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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  n/a - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bmthomas2 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  great, reliable, safe, & fun to drive. Just wish the gas mileage was a bit better...

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  CRAVE! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rose - June 26 - 10:30 pm

  Love this little SUV. I downsized from a mini-van(I drove vans for the last 18 years)and am happy I did! This car is fun! It is tight and responsive, all the features I was looking for. Go out and test drive one of these...You will fall in love!

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  Another winner - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Yinch - June 26 - 6:56 pm

  I got the LX 2WD last week, I am loving it, being a previous CR-V owner, I notice the road handling and curving are much improved. The interior is very classy, yet I found myself missing my 02s storage boxes and back glass hatch, the cloth material feels very modern, and when stopping there is no longer the irritable shaking. I was first impressed with the list of all safety features, the break feel very capable and I loved to play with the new mpg meter. Overall, a hit with the whole family.

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  After the first year. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By D07 - June 26 - 1:23 pm

  This has been the best vehicle Ive had. Its balanced in every sense - not too much of anything. The comfort, performance, styling and utility are just right for a small family. Even with a base LX we have just what is needed to be safe and still keep up with the times. The vehicle exudes solidity, and after a year, nothing rattles. Cruising at 70 mph all day is effortless due to the efficient gearing. Puttering around town is no chore at all. Cargo capacity is commodious, and most importantly, ALL the seats are comfortable. Materials are top notch inside and outside and EVERYTHING, inside outside and underneath is seemingly durable and well engineered. Very good braking and handling too.

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  I love this suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ohmysol - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I am head over heals in love with my honda cr-v and cant understand why it doesnt get plugged more- espcailly over suburu. Nothing runs like a Honda or keeps on ticking like one. I love the spaciousnous of it for travel and the fuel econmy is better than most.

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By pafam - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is a great small-mid SUV. Its perfect for my teenage daughter and son to drive. Its safe, drives well, and is realiable all typical Honda qualities. We have a Accord, Odyssey, and now a CR-V. Weve had such good luck with them we wanted a 4WD for the snowy weather is the Northeast. I do think the gas tank could be bigger. The gas mileage is great, its just the size of the tank which makes it seem like it eats more gas. Weve put 2600 miles on the car for the 3 weeks weve had it and are planning to put thousands more on. One of the Best Buys weve ever bought!

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  Hondas newest Gem - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jz - June 26 - 1:10 am

  Truly one of the finest suv-crossover entries for 2007. The exterior and interior shines with quality and refinement. One test drive is all it takes. Quiet interior, crisp precise steering. The interior is that of a luxury sedan costing 2-3 times more. Engine is smooth and refined. Dont let the 6cyl. comparisons fool you. Hondas 4 cyl. is responsive, quick and smoother than the competetions 6 cyls. Highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Ivorman - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Biggest factor was the lack of power and the "dreaded" overdrive kick in to go over the smallest of hills. Even worst with a load. But with some modifications all is well. Replaced intake with performance tube, performance wires and plugs, added with a Tuner muffler, we have good power and sound. I would have to go after performance chips for engine and gas flow next followed by header with better piping.

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  My CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Zepolpa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We love the car, wish it had more power and more room..........maybe I should have waited for the 2002 crv....

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  You wont regret it - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tyetrumpet84 - June 24 - 12:20 am

  This is an excellent car. I am a single mom with 2 young kids in car seats and I love my CR-V. I had a 98 2- door Honda civic and I needed to get a more "Family Friendly" car with 4 doors for my kiddos. I dont regret it one bit. My civic had 205,000 miles and I never had a problem with it so of course I would want to go with another Honda. This is made for moms. I looking at a used Chevy Equinox due to the fact I didnt think I could afford this car but the dealership was great. It is fun to drive and I get excellent gas mileage.