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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  We Love CRVs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By carmentaylor - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is so much fun to drive, and we have had no problems since we purchased it. We might even buy one for the teenager! It feels very safe to drive, even in bad weather.

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  highway noise - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By washoegary - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The only thing we don’t like is the highway noise, when we are on the highway/freeway it is noisy and we have to turn the radio up so high to hear it that we just end up turning the radio off. We had to have the wipers electronics fixed one time. The first winter my wife was driving over Donner Pass Hwy 80 West in a snow storm two cars in front of us lost control, she was able to keep control and keep going

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  towing CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Rothwell - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchase CRV to commute and pull behind motorhome since it is one of a few you can pull with all wheels on the ground. Very pleased with performance but at 48,000 miles the transmission went out and Honda in Ft.Worth replace the transmission at no cost to us and even paid for our rent car. We cannot be happier with their response and will definitely buy another.

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  Love My CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Tk MIller - January 24 - 10:00 am

  If you want a great product for under $25k, then the Honda CRV EX is the one to buy; it is roomy, comfortable, fun to drive, great gas mileage, or compared to others in the market, and its very dependable, its a Honda! Try one, you will enjoy, unless you are looking for a biggerand/or more expesive line, like BMW X5, Mercedes ML, or any of the luxury models, Volvo has a new SAFE model out, looks good.

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  My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jliag - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I havent had my used 2000 Honda CRV for that long-about 4 months-but so far I have been very happy with its performance. I feel safe knowing that it is a reliable car- and when all my friends are spending $50 a week on gas, Im spending $20. I feel that it is sturdy and well made, and that it will last me a long time with the right maintenance.

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  Now I understand why guys love their car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Polaris - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Honda. I received it just before Chrismas 2002. A Christmas Day blizzard gave me an opportunity to test its handling. It was phenomenal. I could tell it kicked into AWD a few times; a virtually seemless transition. Many cars on the city and highway streets having a hard time with the blizzard conditions. Not me!!! In general, it handles beautifully. And, quite frankly, because I am aware of the tip factor, I believe I have become a safer driver as it is always in the back of the mind that carelessness on my part would result in an accident. I feel very safe in my car and wouldnt trade it.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By baton - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is great on the road... very smooth and fun to drive. Gets good gas mileage for an SUV.

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sky899 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for about two months now, and I couldnt be happier. Its a great car--best small SUV on the market. It has amazing interior space-- I moved everything I owned except for a full size bed and frame with it!

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  I love my crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By loiacono - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I use to have a rav4 and find the crv is a bit bigger. I feel as though I have more car wrapped around me. It handled very well in a very rough winter last year. I have had no problems at all with this car. I love it.

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  2003 CRV in Florida - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By rtygrest - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, totally happy with all aspects.