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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  A Big Disappointment - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By George - January 21 - 12:13 pm

  My wife and I bought the vehicle two weeks ago and it has spent more time in the shop then us enjoying it. The vehicle has been there three times for the same problem(front alignment). Afetr each visist we were told that the vehicle was corrected and that it meet Honda specs, and each time they found something else wrong. If this is Honda specs I would advise against purchasing a Honda. The enigne is lack laster at best. The body is suppose to be on a Civic chasis but fels more like a jeep.

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  Head rest at terrible angle. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Leibenguth - January 21 - 11:11 am

  This is a great car but terribly uncomfortable due to the forward tilt of the headrest. If you sit with good posture there is no way you can drive this car more than 60 miles. The headrest is angled forward and pushes constantly on the back of your head. I windup looking directly at my speedometer all of the time. All of the great technology is useless if you cant drive it. Most other car manufacturers allow about 2" between the back of your head and the headrest. My Subby is really old (2001) but really comfortable. "An update 9-2016) the headrest can be turned backwards but then there is too much space between the headrest and my head. The other solution is to recline the back of the seat so youre partially reclined but due to my fractured back that too is impossible. Best solution, trade it in and buy another Subaru.

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  Poor Handling - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By David - January 15 - 9:27 am

  My biggest complaint is the poor handling, very rough ride, on some surfaces it feels like the rear wheels hop over surface especially at freeway speed. At times it real feels dangerous. Road noise is high at 70mph on some surfaces you cant even carry on a conversation. At slower speeds the ride is rough. It only rides well on a very smooth surface. Fuel mileage is good for the size of vehicle. Engine performance is good for a 4 cyl. Transmission has works well. It is the base model so maybe the other models do better.

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  Transmission wheezing - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Adams - January 12 - 6:46 pm

  My transmission emits a high pitched wheezing while in motion. Two different Honda service managers from different dealers tell me this: These new transmissions are designed with "gears that float"???? This seems to cause internal pressure not found during design testing. The wheezing sound is the pressurized air escaping from a tiny hole in the trans gasket. Honda knows this and as everyone has heard they do NOT care. Perhaps the reason I do not experience any shaking is due to the pressure being released and not pent-up. In any case, please know I will be hiring an attorney skilled in class action suits and will urge you to join in!!!!! Stay tuned

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  No competition - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By James Bryant - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new CRV it is typical Honda quality. It was hard finding one at MSRP, every dealer in my local area wanted $1500.00 over MSRP. Hint, check dealerships outside the city limits. They are more flexible.

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  Best Ive ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By silverback - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about it. Its a spunky car in the city, and no problem on those steep mountain roads out west. It feels the same at 90 as it does at 60.

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  A lot of road noise - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Margaret Dysart - January 8 - 12:47 am

  This car gets very good gas mileage, I havent been really happy with the car, has a faulty part that you have to repair in order to align your car, has to repair the entire air conditioning which seems soon for a vehicle only 4 years old. Again, gets good mileage!

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  First Honda - Better late than never! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By ray peterson - January 5 - 2:28 pm

  First impression: Why did I wait so long to buy a Honda? And kicking myself for never even considering buying a Honda before. Better late than never!

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  Honda CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Rees - January 5 - 2:00 am

  We have had a rough winter in Northern Utah this year, and I needed a commuter vehicle that offered all wheel drive. The Honda CR-V has served this purpose very well, while also being fun to drive and completely reliable. I have a tow hitch on it, and while the amount you can tow is modest, I obtain over 21 mpg while towing. Overall mileage as been 25.5 to 26 mpg with mostly highway miles with some city miles. Perhaps the best compliment I can give the vehicle is that it becomes more fun to drive with each passing day and I recognize the excellent value it represents.

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  Custom Recreational Vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Edward H Charles - January 5 - 2:00 am

  The Honda CRV is a fun to drive vehicle. It is very comfortable and it handles extremely well for an SUV. It is very roomy and has a lot of storage space. Gas mileage is as good as any 6 cyl,sedan with automatic. This 4 cyl SUV gets off the line as well as most 6 cyl suvs. The best thing of all is it has Honda engineering and quality building it.