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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  Robins CRV Review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robin Allen - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the look inside and out and the feel of this SUV. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. It rides very smooth unlike its competitor GMC Jimmy. That rode like a tank. The Honda handles corners good and takes bumps like a little cadillac. The only complaint that I have with this SUV is the "pick-up on starting off". It seems to need a push sometimes, doesnt seem to have good pep without the RPMs reving up to 5.

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  excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By shonghong - January 24 - 10:00 am

  drives like a sports car and performs like a suv.

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  Love my CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Denise Sidesinger - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We wanted a larger car for traveling with the family. The CRV is a perfect balance, being roomy enough to seat people over 6 feet tall in front and back at the same time, while getting great gas milage. The turning radius is better than my old camry, it rides like a car. The real time 4 wheel drive has taken us up steep mountain roads in blizzard conditions. Great comfort, low emissions and it looks cool.

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  Honda Does It Again! Great CRV! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Lil Strang - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the pick up that my CRV has. My friend test drove it on a ski trip and tells me she will buy this CRV rather than the Ford she now drives. She preferred the handling and pick up that the Honda has over her Ford SUV. I bought it because my back hurt in my old 92 Accord. Now I drive pain free and have the added advantage when I shop for groceries to be able to load the groceries without bending over. I couldnt be happier with my choice. Honda always makes a great product and both my husband and myself love driving my new CRV.

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  crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By king m - January 24 - 10:00 am

  nice car and price

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By pae35 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought this newly revised model after test driving them since 1997. (Previously owned a Prelude for 14 yrs.) Remarkable improvement in horsepower and comfort. Many, many well- thought out storage compartments. Lots of room in back to put a bicycle, etc. Rides very well. A/C is top notch, as is 6-CD changer w/ 6 speakers. Have had no problems with this car to date.

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  Ashleys Cr-V Review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By DatGirlAsh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Its wonderful I have no complaints the ride is smooth, its comfortable, and it has great gas mileage for a SUV.

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  Im in love - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By sheena seay - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This crv is not our first and wont be our last. We owned a 1998 crv and used it to tow behind our motorhome we never had a problem with it and could always rely on it. We used it in the winter and it did better than some 4 wheel drives, we were never concerned about not making it home safely. Our family now owns two crvs and we feel that we wont need another car for awhile.

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  Fun to drive! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jelybean - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love My new 2003 CRV. It is so much fun to drive and handles well on the road. I spend a good 2 hours at least in my CRV on a daily basis. All the buttons are right where you need them. Ive driven out of state twice since I bought it and it was great on gas both times! Ive always bought Honda products and will continue.

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  Love My Car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kitten4333 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I really Enjoy my 2003 CRV. I have never driven a bigger car before and this one is the perfect size for me. I feel safe, comfortable and confident while driving in the city, suburbs, or country.