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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  2007 honda crv review - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ron Chamberlain - February 10 - 6:40 am

  The crv rides firm but in a comfortable way. No appreciable wind noise or road noise. The engine noise is noticeable but not offensive. Only thing that slightly irritates me is the gearing in the transmission. The first 4 gears are spot on where you would like them. The fifth gear is TALL, a real road gear in every sense of the word. A fairly large gap between 4th and 5th. Irritation comes when doing 45 mph and it shifts into 5th under light load, only problem is its only doing about 1500 rpm in 5th and not enough torque at that rpm to do anything and the drivetrain stresses. It does 70 mph at 2100 rpm. Need a pilots license to ever see 3000 rpm in 5th. Sort of wonder why..

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  GOOD BUY - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shamarc - February 7 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE BUT I HAVE DRIVEN IT QUITE A BIT. SO FAR SO GOOD. CAR HANDLES WELL AND HAS GOOD ACCELERATION.

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  Poor Gas Mileage but we still love it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jsotelo - February 3 - 3:14 am

  Just a quick review since weve only owned the car for about a month. Ill try and update it as time goes by. The combined average mileage is 22-23 MPG per the cars computer and twice when Ive filled up Ive double checked the calculation based on miles vs gallons and it seems spot on. We drive this car like a GRANDMA and still the MPG sucks (compared to what they claim it will get) Yes there is a vibration, a "bogging" down when you first accelerate from a stop if you dont give it a good amount of gas. Get over it or dont buy the car. My Wife doesnt even notice it and it doesnt bother me. The CRV rides smooth! Interior is very comfortable and the lack of road noise is nice!

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  Perfect For Me! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bob Venner - February 3 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is the perfect size for my wife and I. The front seats are very comfortable with good femoral support. The car has plenty of power and navigates the snow of Central New York without a problem. I really like the flexibility of this SUV. It is easy to lower the back seats. The stereo system is a pleasure to listen to.

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  First Class! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Richard - February 2 - 12:27 am

  Traded in a 2015 CRV Touring for the 2017 Touring. One word.... WOW! The fifth generation is light-years better than the 2015 on so many levels. Where to start. Comfort, quiet, responsive steering, room for stuff and passengers, features, safety and that marvelous 1.5 liter turbo engine linked to a vastly improved CVT. The fifth generation is well thought out. I am glad I took the "trade in hit" for this CRV

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  Downsizing - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wjs - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased our CR-V almost 2 weeks ago, and LOVE IT! We had a 1999 Expedition with almost 200,000 miles and it fit our needs really well, but with our oldest daughter getting her license and hardly ever being with us anymore we decided to downsize. We almost purchased the Accord we knew it fit our needs and was a solid car, but wasnt too thrilled about getting a car. Our salesperson asked if we looked at the CR-V and we thought it was too small but decided to look anyway. We were very surprised on how much space was inside our 3 long legged daughters fit nicely in the back (they are 58", 56" and 54"). We dont know how a long car trip will be, but know day trips will be just fine!

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  1 month and loving it. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Juan Perez - January 27 - 9:10 pm

  Took it up to the mountains and it did very well. Got an average of 32 miles per gallon and made it there and back on a little over 3/4 tank of gas on the 350 mile round trip. We did not drive on snow but it handled well on the wet curvy toads of big bear.

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  Very stable ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kevin - January 27 - 1:26 pm

  I am very impressed with the handling of my new 2007 CR-V. I had to swerve to miss a skunk last night and all I could think after the maneuver was wow, I would not have expected this kind of handling from an SUV. Very little sway or leaning into turns and is surprisingly quiet too. The engine provides adequate acceleration.

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  NOISY NOISY NOISY - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Berk - January 25 - 12:59 pm

  UPDATE 7/2017- I dislike this car more than ever. The drivers seat comfort is my greatest issue. I have added a foam cushion to the backrest, without it I cannot drive the car because my back aches. (I dont have that issue with any other vehicles I own). The audio system is just a PIA to operate. Road noise is terrible. Have decided to ditch this car ASAP. Bought 2016 CR-V EX. as the replacement of a 2006 Hyundai Tucson Limited. I considered the Mazda CX5 but hesitated because I couldnt find long term data results for the SkyActiv engine. Was unimpressed with the RAV4 and the Ford Escape. After 2 weeks with the Honda I regret the decision. No matter what I do I cannot get comfortable in the drivers seat, The car has power adjust seats but no position is satisfying. I am 5 8" and 190lb. The seat is wrong at the lumbar no matter deflated or inflated,- hard on the butt , poor conforming and feels to narrow across the back, just terrible. Not looking forward to a long trip in the saddle. Road noise volume is unbelievable, It came with BridgeSTONE tires, I never had them on a vehicle. I am hoping that once they wear out, a set of Dunlops will improve the noise level. Obviously the roof has NO sound proofing because during a heavy rain the sound was brutal. The audio system has no possibility for satellite radio. The Bluetooth is spotty. The displays are minimal in choice. The gas mileage has been great, With the ECO off the car has adequate power, when on NO. There is no doubt this is a four cylinder when you give it the whip, but its OK. Handling is good, wheel feel is good. Transmission is smooth. Hope to never experience diabetic neuropathy in the feet, gas and brake pedals are very close together and have at the same time hit both a few times, confident I will get used to this. Not thrilled with this car, hoping that opinion changes in the next 150,000 miles.

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  Medium/Low Mile Maintenance Nightmare - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Tucker W - January 25 - 9:47 am

  Heres the deal: Im a car guy and die hard Toyota guy, but I respect Hondas and I promise you I am taking all my bias out of this. My father bought this CRV for my mother with 80,000 on the odometer from a HONDA dealership who did a "pre-sale inspection" and said it passed with flying colors. The car currently has 87,000 and has been a maintenance nightmare. Brakes had to be replaced at 83,000, an easy job and only takes an afternoon in the garage, but it was frustrating that the dealership pre-sale inspection missed simple maintenance like that. Then, at 86,000 the alternator died and fried the battery as well. Ive done a lot of alternator jobs before, and this one is the most difficult to get to. I do not recommend doing this at home as you have to pull the power steering pump. An OEM honda alternator was also $425, and a $60 serpentine belt. Not 300 miles later, the clutch on the A/C compressor seized and broke the brand spanking new serpentine belt. I dont mess with A/C systems at all, so we took it to a mechanic friend. $1700 down the drain. At this point Im just expecting the next $3000 repair job. Its slow to accelerate, handles terribly, what more is there to say? So much for Honda Reliability...DO NOT BUY WITHOUT A WARRANTY.