will be trading a CRV SE with 100m in and taking a hit. Obviously this one is bad.

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  Second worst test drive ever - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SUV Searching - July 16 - 4:45 am

  Was seriously considering a new 2016 CRV. Went for a test drive and car had a obvious shudder or vibration around 35 to 40. It also had the a slight vibration while stopped at intersection. I would never buy a car that rode this poorly. I was driving home wondering if I was being too critical and realized my 11 year old Toyota rides way better then the new Honda.

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  CRV Review - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Charlotte - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My CRV has been a very reliable, usable vehicle. My only complaint would be the dealer service. I have found it to be much more economical to get it serviced by a reliable mechanic. He is not as inclined to replace parts that are in good condition.

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  Great car for the money - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JAF - July 14 - 5:23 pm

  Got the CRV LX 4WD for my wife and the baby. Nice little car - easy to drive, enough space for 2 car seats plus a small adult in the back. The car has some great little touches inside, like the reclining rear seats, folding center console, and rear doors that open almost 90 degrees. The "conversation mirror" is kind of a worthless gimmick, however. Two things surprised me, one good, one bad. First, the ride is rougher than I expected, especially in the back seat. However, the little 4 banger they put in this thing was adequate for city driving and a short trip on the highway. With two babies and 3 adults in the car I had no problem getting up to highway speed and merging safely.

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  Great ECONO SUV bargain! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By george - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great handling, great build quality, beautiful engine. Standard equipment list with the EX is extensive including 4 wheel disc brakes w/ABS, Side airbags, PW, AC, PDL, Tilt, CC, Moonroof, Alarm, CD changer, etc... and THESE THINGS ARE A GREAT BARGAIN! SUV is large enough for most use. CR- Vs are more than adequate for the snowy mess we get up in the mountain passes sometimes. You need studs for black-ice however (true of any vehicle 4x4 or not). Most Honda dealers (in Seattle) did not want to discuss discounts, but I went over the border to Griffiths in The Dalles, Oregon, and got a great deal.

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  Juuuuust Right - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By RayG - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a leftover with an internet special at a good price. That was in Oct 01, since then, not a lick of trouble. Just about the perfect size for us. Easy to park on our local city streets AND fits into our rented garage. Good mileage- just about 24- 26mpg of mixed city/mostly highway. Its great to be able to carry golf clubs AND passengers which was a bit tough in the old Neon.

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  2000 Honda CR-V SE - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Tonya - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I notice a litle more road noise than I expected.

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  honda cr-v - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ec - July 7 - 3:33 pm

  We bought our CR-V in January, after driving a van for eight years. I really like the size of the vehicle. I needed something that was big enough to haul things like 50 lb bags of animal feed and a bale of hay once in awhile, and it can. We also needed a vehicle that got good gas mileage. This vehicle has met all our needs for hauling and I gets between 25-31 mpg. per tank. If I set the cruise control and then decel a bit, I get the best mileage. The only thing that I miss about the van is the cushy ride. The CR-V has a stiff ride, no luxury . Air conditioner works well on 100 degree days. The hitch can haul a small trailer, also the rack is good for camping and kayak . Overall very happy.