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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  Shalees Little Red Lady - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By QueenShalee - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my CRV in New York State. The winters there can be bad at times. But my Little Red Lady has stood them well and gets me where I had to be without any problems. It starts everytime and is comfortable to be in for everybody.

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  Great CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By g8rl - March 7 - 10:00 am

  great CR-V. fun to drive, dependable SUV. Has been more than i thought it would be. I used to have a cabrio, VW. The CR-V is much better!

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  honda crv ex - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By vfrtodd - March 7 - 10:00 am

  excellant vehicle. Awd drive system works great.

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  The Easy Rider - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Easyrider - March 7 - 10:00 am

  After someone hit me head-on with my 99 CRV and it was totaled, I went and got a new one. The is build to last and protect its passengers. Not only is it fun to drive it is very practical. I love it

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  Honda CRV - 2003 - EX - 4dr - 4A - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kimmers - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda CRV. My first one was a 1997 model and I love my new 2003 model even more than the 1997 model. There have been many improvements and upgrades in this new model. This vehicle offers me the most for my money. I cant imagine paying more money for a high end SUV and getting anything else...other than a larger fuel expense...that would satisfy me any more than what my Honda CRV offers.

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  Great get around vehicle. - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By gocubbies - March 6 - 5:32 pm

  Great vehicle to get around town in.

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  So So CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Houston CRV - March 2 - 10:10 pm

  New SE CRV doesnt live up to hype. MPG rated 23/29. Havent seen 23 even on flat west Texas highways. You can expect real MPG in teens. Ride and drive harsh. Hope the safety features are not over rated as well. Still worth the money for a SUV. Lot of vehicle for $20k. Bottom line - if MPG is a big issue, buy a car.

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  Have had ours for two years now.... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SpartanMan2 - February 27 - 8:33 pm

  My wife purchased her 99 Silver EX 2 years ago, with only 5000 miles on the odometer (20,000 now). We added a luggage rack and after market tinted glass. The vehicle is used primarily to work and back, groceries on the weekend, but when we need it for hauling our 2 young boys and 3 mountain bikes, it works just fine. We use a Thule roof box and a spare tire bike carrier to create extra space and can haul enough luggage with room to spare for a weeklong trip.

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  Finally, a great choice from the get-go! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - February 27 - 9:03 am

  After much research, and trying to make a decision between the RAV4 and the Honda, I chose to go with the Honda and absolutely have no regrets. I am a 64" male, and this vehicle is a perfect fit for me. I traded in a Toyota Matrix. After some pretty severe Midwest winters, I knew I wanted to get back into an SUV. (I had a Mountaineer before the Matrix). This is one of the best handling vehicles that I have ever owned. For continuous winter driving in town I am getting 18-19 miles per gallon. I had several colors to choose from, and I opted for the Urban Titanium Metallic. This color hides the dirt better than some of the darker colors.

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  coolness - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By cdog - February 26 - 2:32 pm

  Very fun car to drive. Yes the knocks are that its not a true off-roader. and some dont even call it an SUV, but a wagon. i still think otherwise. some people say that the engine is weak. the car does feel heavy at times, but i think SOLID is a better description. i for one have had no problems with the 146 hp output. yes the car could be slightly quieter, but you can still tell the Honda refinement in the car over a longer period (1 year -4 years) than you can in any other car.