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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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By tom77 - August 29 - 3:50 pm

  My CRV is the first non-domestic vehicle that Ive purchased. Ive been disappointed in the quality of the big three automakers for over 35 years and my Honda CRV doesnt seem to be much better. I dont know if the fact that my CRV was built in England has anything to do with the defects that Ive encountered but it shouldnt matter anyway. This CRV was missing numerous body fasteners from the factory and the rear window glass is defective. The engine is losing coolant internally and the dealer doesnt know where its going. There is one door that seems to have a problem with the latch.

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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Danielle Govert - August 25 - 2:40 am

  We were looking for a car similar to our Mazda Tribute. We had it narrowed down to the Hyundai Sante Fe, Mercury Mariner, and the Honda CRV. We compared the 4 cylinder Mariner to the CRV and there was no comparison. The CRV has quite the pick up for a 4 cylinder and the Mariner was very jerky when accelerating. The CRV also rides closer to the ground which allows you to take corners tighter and not feel like you might tip over. So far we are very happy with our decision.

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  good car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mishonov - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Roomy at rear, comfy at front. Good support for the torso on turns. Surprisingly quiet with open moon-roof even at 70 mph. 6-cd sounds good. Fuel light on after 270-290m, but only 11.6g fits, so 4g is there, enough for ~80m. Fuel economy is ok. On 4700m trip mean fuel consumption was 26.6mpg. Rear differential leaks after 9000m, fixed at 10000m service. Since than (12000+)-ok. Useless on deep sand - wheels are digging in instead of rolling over. 4w drive working good, very confident drive over puddles on hw - it pushing from back when front loosing grip. ABS working ok. Acceleration is good, esp.at 5000-5500 rpm. No feeling of underpower, quiet.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Southern Dude - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The CRVs build quality is equal to that of the $40K BMW that also resides in my garage. I hear claims of excess road noise from the CRV, but Im yet to detect them, I suggest other reviewers take a test drive in another car and make a relative rather than an absolute evaluation (or stay off secondary roads and out of the northern states). Overall, a perfect car for city and highway driving, sure it cant accelerate to 100 in 4 seconds, but where are you going to use that kind of performance. Its the thinking mans car. Put the money you save into your kids education.

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  Excellent value! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By effica - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Owned 2 Honda Civics (88 & 01) and never thought of getting an SUV (fad/gas guzzlers) but girlfriend wanted an AWD for winter skiing. The 2002 CR-V (EX) Auto is just the perfect choice. At $22.2K (dest charge inc), this CR-V is very solidly built, peppy enough, yet very efficient. It handles well & the ride is comfortable. Road noise is as expected and is more like that of a Honda Civic than an Accord.

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  Great Automobile Compared To My FORD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Surf_City_CRV - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Love my CRV! I am very happy to be driving an automobile that I can depend on. After driving Fords all my life and the last 5 years of quality problems.. I got to the point that I couldnt trust Fords. The CRV is quick, fun, and a pleasure to drive. I have 2,000 miles in 2 weeks and not one issue or complaint. I plan to drive the CRV for another 198,000 miles with a smile!

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  Vibration Issue with 2015 Honda CR-V EX [SOLVED] - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Steven Dey - August 20 - 9:08 pm

  I have made five trips to the Honda dealer over a vibration issue I had when driving/coasting at 70 to 75 MPH. My Honda dealer finally did a Road Force Balance on the tires and this procedure showed one of my Continental tires had a flaw where the wheel could not be Road Force Balanced. They replaced the tire and did the Road Force Balance. It appears this has resolved my problem. If you are having similar vibration issues, insist they do a Road Force Balance on all wheels. Dealers dont like to do this because it takes more time. This is my first and last Honda purchase. I have bought Toyotas since 1993 and regret not staying with them.

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  2004 CR-V 4AWD EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Aurora Valle - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 6 months and I love it. I had a 2004 Civic Lx and I was love, but I needed something bigger. The reason I bought this car because it was bigger, V4, actual spare tire, I can fit lots of items in this vechile. Great on miles giver, with my civic 335miles per tank and the Cr-v 300miles per tank(Hightest Oct.). Reason why Cr-v is only 300miles you have to remember this car has All Wheel Drive the civic dont. Overall of this car is great for people with a small family and have lots of things to put in Cr-v. This car has a V-Tech Engine

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  Information from Edmunds was excellent! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By dd - August 16 - 3:49 am

  The information from Edmunds was excellent for negotiating the sale price. Just beware that unfortunately, some dealers will still want to haggle with you during the purchase process. I did not answer several questions on the survey as they do not apply to me as a new car owner.

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  No weaknesses - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nadcap - August 15 - 2:26 pm

  Didnt know what to expect with the CRV but I must say that we have had the car for two months, and we still say to each other "I glad we chose this one" With the dashboard mileage reading and a little creative driving staying under 60 miles per hour I was able to get 32 miles per gallon on the Highway. Although 24 to 25 is what to expect if you are not heavy footed in combined mileage. The traction control is sweet in the snow.