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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Glad I chose it! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By coffeedog - March 7 - 10:00 amIm glad I chose the CRV, I traded my Honda Civic (which I adored!), but needed something with a little more room to cart 3 little ones around in, along with all of the stuff we need to get through the day. Safety was extremely important in deciding and ultimately was the winning factor between the CRV and the RAV4. Its comfortable, lots of room and the little "extras" such as middle of the seat cup holders and music storage was a bonus!
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i love my car!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By saiyastar - March 7 - 10:00 ammy car is great... its a 97 and it still runs smoothly and is very reliable. i love to drive it, its an easy ride. wonderful car - but im biased ^_^
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I Love My CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
By judynaz - March 7 - 10:00 amI love my CRV because: its navy blue, its really fun to drive, its got a great turning radius, the radio and air conditioning controls are easy to use, its got a moon roof (or maybe its a sun roof?), its easy to handle and maneuver, the passenger windows go down, the back storage area is big enough, sitting in the front passenger seat is very comfy, my son can recline his part of the seat in the back and be really comfy, when someone coming toward me suddenly turned left in front of me and I hit them going 40 mph and my airbag didnt go off, I wasnt hurt at all.
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my honda crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
By auntymomo - March 7 - 10:00 amI absolutely love my CR-V--the only little problem Ive noticed is that it tends to skid in rain when making a right turn.
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Love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By WV CRV Fan - March 7 - 10:00 amI have had my CR-V for just about a year and I could not be happier. I have always had 2 door sportier cars and this is my first SUV. I will never go back to a car after buying the CR- V. The ride is great and it handled very well in our first bad winter in years. The CR-V has tons of space for the price and the extras like the 6 in dash CD player, moon roof and alloy wheels. The milage is very good too, not to mention all the compliments I get on the CR-V
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Best of 3 Hondas owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Chloe - March 7 - 10:00 amI have owned in the last 6 years 3 Hondas (Accord, Passport, and CR-V). The CR-V offers me both a little of each past car. But, the CR-V gives me better gas milage then the Passport. More room then the Accord with the security of all wheel drive. I think it is a great choice. Do you really need the bigger gas guzzlers? I found out the hard way - NO. The CR-V can transport just as much. I drove this out west for 2 weeks. A great ride.
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Nice SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
By buckeyes - March 7 - 10:00 amGreat looking SUV. Fun to drive and comfortable. I have had other SUVs in the past the CRV is a much better ride.
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great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By mastiff owner - March 7 - 10:00 amLove everything except the seats. They are uncomfortable on long trips. No back support. Great for English Mastiff owners.
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Good Buy for a reliable SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
By RFluke - March 7 - 10:00 amExcellent car. I drive it long miles to work everyday. I have about an hour and a half commute one way. It has not failed me yet and would recommend it to anyone looking for good gas mileage in an SUV
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great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By longball - March 7 - 10:00 amThis my second CRV.I bought a 1999 first,liked it so well, that I bought a 2003.
