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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  Superb little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By donna - May 11 - 11:36 pm

  I previously owned a 2002 Rav4 that was a great experience, but I wasnt quite as impressed with the newer Rav4 models. So I looked extensively at the CR-V as well as a few other small SUV models. The CR-V seemed to be the best buy for the money, 5-star safety, decent fuel economy, great ride, and decent performance and interior space. I read many favorable reviews on edmunds, and thought theres no way this many people could be wrong! I read one review suggesting a moonroof visor with the roof rack to reduce noise...thank you whomever made that recommendation! I did the same thing, and its a perfectly quiet car.

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  Nice Overall Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Brother - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I like how when you give it some gas it goes without hesitation.

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  Honda CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By keneddiem - May 11 - 2:00 am

  the car is well designed and comfortable to drive. gas mileage could be better though

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  Great SUV for a great price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By C. Craig Morris - May 10 - 6:30 pm

  Excellent SUV in terms of safety, efficiency, reliability, performance, handling and comfort. Safety maximized by dual front, dual side, and dual side curtain airbags; vehicle stability assist, all-wheel drive, and ergonomically sophisticated design. Accelerates well with the large bore 4 cyl engine, getting 22 city/27 hwy mpg, able to turn on a dime, but with a solid handling in turns, hills, wet weather, and snow. On road, they look small, but inside, they are cavernous - amazing! The roof rack and running board options give it a sporty, functional appearance. Very nice SUV.

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  Most bang for the buck - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AC - May 8 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our new CRV. It handles well, has lots of interior room, is peppy for a 4 cyl. and has excellent ergonomics.

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  overall great car - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By 4 honda - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have over 107,000 miles on this vehicle only problem is limited power on hills and replacement of u-joint cost over $1000 due to the fact that I had to replace entire drive shaft in order to replace u-joint( not sold separately)

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  CR-V is a top car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Man - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CR-V less than a year ago, have put over 13,000 miles on it, and have had no problems at all. It has been terrific in bad weather, and the real time 4WD is great for fuel economy, since it is 2WD unless it needs the 4WD. I would recommend to anyone, no matter why they are getting a car.

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  Great for SMALL family - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By WHODEY - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I love the CR-V. Its reliable, runs well and (with the rear seats down) hauls a lot of cargo. Unfortunately, once my wife and I add a second child we will need to upgrade as it just wont carry all of our stuff when we travel long distances.

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  2007 Honda CRV -AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 2007 CRV AWD - April 29 - 2:23 pm

  It looks good, performs poorly. The gas mileage is 20-21 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway. CRV has Squeaks & Rattles in car. Vehicle shifts rough from 1st to 2nd from stop, start and go. The dealer says its in electronic program transmission. CRV Pulls hard to right on road at low/high speeds. I have been to a Honda Dealer who says there is a Honda Service Bulletin out Since 01/2007 prior to the car being purchased and requires New Steering column rods/pins to be later installed which are back ordered from Honda so a proper wheel alignment can been done on a new car, what?) I was Never notified by the selling dealer prior to or after purchase, So be alert for that. Noticeable wind noise at 55 mph

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  Good, Solid Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rob - April 29 - 11:13 am

  Purchased the car in mid June. 2,185 miles so far. Driven in town gets 20-21 mpg, during a long highway trip 31-32 mpg, doing 65 mph w/cruise on. Car is well-built inside, except for the door handles which feel a bit cheap. Leather seats are comfortable. Very spacious and great visibility all around. There is just a bit of wind noise at 65 mph, which i was looking for after reading the reviews, but its really not that much. Inside ergonomics are great. Handles great, not stiff. A bit under powered if youre a more aggressive driver, but its plenty quick for highway passing. Very convenient with storage space and inside compartments. Outside looks great. Thats just a personal opinion.