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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  Should be called a GLC - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By fotoefek - March 13 - 5:05 pm

  The Mazda GLC stold the name for this car. Its the best all around vehicle since sliced bread. Decent mileage, good handling, decent power and never let me down. Plenty of room for 4 and stuff. I plan to buy another when or if this one wears out.

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  2000 CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By vannstar - March 13 - 2:47 pm

  Careful design makes it a delight to drive and own. Quality is top flight. Gas mileage could be better.

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  I love my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By DE - March 12 - 2:22 pm

  I bought a 2001 CRV-EX well below invoice in October. This is my first car and this has certainly set the bar high for all to follow. Surprisingly comfortable for a small SUV. Honda has done a great job distributing space. Fun to drive, I use it only in the city and on highways. My only minor complaint is that the engine is a little noisy once you go above 40mph. The title of this review says it all. Thanks Honda.

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  CRV ROCKS! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By CRVcota - March 12 - 10:00 am

  EX is best buy, especially considering the competition (Toyota, etc.) Safety, storage, accessibility are tops. The 6 disc changer is not too shabby either.

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  I would recomend it. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Eric S. - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car a lot. Great value, very roomy and excellent handling.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mb6986 - March 11 - 10:36 pm

  Bought my CR-V over the weekend and have driven it about 150 miles so far. Everything works well except the sunglasses holder. It takes a little push in the back after the standard push in the front that should have done the job. The car drives nice and feels solid, much tighter than the 04 Odyssey I got earlier in the year. The car feels a bit under-powered above 70 mile per hour, however it could be me missing the instant acceleration I got used to from the 2000 Accord V6 I traded in or the fact that I was unease with driving too fast while breaking in the new car. Headlights are nice and bright, now I am bothering car drivers like I used to be bothered.

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  As good or better than expected - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - March 9 - 6:00 pm

  Weve had our AWD EX for a month and have done around town , mountain and highway driving. The gas mileage is right on the money. This car handles well, is quiet and feels substantial. Weve had three other Hondas including a 1999 CRV, this is the best.

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  Im first??? - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tapgypsy - March 8 - 12:17 pm

  I did a lot of research before choosing the CR-V. I was most concerned about reliability, value, and maintenance. Looks arent much of an issue when youre stuck in a snow drift. So far, Ive been very happy with it. My previous vehicle was a 95 Windstar and I was never so happy as to dump that puppy. The CR-V doesnt have as much room as a mini-van, but now Im not asked to tote the entire soccer team everywhere either. :-)

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  First CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Keith - March 7 - 9:06 pm

  Bought in 2/08. Had remote starter installed as part of deal, works great in warming up car in winter, start car from living room and 10 minutes later windshield is clear of ice and snow. 10,000 miles so far, getting about 24.8 MPG, over 29 MPG on long highway trips. Kind of noisy, but overall I am happy with the decision to buy. Wish I had a backup camera, parking can be a pain.

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  Quality Vehicle!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By walterE - March 7 - 10:00 am

  After putting 235,000 miles on my 94 Accord, it was time for an upgrade. The CRV is roomy, comfortable, and reliable, what you would expect from Honda. I do a lot of camping with my kids, and this vehicle suits us perfectly. The fold down seats leave plenty of cargo space, and the real- time 4 wheel drive is really handy in the snow. Love it!!!