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:

• 

  Wonderful Car, Fun to Drive - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By LoriF - March 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in 1997, and to date have 112,000 miles on it. When my 100,000 mile warranty was about to run out, I took it to my mechanic for a full check up and he said there was not a thing wrong with it!! Will definitly upgrade to the newest one when the time comes!!

• 

  CRV 1999 - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By jules - March 22 - 2:00 am

  The 1999 Honda CRV is a fun and reliable vehical. Plenty of room, yet compact. doesnt drive like a truck...smooth ride. The only gripe I have is that they left the passenger arm rest off!

• 

  CRV LESS THAN EXPECTED - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marissa - March 21 - 12:50 pm

  I had purchased this 2010 CRV approximately 4 months ago from COGGIN HONDA in Ft Pierce, FL. They tried to rip me off and succeeded, after fair negotiations in the financing room; typical cheesy, low life car salesmen, and this goes for the sales manager especially. I know others whom had a disappointing and frustrating experience there. I had traded in a Pilot, which I loved after lease was up, and the smalller SUV, really does not compare. The ride is not as smooth and comfortable + the interior is made of cheaper looking materials. The gas milage is only a couple miles per gallon less at about 25. So far, it has been dependable and have had no mechanical problems. Ranks high for safety.

• 

  safe car! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By NurseBlueEyes - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! I bought this car on August 23 after my 17 year old daughter totaled my 2003 Honda CRV EX on August 17, 2004. She rolled that car 3-5 times, yet the whole occupant compartment stayed intact. The roof didnt even cave in, although there was dirt and grass sticking out of the top of the doors. She had her seatbelt on, the drivers side airbag deployed, and she walked away with only 3 small bruises! I thank God I bought that Honda! Thats why, 6 days after the accident, I walked into the same Honda dealer and bought the same car!

• 

  Honda CRV - I love it!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JilleneD - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the manueverability of this truck. Its not big and bulky. Its so much better on my back getting up into a vehicle rather than down and especially getting out of it.

• 

  GREAT REVIEW - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By revelle - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I COULD NOT BE MORE PLEASED WITH THE PURCHASE OF A CAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS BEAUTIFUL. THE PEOPLE WERE ALL MOST COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL.

• 

  CR-V Best Built in its class - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CMurphy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  If youre the type that drives cars long after the payments are over, this is definitely the car for you. It costs less to own over five years than its competitors because its virtually maintenance free thanks to a timing chain instead of a timing belt. The oil change interval is 5K miles and the first tune up is at 100K miles. Extremely easy to drive and will handle off-road, but prefers pavement. The interior is spacious and cargo is generous - carries a mountain bike with rear seats folded down. Sleek sporty design takes you from a soccer game to a night on the town. Lots of extra features available a la carte. Best deal for your money, hands down, and fun to own so youll keep it.

• 

  Just bought mine and love it! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By ehickman - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my 99 Honda CRV EX AWD (AT, CD, etc) in March, 02. It had only 24,000 miles on it...and is super super clean. Paid $16.5 at a dealership in Bay Area, CA..not bad. I love it! Its so practical and drives like a car, not a truck. Really just perfect for me.

• 

  Sweeeet, but . . . . - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pretty happy camper - March 18 - 5:33 am

  Mechanically sophisticated and refined. Reasonable compromise of utility and sporty drive feel. Yet to see advertised gas mileage (~5K miles). Overall, am very happy with the vehicle, especially the fact that it accomodates my 68" frame but isnt too tall for my 52" wife. While obviously taller than its Civic sibling, bears no resemblence to my 98 Trooper which expired when it left me inverted after a modest evasive manuever. Spent many hours researching replacement vehicle and after deciding to sell my sailboat (~3K lb. w/ trailer), realized I didnt need the extra 1000 lb., lower gas mileage, top-heavy truck-like handling and general eco-unfriendliness for a mostly daily driver.

• 

  All Around Perfection - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew Starks - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Hondas are sometimes derided for being like washing machines: they work all of the time, do their job, but dont give you a lot in terms of excitement. The CRV is a little like that, and while car repairs and quirky gimmicks are exciting, they may not be desireable anyway. One thing I would like to note about the CRV: While the CRV has a four cylinder, it is by far and away the BEST for cylinder available. If youre looking for something with more punch, there really isnt anything else out there. A test drive of the Tribute/Escape six will prove this. The CRV pulls very hard straight from idle.