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:

• 

  Shed be 5 stars if she werent so noisy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Byrnes - September 6 - 2:36 pm

  Although we have had her for just 2 weeks, and we are still learning about her, we find her to be a good addition to our family. In fact she is just about perfect for an all around vehicle, provided you arent looking for high end performance. But she does have a down side. She is noisy on the highway. Tire noise makes you pump up the volume, whether you are having a conversation or listening to the radio. If Honda added some sound insulation this would be a 5 for us.

• 

  Most uncomfortable vehicle I have owned - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By bobincinti - September 5 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased my CRV in November. After driving it for about 5,000 miles, I have decided that I cant stand this vehicle and will be selling it. The ride is too stiff, the seats are uncomfortable, the dash board slopes away from the driver. I drive a lot and while I like this vehicle, I am not comfortable in this car. Too bad the dealer would not allow me more than a 10 mile test drive. If I could of test drove this car for a couple of days, I would not have bought it. But live and learn.

• 

  Voice Controls dont work and are a waste of money - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By George Walkden - September 4 - 2:38 pm

  Do not waste your money on the Voice Recognition system, it is worse than bad. It cant understand a word my wife or I say to it, even when doing exactly as the manual says and it couldnt recognize the commands of the Honda Technician or service advisor either. . Additionally the navigation system cant find a McDonalds, or gas station closer than 500 miles away. They should fire the entire staff who designed this system or license the Ford "Sync" system which works like a charm in my Lincoln. Its such a pain that we are considering selling it, as it gives us heartburn every time we get in the car. Manual entry before starting the trip is the only way we can get the navigation system to work. This year (2017) Paid for "Map Upgrade" which proved 2 things. 1) Upgrade had a 20 minute software upgrade, showing that Honda knows about the problem but is still not willing to admit it. Cant believe I had to pay to get new software they should have provided free. This shows that Honda is just thumbing its nose at its owners. 2) Even after software "voice recognition" was upgraded from TERRIBLE to only LOUSY. At least have the guts to admit your issues, because I cant trust Honda on any issue at this point. I am now using an independent garage to service it, despite the fact that I qualify for free oil changes after buying the maintenance upgrade from the dealer at purchase.

• 

  battery keep on dying, replace relay and etc... - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Southern California Hondar user - September 3 - 4:10 am

  Battery keep on dying, dealer is lazy(bring it in for a repair, battery died and they just jumped it) and do not want to repair the vehicle. It is as bad as it get. Many Honda dealer just put normal oil(not 0/20). It is very hard to find a good Honda dealer that know how to fix their car.

• 

  Crv - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ivis erazo - August 30 - 9:49 am

  Recall for door locks and airbags

• 

  all around good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SC01 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a brand new 04 CRV EX. Did a lot of comparisons b/w CRV, RAV4, Mazda 3 and Subaru. wanted a long term keeper of a car with great gas mileage. So I chose the CRV. I love everything about the car except for the low gas mileage. Highest so far was 200 miles on a full tank.

• 

  CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Nhowl - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great in the snow. Only complaint is the road noise is a little high.

• 

  I m happy - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Smileyone - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first suv. I am very happy. Just big enough, yet not too big. Plenty of interior space. Gas mileage just ok.

• 

  Another satisfied Honda Owner - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mrnjr - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is easy to drive. Handling is excellent, better than most SUVs. Great amount of vision out the front. Plenty amount of room for five adults and suitcases. The best buy for a SUV. There are a few things I dont like, rear seat head rest limits vision out rear window. Stereo is far reach for someone of average height.

• 

  Rogers Ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Issy - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my CRV! Its my 3rd one.