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:

• 

  2012 CRV -- Good basic car. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bruder - April 7 - 11:07 pm

  My girlfriend bought a 2012 CRV LX 2WD last summer. Ive been driving it recently so I decided to share my experience. The CRV is comfortable and easy to drive. The seats are supportive and very comfortable. The engine provides adequate power and the transmission shifts are smooth. The brakes work well and stops are confident. The CRV handles reasonably well but the steering is somewhat disconnected. For most people its fine. Visibility out the front and sides are good but the rear window is very small and the visibility out the rear is terrible. Fortunately the back up camera is standard on all models. The sound system is good. Were getting 27-29 mpg in mixed rural driving.

• 

  2.5 years, 67k and running strong - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - April 6 - 10:05 pm

  I have had this CR V since fall of 2010 and have logged 67,000 miles on it without a repair. Had to replace the Continental Tires @22k and the dealer split the cost with me. I about to replace the rear brakes and tires and cannot complain. My daughters both have 2011 CR Vs and with small children they love the cars because of the safety and reliability.

• 

  Very poor mileage - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mnr11 - April 3 - 4:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2011 and per the reviews, city mileage is 21 and 28 on the highways. The actual mileage in my experience is 18 to 18.5 in the city and 21 to 22 highway. I am extremely disappointed and this is my may concern.. all maintenance is up to date.

• 

  Lemon? - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By awolowa - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  We got this car in 2008 and were the second owners only. It looked in amazing shape with only 100 000km. However, aside from the amazing craftsmanship, the thing would break every 2 to 3 months for the last 4 years. It was always something, and it often ended costing close to $1000 every time. And every time, I thought "this is probably the last time", but no. So finally, we had to scrap this money pit. Not many people complain about this car, but I guess we had a lemon, or at least, it became one in our hands.

• 

  Not up to expectations - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By trollinthebox - March 20 - 8:42 pm

  Generally, I like the car. I see only one problem with it, mileage per gallon. On city/highway combined it makes 21 MPG, about the same as my 2006 RAV4. Economy mode doesnt do any good, just slows down the acceleration. Unfortunately, fuel economy is a big selling point, and its disappointing. Other than that, its nice car.

• 

  Drove them all chose a Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By soccermom4ever - March 13 - 10:38 am

  First we test drove just about every SUV made and kept notes on accessories and price of each one. I never gave them my name just took their business card.Also noted if the sales guy was high pressure. Our choice was narrowed by comfort, style, accessories and cost. When it came down to it the Honda was by far the best deal. Everytime I changed from cloth to leather and back or navigation no navigation, AutoNation Lewisville had lots of choices. Our sales guy Jim Ross gave us the grand tour of the vehicle before our test drive. There was no pressure, we asked him questions and he let us talk through the differences.

• 

  Great SUV! I would buy it again! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stepay - March 12 - 2:02 pm

  Bought this car in Feb. 2011, and I still love it today like I did the day I bought it. Honda quality, looks better than what they did to update it to 2012 (not sure what they were thinking about the back of the 2012 - looks weird), but the real thing here is value. Im still amazed I could buy this car brand new for the low price I paid for it. A 2011 Kia Sportage with similar options was a couple thousand dollars more. Also, those complaining about road noise should have investigated that beforehand. Honda never claimed this was a super quiet car. Reliable, drives great, lots of room, looks great. Intended to be a family car. You want smooth and very quiet, then pay more next time.

• 

  Excellent balance of design elements--update - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By flicker25 - March 10 - 10:43 pm

  I previously posted that initial 2013 CRV gas mileage was good, not great. I may have underestimated Honda. Just returned from a 300-mile round trip to Ocean City, Md., with 4 adults and cargo area piled up to rear window with food and clothing. With engine warmed and driving a flat stretch of US 1 between Newark, DE, and OC--and keeping a steady 60 mph in eco mode--computer said I was getting 34.2 mpg (no stops or hard accelerations). To make sure there was no advantage in descending elevation, I ran the same route in reverse. Computer said I was getting 33.9 mpg. If computer is accurate, this mileage suggests very high engine efficiency --and better-than-EPA estimates. Impressive.

• 

  Excellent balance of design elements - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By flicker25 - March 3 - 1:26 am

  I am 62", 290# and can fit into front or back seats without banging head or knees. Vehicle is silky smooth in performance, quiet at high speeds, nimble in handling. Turning radius very tight despite room in front/back/cargo areas. Styling to me exceeds others in class. Interior is well laid out controls are intuitive and easily reached. Driving a flat 30 miles home from dealership at 55 mph in eco mode, instantaneous mileage dropped below 30 mpg only twice. Me likee. Dont think Honda engineers could balance all elements of form and function better than they did. I am retired and no Honda fanboy, but vehicle is exceptional.

• 

  Uncomfortable Im giving it to my twins - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By husky46cc - March 2 - 12:58 am

  I cant drive this car on a trip. The headrest is tilted so far forward that I cant get comfortable. I have a neck ache for a week after a 300 mile trip. My advice: Drive this car out on the interstate for at least 15 minutes before you buy it. I wish I had. Also uncomfortable: The surface of the steering wheel is slippery plastic. It makes my hand ache after 45 minutes of highway driving. Again - DRIVE this car before you plunk down the money. Make sure you fit in it comfortably. I didnt drive it enough. I regret it. I should have gotten the Forester. Its too bad that the car is so uncomfortable. Otherwise Id keep it forever. One more time: Do NOT test drive this ca