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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  Not happy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Carol Chalfant - June 27 - 10:18 am

  Very disappointed that they changed interior of 2016. Loved my 2013. I miss arm rest on driver seat and storage space between seats.

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  Surprised - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer Lakin - June 26 - 3:56 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised with the CR-V. I have been dying for the Nissan Murano, but at $11,000 more for almost identical features, I had to reconsider. I also considered the Honda Civic and Accord, and the Civic actually had a more high tech interior. Overall, though for the money, I got most everything I wanted, without a lot of hassle in different packages. They had the one I wanted at the dealer and I drove it home. I couldnt say the same for the Murano - as they wanted to add AFTER market stuff. The CR-V is easy to drive, fun to handle, I just drove it home and Im in love with the navigation, which I originally decided I could live without - but I was wrong - I love it!

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  Another CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JNA - June 25 - 7:33 pm

  Traded in a 2000 CRV and definitely like evolution of the car to include creature comforts like seat warmers, XM radio, USB port for MP3 player. Was ready to move to a small sedan or another small SUV, but the CRV is still the best overall package for me.

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  1 month ownership - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Lovesgreycars - June 25 - 1:30 am

  Like the safety and tools on the car. The space is great.

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  They make it simply...marvelous - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By KARsrUs - June 24 - 11:30 pm

  Looking for a roomy (interior), compact (exterior),high gas mileage, low maintenace, low insurance (5-star) vehicle that can compete with the luxury brands for just over half the price? This is it. Honestly, I wasnt expecting much with a compact Crossover, but everyone comments on how nice the this vehicle is. How upscale it looks...Weve put 3k miles on it in the last month going across the midwest and back. Excellent travel vehicle with 4 adults and all the luggage. Drives like a sedan,(better visability),hauls like a minivan...amazing. We did all the research everyone else did. We went with the CR-V. No regrets at all. Another outstanding effort by Honda.

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  worth every penny - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By honda_addict - June 23 - 10:00 am

  We were in the market for a midsize to large sedan and were considering the Toyota Avalon, Camry, and Honda Accord, but passenger comfort just wasnt quite up to par. Not enough leg room in the back or an annoying center hump kept us from buying. Then we looked at the 2003 CR-V, sat in the back (all 3 of us) and we were impressed! The CR-V has as much leg room as the Avalon, which is 4 inches more than the Camry or Honda, and the person in the center can really stretch out. Very comfortable, decent gas mileage, powerful engine, and great handling (even for an SUV)..Very happy!

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  cr-v - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mari - June 22 - 11:26 am

  I love this car. I cant believe that I own it. Ive had it for 2 months. It looks great. Mileage is averaging 18 miles. I do many short trips in stop and go. I havent been on a highway yet. I love the shine on my Glacier blue. I wish Honda offered a blue interior too. The only thing that didnt make me happy was the fact that I couldnt get a great deal . CR-Vs are very popular here.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Margo - June 21 - 10:36 pm

  I have only owned it a week and love how it drives--so smooth, quiet, responsive. Cant comment on mpg yet. I like the shelf in the back versus a privacy screen that rolls. Very good looking vehicle too. I waited for this new model to come out. My daughter owns a 2004 CRV which she loves but now she is in love with mine, especially the young, sporty look, the better radio sound the 6-CD changer and the moon roof. I was also comparing the CRV to RAV4 and chose the CRV due to the new styling, big door handles inside, and hatchback. I didnt need the moon roof and would prefer back-up sensors, automatic headlights, automatic soft closing of hatch. Still it is great value for the money!

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  well built reliable vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tony webb - June 19 - 12:03 pm

  having tested Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen, Subaru, & Volvo, this little Honda, dollar for dollar seems a wonderful buy, took it for a ride in the Poconos- it performed very well. no its not a corvette but it runs on regular gas and is comfortable for the family and it seems well built, with thoughtful extras, not electronic junk that might not last for 100k miles. the rear seat configurations have been well thought out with plenty of room in the back

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  non offroad suv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By eiphantm - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my secound suv the first being a Subaru Foresster. Both were bought not for off roading but for safety in driving during in our NH winters. Both suv had and has all wheel drive so we do not have to but it 4 wheel drive.I purchase the honda this time because of first, hondas reputation, I thought it was sportier than the foresster and also roomier than the subaru. Also for the money the Honda was a better value. I purchased the EX model and I am extremly pleased with all of its features and performances.