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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  Long Haul Reliability - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Corporate Traveler - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Loved my Honda when I bought it & continue to enjoy it. Currently has 70k + miles & is strong! Traveled for 2 years throughout the SE on business which placed lots of miles on CR-V. Havent had one trouble with my car as of yet! Feel comfortable taking it on all my long trips esp. in stormy weather. Yet, it has lots of room for family, kids & pets. My 62" father sits comfortably in the back seat too. And, who couldnt love the convenience of a sturdy card table in the back! Definately a car a woman can appreciate!

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  CRVs - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Great CRV - April 28 - 2:00 am

  My Crv has been nothing but trliable in the four years I have owned it. It Has taken me and my family on many trips to the Rockie mountains. I read the review of the last guy who reported transmission problems and i believe he may have got a very rare lemon. I see nothing but honda quality in my crv. I have never had to do any unscheduled repairs and it still runs smooth and great.

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  What an excellent car - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Tyler Chaffee - April 27 - 10:42 pm

  I just rolled over to 180,000 miles and my green cr-v still runs like the day I bought it (now I know why I see so damn many of these around. They last forever!). Though the car is a little on the uncomfortable side, with hard, non-supportive seats and loud road noise, it has a unique charm to it and is fun to drive. Handling is super responsive, giving good road feel and traction is superb due to the awd. It revs up high, and has good power above 4000 rpm XD. Shifts are a little bit rough at lower speeds, and the transmission seems to need fluid changes often. Id say no more than 30-40k between tranny fluid changes or youll probably regret it. Braking feel is perfect, and the brakes themselves work extremely well and are quite sharp on response. Overall this is one of the most talked about and recommended choices for reliable transportation, and for good reason. While I try not to jump on the Honda fanboy bandwagon (all manufacturers have bad years or models), this car makes it especially hard not to, as it has treated me so well. I use it for long distance trips, and as a delivery vehicle, and it has yet to let me down, outside of regular maintenance and small bits here and there. The only things Ive needed to replace (besides tires, etc.) are a control arm bushing, a cv joint boot, and an engine mount (all well under 100$). The damn thing still has the original battery. It doesnt get much better than this! What a freaking great car.

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  Great for kids - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By apple - April 27 - 1:36 pm

  We have parked the large SUV and are driving this small one. Our mileage has gone from 13 on the old SUV to 26 on the new one. This car is great for carpooling to school and the room in the back seat for the three kids is excellent. I havent heard a single complaint about space. I have learned to drive differently to save on gas and I am careful with the acceleration because I am used to a V8. We gave up leather and saved $2000 which we rolled over into tuition! I dont regret that now and hopefully wont in a few years. Thoughtful design, kid friendly, easy to drive and our first Honda. All in all a good deal.

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  Great Mini SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By TeresaCRV - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this mini SUV and am very happy with the cars interior, exterior, reliability, value. Its excellent to take camping or for skiing trips.

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  2000 C-RV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Sorenson - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Not one service repair in 2 years and 30,000 miles. Perfect for small children because the back seat sits up higher and they can see. Never use the picnic table and get teased about it quite a bit. Only thing to be aware of is that there is a lot of road noise in the vehicle. We looked at cute-utes from Toyota, Suzuki, and Kia. It was well worth the extra money to get a Honda.

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  Exactly what I expected - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - April 24 - 4:56 pm

  I bought a used CPO CR-V, its pretty much what I expected. Its a practical, roomy small SUV that is easy to drive and relatively efficient. It rides comfortably, a little choppy but nothing too bad. Its quiet. I expect it to be reliable and safe. A couple of points: 1) It doesnt come with a programmable homelink (garage door) button! Youll either have to use an opener or get something aftermarket. Maybe its an option now but mine doesnt have it. 2) Engine is a little underpowered, steering is numb. Dont expect to have fun or love this car. But, all things considered, I would definitely recommend.

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  hondas RAV4 beating sport-cute - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crunch_82 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  when my mom first bought this vehicle we were, and still are, impressed about the quality build, makes you feel like driving a pilot or accord, and the taut suspension. it is a nimble car based suv that will give rav4 buyers in awe as you stomp on the accelerator. this is one of the better car based suv with high content and good quality backed up by one of the best car companies out there.

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  Very Reliable - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Pleased Customer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this vehicle. It is my first Honda and my first SUV after having a very sporty car. It is extremely reliable. Ive only had to change the oil regularly and replaced the tires and brakes once in the 3 years Ive had it. My SUV has manual transmission which is still reliable after 60,000 miles so far...

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  Reliable CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By sbatters - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my CRV for over 4 years and have not had a sinlge problem. It runs and drives great. The only problem Ive had is I ran over a nail and had to get it plugged. Other than that no problems.