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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  Everything but the seat - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By KenC - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Compared all small SUBs,and felt CRV superior in all aspects including price. Every three months I am very pleased with it overall, but do have a major concern. I cannot get comfortable in drivers seat. I am only 58" but no matter how I tilt back I am uncomfortable within a few minutes. It may be the lumbar (I would like to be able to turn it off) or the the contour of the seat. I have tried a variety of seat cushions but none of them have signicantly helped. As much as I like how it handles and drives, I am concerned about my level of comfort on a long trip.

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  CRV or Sport trak? DUH! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joans_david - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were on our way to purchase an Explorer Sport Trak, even after having done research on these two vehicles... my wife liked the Sport Trak. Well, we stopped by the Honda dealer and drove the CRV on the way to the Ford dealer... OOPS! We loved the drive, comfort, and power of the CRV. We then ventured to the Ford dealer and were amazed at how cheap the Trak felt... We are now loving the CRV and it moves like no four-banger Ive driven

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  2017 CR-V EX - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Allan Crowson - July 16 - 7:05 pm

  We have had two or three Accords and a Civic, but this is our first move into the CR-V and into the EX trim. I love the car. It handles great, and gets better gas mileage than our 2013 Civic! I appreciate the active safety features, which have already come in handy several times. We have just had the car for just over 1800 miles, but our overall mileage during those miles is 34 mpg. Things I would change or add: 1. An interior release for the tailgate (although I suspect theres some ultra cautious safety reason for only opening from the outside or remotely). 2. The interface for the entertainment and vehicle info is a bit slow, and could stand some attention. 3. *Wireless* Apple CarPlay, rather than just via USB.

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  excelent, suspension needs to be softer - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By princepower - July 16 - 10:00 am

  it is excelent car, but needs some improvment over suspension, it is a bit rough .

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  love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sandra McMurphy - July 16 - 4:30 am

  I love my Cr-v, but I dont get the gas mileage as I thought I would. I only get around 20 miles to the gallon and that is city and highway driving. I love the way it handles, it is just fun to drive. My last car was a Ford Explorer. The honda is so much more fun to drive! Honda should have the headlights go on by themselves and have lights in the vanity mirrors.

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  Best vehicle Ive had - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Satisfied User - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a lot of Cadillacs and recently a RAV-4. I was looking to buy a new RAV-4 when my wife suggested the Honda CR-V. We bought one and it is almost the "perfect" vehicle. Small but not too small. Plenty of pep for city driving and rolls along the freeways well. They have thought of almost everything in the way of conveniences.

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  First time CRV buyer - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By fas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a SUV that was small enough to replace my Forrester,yet had more pick up without going to a turbo. A SUV that was reliable,good looking,economical with a good amount of room. Took the CRV out for a ride after taking the Pilot out and made the choice,one CRV please,my wife drives it so she had to like it and she does so that was all that mattered

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  Happy after 3 weeks - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Vanessa McNamara - July 13 - 1:41 pm

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  returnng to Honda CR-V quality - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Max Pugmire - July 13 - 7:18 am

  Getting an internet quote gave us the best deal because the CR-V is rarely discounted. We bought the Touring model specifically for the extra features, particularly the sensing package, which, now that we understand them better are terrific. The touch screen on Navigation has some "buttons" too small for my fingers. Most of the touchscreen is easy to navigate especially for us over 70. Fuel economy is just as advertised and a big improvement from our previous 2 Chevy Equinoxs. The variable transmission sounds strange at first but sure does make acceleration snappy. Noise levels are quite good. We have not experienced the aforementioned vibrations. Plenty of head and people room! So far we love it! Side note: We shopped 3 dealers and in all cases the salespeoples knowledge of the newer features was not very accurate.

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  Excellent car. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Rebecca Hamilton - July 12 - 11:20 pm

  Great car; comfortable, not one problem of any sort. It has plenty of room and everything on it works flawlessly. There is a small vibration when it idles for a while with all the accessories turned off. But its mild. I probably wouldnt have noticed it except for all the carrying-on. If I turn up the fan on the ac just a tad or use the headlights or anything that nudges the rpm up a bit, it goes away. But why bother? Its a non-issue. What is an issue is that this is a great car that runs perfectly, never gives a problem and is a pleasure to drive, both in the city and on the highway. My gas mileage is consistently better than advertised, but then I dont slam it around, either. I consistently get around 30-32 mpg in city driving. I have zero complaints about my CR-V and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. Then, Ill probably buy another one.