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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  MY VERSATILE CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By ELIZABETH YATES - April 4 - 2:00 am

  MY CRV PROVIDES ALL THAT I NEED IN A VEHICLE. I AM ON THE ROAD EVERY WEEK. I NEED A VEHICLE THAT I CAN DEPEND ON, AND THE CRV PROVIDES THAT RELIABILITY. IT IS ALSO VERSATILE. I HAVE HAULED MANY DIFFERENT ITEMS AND HAVE CONFIGURED THE VEHICLE IN MANY WAYS.

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  My favorite car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By petite-1 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  best suv for reliability, affordable and fuel efficient

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  Buyer Beware. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Nurseman - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CR-V for a couple reasons. Hondas name and reliability, and because I wanted an SUV with decent gas mileage. Well I had my CR-V for 3 years before the Transmission started to show problems. I spent more on maintainence than any other car I have owned. I was very dissapointed when the transmission started having trouble litterally miles after the warranty ran out. Seems to me that if Honda has such a "reliable" vehicle they would offer a better warranty. I will buy American from now on...at least when they break I can afford to fix them or find the parts to fix them myself.

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  A+ reliability - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By michael chang - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable Honda. drove 33k Mi without any problem. The CR-V is not really for racing or extreme off-road. Its a friendly fun SUV.

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  drive toyotas why not give honda a try - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By John Hotopp - April 3 - 2:00 am

  this car drags on the gear too long to get this thing moving. Also when you turn on the fan for cool vent air the a/c turns itself on when defrosting too. Passenger front seat doesnt have a power lock to match the driver side.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Wheeler - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I love it. This car was also a perfect fit for me. I researched for months before buying it. It is a bigger car that doesnt overwhelm you, it gets good gas milege for its size, just a really fun car to drive. Now I am about to buy a new 2002!!

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  i would buy another one - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By gris54 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  i like my crv alot, use to drive a civic and hated it . but the crv is alot better car ,only bad things i have noticed is tire wear isnt that great and gas mileage is no where near what they say

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  Great - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Shaun Caldwell - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall the CRV is a good car. It gets around 22mpg on the highway with the ac on and around 29 with the ac off. The vehicle has good pick-up on take offs and shifts smoothly into gear.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - March 29 - 6:00 pm

  I am not an impulsive buyer, however once I compared the Honda to its competitors, there was no comparison. It is compact, yet very roomy. My husband is 67, 280 lbs., and is comfortable as driver and passenger. I live in the burbs and when driving the back roads it handles like a dream. It is smooth and sporty. Sound system is great, and the car, holistically, has been well thought out. I dont feel there is excess noise, however slightly bumpy over potholes, but this is an SUV. The backseat is roomy and reclining seats are a nice touch. Love it!

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  After 2.5 years of ownership... - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Stacie Roman - March 28 - 11:20 pm

  Purchased used with 38K miles. 3 year old car. Im disappointed in this vehicle. While mechanically its great, no repairs other than maintenance, the interior is CHEAP! Drivers arm rest is peeling. They are NOT leather, just vinyl. The visor mirror covers have snapped off so now the mirrors no longer light. The plastic seat mould on the passangers front seat has lost a clip and now its loose. The backup camera...meh. Unusable in the daytime, doesnt reflect well in the console. The navigation is a joke. Type in Home Depot expecting it to find my nearest one..nope. Piscataway, NJ??? Im on the west coast. So I just use google maps anymore. Gas Mileage: 16.4 around town, 20-24mph depending on how fast I drive Looking to sell/trade it for a Ford Escape. They seem to be put together much better. Hopefully.