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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  I love the new CRV - in fact, I crave it - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By arbaldwin - November 14 - 2:00 am

  :-) I love this car! Its super cute and a great family car for a soon-to- be growing family! I always get admiring glances by other drivers and I get excited to drive the CR-V every morning. The car handles well and the backseat is extra roomy. The front has plenty of room for my purse and the extra glove compartment provides extra storage. I love where the gear shift is. I very much recommend this SUV!

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  Rating my 2007 CV-R - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Pam - November 14 - 1:20 am

  Love the car. It wraps the corners like a sports car. Stops on a dime. Great looking car and gets many stares on the road. It has plenty of power. Tons of cargo space in back.

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  CR-V great or not - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By gerry - November 13 - 4:40 pm

  This is my second CR-V and I will say the tech value in this vehicle has greatly increased over the years. As it has always been, the CR-V is a very dependable and quality vehicle. My disappointment as it has been in the past with other CR-V is the ride noise; even though Honda has improved on this with the CR-V, it is still not up to where I feel it should be, more improvement needed in this category. The new turbo added to four cylinder makes for a more less strenuous ride especially on upgrades. From the stand point of gas mileage it is somewhat over rated, combined miles is suggested to be at around 30 although with very light footed driving this at present is only 26.5.

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  Honda Quality - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By HSTAN - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After three months plus, of ownership and 6500 miles, my 04 CR-V has only been back to the dealership for oil change, the reliability I was looking for.

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  It is bad experience to have honda CR -V. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Kim, kiyoung - November 10 - 10:34 am

  I have a honda CR-V 2015 only 3000 miles drive. I felt my brand new car shaken a lot. When I visited dealership, one answer there is normal. How can it be? Brand new car vibration was like 20 years old car. I am very disappointed. I will never buy honda car at all.

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  Lets Go CR-V and the Celtics~! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By kalokt - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new honda cr-v ex 03 in a great dealer in massachusetts."a lot of discount" eventhough people said honda doesnt discount much~! The car itself, it has a great performance on rockie roads and highway. I like the exterior look of the car, even though i dont like the head light.~!

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  GGRRREEEEAAATT - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Melis - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best!!!!!!!!!!

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  Last one - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie Kesler - November 8 - 8:35 am

  I have only had my new 2016 Honda CRV for about 1 month and enjoying it so much. The visibility all around while driving is amazing. This is the first vehicle I have owned that I feel like I can see in any direction with no problem. I love that it has an eco feature that helps me learn how to get the most mileage out of driving.

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  THE Class Act CUV with Value! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 04a.muse - November 7 - 1:13 pm

  After a couple hundred miles, we concur: safe, secure, quiet, economical, comfortable, refined and roomy. Everything youd want in a (S)CUV. We test drove the CR-V during a ferocious wind and rain storm, through standing puddles that would have sent our old Subaru Outback sideways. It didnt even notice them. The AWD was completely transparent, and the brakes felt great. Honda should be congratulated for resisting direct competition with the RAV4/V6 w/third seat. Anything more powerful with additional seats is a Pilot. Save fuel and do less harm to the environment with a CR-V, you wont want more. Just dont let anyone try to convince you that this is a truck.

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  First-time Honda Owner - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Convert - November 4 - 3:13 pm

  Ive only had it since July 7th, but love driving it. Still learning about the bells and whistles. Bought the Touring in order to get LED headlights and they are wonderful. Also wanted the leather seats.