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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  Good practical transportation - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DantheHondaDrivinMan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, and a fantastic redesign over the 1999 I used to have, for roughly the same price. The front seats werent made for tall people unfortunately (Im only 510" and could use another inch or so of leg room). Only gets 23-24mpg, but for an SUV thats not too bad. Overall Im very happy with it.

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  Luxury in a CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Fan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Honda CR-V SE is a great suprise to me. I owned a 2002 CR-V EX before I got the SE 2 weeks ago. The Diff is amazing.The trans. is smoother,Eng. noise is lower, and the leather seats are comfy for long rides. I have 800 miles on it and which are all highway so far, the CR-v holds it lanes and is easy to drive on the highway at all speeds-----sometimes you do not know how fast your going in the new HONDA CR-V Special Edition.

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  A great small SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By inde2010 - July 1 - 9:20 am

  A great SUV. It is new so I cannot say how it will perform or maintain its character. The engine sounds great and powerful maybe slightly like a diesel engine. Road noise is an issue but not a big issue as they make it seem. Similar to other SUVs. Of course my BMW x5 is a lot quieter but unfair to compare to higher class. Interior is well appointed but need a center console between seats. I have black seats -a mistake. Honda should scrap its cheap black interior. It is so cheap black cloth interior. Shows tiny specks of dirt and looks ugly and cheap. Honda can provide better quality black interior. Do not choose black interior. Great storage space. Ex or ex- l is a good choice.

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  Learning to love my CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - July 1 - 8:40 am

  Ive put 1300 miles on it in the last 3 weeks. I enjoy being able to drive with confidence in ice and snow - the ABS, VSA, and 4WD contribute to this. Some road noise, but the stereo covers it up nicely. Wish it had a center console. Should have a cargo cover, but its not standard. A good highway cruiser with plenty of power for most situations. Surges forward pleasingly at around 4000 rpm. Often dont realize how fast Im going. Taut yet comfortable ride. Easy to roll rear seats forward and make a heckuva lot of room in back. Some body lean in corners, so I have to take them easy. I like the standard picnic table and moonroof. Cups rattle in cup holders - holders could be deeper.

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  A little SUV with a lot of quality! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By pastorken - July 1 - 12:16 am

  This vehicle was an amazing surprise. Its quality was so far superior to the Ford Escape, and Mercury Mariner that I test drove that it was no contest. It has better acceleration, no squeaks or rattles like the Ford products, and more importantly with its side curtain air bags over the windows, anti-lock brakes with computer control, and traction control all built in standard, it was the safest vehicle you can buy for around $20,000. We were surprised how nimbly it drove, and tested it on empty, wet parking lot, and it maneuvered flawlessly, as we worked the anti-lock brakes to ensure they operated correctly. We are very impressed, as it is far better than Toyotas and Nissans we have owned.

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  Issues with Transmission - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Varicci1@yahoo.com - June 29 - 10:09 am

  When driving down hill and braking the car excellerates. From 2200 rpm to 3000 rpm . It is scary I will bring mine in for service but from what Ive heard at other websites the dealers adjustments do little or nothing and the gas consumption goes up. Honda must address this issue with possible replacement of all these transmissions. Can be dangerous

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  interior is lacking - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nitsirk - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I find the interior uncomfortable. The seats, front and rear, have little to no cushion. The rear seats are roomy, but not comfortable. This is truly the only thing I dislike about my CR-V. Also, the roof rack covers (4) where the rack connects, keep falling off but the AutoWest dealership in Roseville replaces them.

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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.

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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.

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  Car for college - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - June 27 - 2:09 pm

  Bought this car for my daughter to take to college in the mountain west. AWD gives me confidence that she will be able to get around safely. Also the ground clearance is excellent for weather worn roads and the occasional pot hole or low dips. Reliability is solid on Honda. The car is 10 years old now and not a squeak or rattle to be found, and the engine is smooth running and strong. Great car for our needs.