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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  Typical Honda - top quality automobile - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By scottg - April 12 - 12:40 am

  Ive been a long time Honda owner (since 86) and the 09 CR-V EX-L with nav has met my expectations for what to expect from Honda - top quality automobiles. Had the CR-V for 2 months now, put 2000 miles on it. Its a solid car with an excellent fit and finish. The engine has plenty of power and the transmission shifts very smoothly. The controls and display are well laid out and nicely colored. The nav system is fast and the display is bright. The sound system is outstanding, plenty of watts for the size of the car. Drivers seat is very comfortable. The leather seat is more comfortable than cloth. Gas mileage so far hasnt been great, 18/24 but maybe will improve in warmer weather.

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  How do they do it? - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bruce Jones - April 11 - 8:16 am

  How does Honda keep building the perfect auto? This is my sixth Honda/Acura and I am completely happy. This is my first CRV. Its the jack of all trades vehicle. I have a Karaoke business so I had to give up my Tsx for something with room for my equipment. I was worried that I would not like another auto as much. No worries! Its quite fun to drive. The interior feels upscale and the exterior has character. I also test drove the Rav but dont like the rear door or the spare tire hanging off the back. In conclusion if you are in the market for a small Suv you wont go wrong with this jewel!

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  Honda CRV Handling - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By william Johnston - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was very functional. The interior extremely well designed, materials excellent. The one major draw back is the handling. The least amount of moisture on the road the tires do not grip and spin from a stop. Also the care has a pronounced pull to the right when accelerating from a stop.

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  Unhappy with my 2016 Crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By F.Litt - April 10 - 7:08 pm

  This car is so noisy its embarrassing, I brought it in June of 2016, I have been complaining to Honda about the noise and vibration since, they keep telling me thats normal, I have never in my life heard such a noisy brand new car, the driver chair is so uncomfortable Ive been having back and leg problems since driving this car, I almost got into accidents a few times because when it rains the rear camera gets blurry, I feel like Im always driving with the Windows down because I can hear every wind that pass by, Honda was no help at all no matter how friendly the staff is that do not help the problems with the car, so basically Honda told me to wait until other people have problems with their Crv then maybe they will accept the fact that the car have problems, this car is such a turn off, I am sooo dissatisfied with Honda, Im stuck with a noisy vibrator, every time I get in my car I hate it. Honda is deceiving people because satisfaction and warranty means nothing, they tell you everything other than they will fix the problem.

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  Our First Honda - So Far So Good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bigsioux - April 10 - 6:07 pm

  We recently replaced my wifes VW Passat 4 Motion with a 2015 Honda CRV Touring and weve driven it 3000 miles so far. We have not experienced any of the vibration other reviewers have noted. In fact Id describe driving it as "smooth and effortless". My wife sums it up by repeating frequently how easy this vehicle drives. However, I have to believe the ride would be smoother with the smaller rims of lower trim levels. We felt sort of "trapped" into going with the touring because there were features like the power lift gate and some of the automated safety features were only available on the top trim level. The 18" rims really set it apart from older CRVs though. Its a trade off.

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  Slopy engineering - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By grumplyduck - April 7 - 10:55 pm

  Purchas 2015 CVR touring severe vibration, shuttering, rumbling in front in of car. called Decline in Tortance Ca.was told this is the normal CHARACTTISTIC of the 2015 CVR a better word to use is SLOPY ENGINEERING. GPS system 80%of roads missing this is a safety feature DA?? body miss match between door and body 3/16" Looks like HONDA quality standards are just a notch above the Mexican and China MDI can change while driving

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  A mini-SUV that restores sanity to MPG - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By iploya - April 7 - 4:10 am

  I’m not the typical CR-V demographic. I am a bachelor who has owned some nice sport sedans and trucks. I bought the CR-V EX as an alternative to the expense of owning both a sedan and truck. I really like it. It’s like a mini-SUV with all the space I need and the utility for my outdoor excursions. It obviously lacks the acceleration of my old A4, but I love the trade-off of the well-engineered and trusty V-TEC engine. I get 30mpg hiway and 25+ mixed (nearly double my last truck). I have NO problem passing at highway speeds. Only thing I would do differently is get the EX-L, which has more upgrades than just leather – like air vents for rear passengers, nicer console, better stereo...

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  Pure T Good - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Luther & JoAnne - April 6 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my 2007 Xterra in on the 2008 Honda CRV EX because my wife was having trouble getting in and out of the Xterra because it was too high off of the ground for her even though it had running boards. We love everything about the CRV especially the good gas mileage. The CRV is just what the doctor ordered for us.

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  honda crv is number 1 - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By leighgadek - April 6 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. there is nothing else to say - its a honda...

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  2 1/2 Years and Counting! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SherylD - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the first new car I ever bought and I could not be more pleased! I got caught in a heavy snowstorm in Tulsa Christmas of 2000 and the way the CR-V handled was better than the 4X4 truck I had been driving. I watched Jeeps, Explorers, etc. slide everywhere but my Honda never missed a beat. Additionally, other than general maintenance, no work has been necessary. If and when my CR-V ever wears out, I will replace it with another. Im curious to se if they are really planning to produce a hybrid CR- V.