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:

• 

  great family vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jlp - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend this for families...i love mine!! There is so much space, and it rides smooth like the accord.

• 

  The Price is Right - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Christison - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Look at all of the other SUVs, notice something the CRVs have that the others dont? Yes, thats right, they dont have a crazy price! You cant go wrong with the CRV when you also figure in price. Please take note I didnt say cheap I just said price. The quality of Honda speaks for itself.

• 

  98 was a great year! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Flybinder - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2003, and after two months, traded, BACK DOWN, to a 98! Why? Because the new CRVs are built more for someone that "HAS TO HAVE" a SUV, to keep up with the Joness, not for the reasons we love them. The 98 has cleaner lines, less cluttered exterior and interior and is small, the way this particular rig, was originaly designed to be. The Vette, T-Bird, all started OUT SMALL but were, like the CRV now, ruined by enlargement. "Bigger IS NOT better", where the CRV is concerned. The 98 is what the CRV started out to be, and should still be, Im glad I traded back down!

• 

  Sassmaster - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By EMPY - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My car is the best. It gets great gas mileage and works great in the ice and snow. I feel empowered when driving it.

• 

  Best Honda Ever - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Martys favorite car - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When my salesman called to see how I liked my CRV, I told him I had never this way about an inanimate object before! I love it! And I am a 50 something female. I loved my Civic but was feeling vulnerable because it is so low to the ground. The CRV is higher and still is easy to climb in and out of with a skirt and heels.

• 

  good car for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By petrica - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I got it in March, 2003 and already have 7500 miles on it. So far so good. Have not tried the Realtime 4WD yet, hope it works. After a carefull break in period, and considerate driving, the car "settled" arround 5500 miles, gas mileage improved, handling is better. Probably I just got used to it. For the money spent, it is what I expected and a little more.

• 

  Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sgtspike - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I was lookig for a small SUV with great mileage but was comfortable for a big guy (61", 280 lbs). It was like they took a midsize SUV interior and managed to put it inside a small body. It is ROOMY, comfortable, gets much better mileage compared to the midsized SUV and it is a Honda so it is reliable. If I was in the market for a small SUV again today, I would go straight to my Honda dealer. The ingeneous interior design and features, the reliability, the room and comfort, the AWD all add up to one phenominal little SUV. PS when are you going to build a small pickup truck?

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By audiemom - March 7 - 10:00 am

  So far... we have loved it... not a thing we hadnt liked about, to include taking it on vacation a week after buying it... Dealer has been fantastic

• 

  almost a perfect 10 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kccat - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the CR-V for almost 3 months and so far our family love it! Its a great family SUV and has cool gadgets inside and is decent on gas. Was also very affordable compared to some other brands. I get alot of compliments from friends and strangers alike!!

• 

  Versatility and real "Utility" - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jorge han - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven family cars (Honda) until I saw and drove the CR-V 2002. I liked its design, its versatility, its poweful engine. Every day I discovered more details and features in the CR-V. It is elegant, roomy, comfortable, and very versatile for the city, camping, moving, etc. It does not expend too much gas depending on the way I use it. Its engine power amazes me. It is a monster even though I try not to speed it since it has a higher turn over risk. Only thing i can say, it is aI am satisfied with my CR-V. The fact that it has a higher turn over risk bother me; but, driving it carefully, makes it extremely worthy.