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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  The CRV has Problems - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By ron1949 - January 19 - 5:21 pm

  Well after much research I took the plunge. The water was filled with disappointment. The dealer could not program the hands free phone, delivered the car dirty and not serviced, and tried to sell all kinds of useless add-ons. Not what I remembered from my last Honda. The innovation is just not there. Now for all of you poor souls who looked and looked for the wiper indicator its not there. Honda America has some kind dip stick to let you know if wiper fluid is low. Wont find out until you are in a dangerous situation and no way to clear your windsheild. The car was delivered with an empty tank. Watch out for tranmission surge while in Econ Mode.

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  Do not purchase - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By brendaf123 - January 14 - 6:02 pm

  Cruise control drops up to 8 mph going up a hill and gains that much going down. Dealer says the 15 mph speed variation is "normal and within guidelines". I have been driving with cruise controls since they were introduced and have never seen dramatic fluctuations like this even when the technology was new. It is too bad that Honda finds this acceptable. Side window fogs making it difficult or impossible to see side mirror. Defroster doesnt help. Seems to be a design flaw particularly in humid climates. Heater works great unfortunately I live in the south and the air conditioner is not adequate on hot days. We thought we were buying a car that we could keep for years. So disappointed.

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  Water Leaks in CRV interior (no moonroof) - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By williamj62 - January 13 - 4:43 pm

  Noticed longterm musty smell in our one owner , one driver 2009 CRV. Found significant amount of water in spare tire compartment and front passenger floor board. Car in excellent shape w/22k miles, no moonroof, no accidents with dealer installed roof rails. Saw several similar complaints on internet. Took to dealer, cost $600 to "seal under rear bumper" and under windshiel lower cowl area. Hopefully the problem was addressed. Was told seams were not sealed by factory. Dealer had seen this problem before and was very through looking for the problem-not a dealer issue. Honda, however, would not cover the cost of any of this, although it is clearly a factory quality control problem.

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  Great mileage - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By foole - January 12 - 10:47 pm

  Got mine from Honda of Ocala. They wanted $35000 for a LX. Going elsewhere next time. Thats the Honda location that Edmunds shows available models for on the sidebar automatically. Just finished a trip with my LX and I got 32 mpg using cruise control and econ where as my wife got 35 mpg with econ and without cruise control. Go figure. Its nice being higher up than a sedan. Comfortable trip. 13 hours each way.

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  Im a Honda Convert - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By rudismom523 - January 12 - 11:15 am

  After listening to my mechanic husband constantly moan and complain abt working on my Jeep Grand Cherokee and seeing both my kids drive their used Hondas for well over 100,000 miles with little or no problems, I gave in and bought the Honda CRV. I have to admit..I love it !!! I test drove many other vehicles in the same class and no one comes close to Honda for standard options, reliability and price for what you get. I got mine in the Urban Titanium Metallic and black leather interior and it is VERY sharp looking. I get many compliments on the color. The thing I appreciate the most is the handling, very tight steering, the ride is smooth, big open windshield, gas mileage is great !!

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  First Honda, now 6 mo. old - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By janemy - January 6 - 3:22 pm

  This is my first Honda and I love it. I test drove a lot of cars 6 months ago and narrowed it down to 2, the CRV and the equinox. Id driven the Equinox on a long road trip so I knew well how it handled. I ended up with the Honda as it felt better sitting inside, more open. Also, I loved that it had more cargo room. After 6 mo. of driving Im still extremely happy with the car. I have 15,000 mi on it so far, and no issues. I drive both city, highway and mountains. I average between 28 - 31 mpg driving about 70 mph. Less if Im doing street driving only (22 - 24). My 62" husband can sit and drive comfortably.

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  55k miles, almost 6 years - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jimbo118 - January 1 - 12:12 am

  I almost in 6 years of ownership at 55k miles. The original tires lasted me 50k miles. I am still on the original brakes! No complaints about this car, its fantastic. Ive only had one minor problem fixed under warranty. I had a AC that whistled under acceleration. A valve was replace under warranty and that is fine now. This is a great reliable car that gets an average of 24mpg.

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  First Honda in 35 years but not the last. - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kawliga - December 31 - 8:50 am

  My wife steered me towards this vehicle to replace a Town and Country which was getting long in the tooth. I balked at the SUV thing for a long time and now realize I may have been in error thinking this way. I needed a vehicle that would tow a light utility trailer and get reasonable gas mileage. Just got back from a trip to Florida from mid Missouri. Best mileage was 31 on the highway, worst was 27 in town driving. Comfortable at highway speeds, nimble and responsive when a truck came into our lane without warning. Purchased without waiting for the new RAV 4 to become available and not sorry (we have a Camry so I am not anti-Toyota). Glad Honda builds this.

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  Feels Just Right - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jcricket - December 15 - 8:20 am

  I am a big man. This car fits me. It is easy to enter and exit. The seats are wide and comfortable. The seating position and view of the road is higher than its competitors, a major factor in my town full of tall vehicles. The drive feel is responsive and a bit upscale. Gas mileage is good enough at this early stage of break-in. Some hwy trips have already gotten 33mpg. Averaging 26mpg combined. Still learning the electronics/phone. Handsfree phone is a nice plus. Cargo area is cavernous with rear seats easily dropped. Shortcomings - none of them deal killers: Headlights are a bit dim. I replaced them. AWD is just OK good enough for snow but not serious off-road capable. Overall: Civilized.

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  2010 Honda CRV EX-L AWD - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By chucko420 - December 12 - 12:30 am

  Pros: No problems so far, good gas mileage, not much service work required except frequent changing of rear differential fluid, interior is designed well, lots of room for driver & front seat passenger, good placement of shifter & emergency brake opens up lots of space, arm rests are nice, fold flat rear seats are great, lots of cargo space, low rear end gives easy access to cargo area. Cons: sloppy handling, noisy, poor visability trying to see out rear window or rear side windows but all cars are like this now, heated seat for front passenger only works the lower seat cushion and not your back, front bumper unnecessarily large.