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:

• 

  my 2004 honda crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Kemple - May 29 - 11:23 am

  Love this car its fun to drive , good handling and very dependable. It has had some rattles that do not seem to disappear around the drivers side rear seat. Hard to locate. The front seat armrest is useless for larger drivers. Mine has not been getting the advertised gas milage.

• 

  Awesome - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Renee - May 25 - 8:30 pm

  First time I drove it I was pleasantly surprised. I didnt have good preconceived notions regarding this SUV. However, the CR-V is zippy, comfortable and has punch when you need it most. My family loves the reclining rear seats. I am extremely pleased with the easy to use controls, the many cup holders and sound system. Visibility is great Sitting in the drivers seat

• 

  2008 CRV - excellent choice! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By newCRV-EXL - May 25 - 3:56 pm

  2008 2WD EX-L This is a very nice vehicle - my first SUV. We were looking at the RAV4 and the Nissan Rogue as well, but went with this. Got it for $2200 below sticker price. No regrets so far. I have driven it for a week now (330 miles) - 1st tank of gas averaged 26.2 mpg. About 2/3 of it was in the city and 1/3 on the highway. Pretty good considering the car isnt even broken in yet. The acceleration is a little lacking on an uphill ramp & a bit noisy but does not bother me too much. The 270 watt stereo is awesome! Moonroof and leather are great, the seats are quite comfortable contrary to what some others have mentioned, but I agree the lumbar support is not very hard.

• 

  Love My CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Mark C. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The Honda CR-V is the BEST small SUV on the market today.I have owned my CR-V for almost 3 years now and it has not had to go back to the dealership once for any kind of problem.I feel that it is the best value for its class.If I have one complaint, it is the cheap Bridestone Dueler HT tires that come as standard equipment on most CR-Vs. The tires produced terrible road noise. I just recently put Michelin X ones on my CR-V and the difference was like night and day.The ride is so much smoother and quiter.If you own a CR-V, do yourself a favor and trash the Bridgestones.I am in love all over again with my CR-V.

• 

  Lovin it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By chaumayner - May 25 - 2:00 am

  What fun to drive. Rugged yet plush enough to look sharp. Spunky for a 4 cylinder. I have put it to good use and it even pulled a rental trailer very well. Lovin it since purchase 8 mo. ago.

• 

  My first Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jja - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just gor it but have read much about it. Will be for only two of us, wife and me. Want stability and safety in winter driving in NE Ohio. Want comfort and some amenities which this car has. Look forward to using it.

• 

  Low on power - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By jack frost - May 24 - 2:10 am

  I have a CRV as a company car so I driven several diffrent year models. I would not buy this car for myself, it is way too low on power for me, it needs around 50 more horsepower, I often have the gas pedal to the floor trying to gain speed or get out of the way of some crazy driver in Texas. If you are on a single lane road and want to pass an 18 wheeler you need to be able to see far in advance and plan the pass, because the pedal will be on the floor and there is no rush of power. Every year they seem to take something out of the car, one year they removed the pasenger arm rest, then they took out the driver arm rest. Around 20,000 miles the front rotors warped and needed to be replaced, I went to the Honda dealership and they said it was not covered, so I went to a repair shop and had new rotors installed at my cost. The CRV is loud inside, if I receive a phone call when I am driving on a rough road I will not answer the phone because the raod noise is really loud.

• 

  Loving it!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CRV LVR - May 23 - 10:03 pm

  After previously owning a Civic, I knew I wanted to go back to the Honda brand. The CR-V was a perfect fit. I was a little apprehensive becuase I have only ever owned small vehicles and knew when purchasing this vehicle that it would be the one I would drive until the wheels fall off. I could not be happier. It is a comfortable ride giving great gas mileage, mixed driving average is 24-28 mpg. I love the interior and exterior design, everything is very user friendly. I cant imagine how I lived without navigation before! The 4 cylinders in this vehicle give appropriate power, I have no issues with passing on the hwy. I have no qualms about my purchase and would make the same decision again.

• 

  Trouble free and fun to drive - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 23 - 1:03 pm

  Driven 138,000 miles over 8 years all over Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Had a/c issue fixed under extended warranty at 98,000 miles. Replaced front brake pads (only) and rotor milled at 90,000 miles (I know!!) Original rear brakes STILL good - no noise or pulling. Oil changes every 3 or 4K. Halfway through 3rd set of tires. Thats it! Other than gasoline (honest 24mpg city, 28mpg highway). Im 65+ and still working. That CR-V is simply the best overall vehicle I have ever owned.

• 

  Another great Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By steven - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is another great Honda. It might not be the fastest suv of there but I know it will not be in the shop like the other cars that I have had. I put on a lot of miles a year both on highway and city and I never had a problems with Honda. I can not say the same about the VW GTI. It was in shop every 2 monthes with a bill average of $600. Glad to be back in a Honda