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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  great little suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Janet Dill - June 18 - 8:06 am

  So far loving my new car. Did not get the leather upgrade and no navigation, the downside is does not have Sirius Radio without that package. Handles nice and so far not sorry for the purchase after only 10 days!

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  Could be built better, 06 was Excellent! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By vagabondchef2005 - June 15 - 9:23 am

  The 2007 CRV is great on performance and driving. It is smooth and quiet. The build quality is lacking and just by looking through the CRV you can see where Honda has cut corners to save on costs which makes the CRV look cheaper. This is definitely a SUV that is made for soccer moms and women in their 30s. The carpeting and plastic looks cheap and after about a year will wear out unlike the real carpet and plastic from the 2nd generation. Ive own this CRV for a week now and wish I could have my 2006 CRV back.I feel the older CRVs will outlast this model.

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  More than I expected - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Patterson - June 11 - 6:27 pm

  This vehicle had more power, room, and comfort than I honestly expected. I anticipated a good car from Honda (this being my third), but it really exceeded my expectations. Everyone has commented on the ride and comfort, especially the older folk, and its a terrifically handled car - not SUV-like at all. I call it my Tardis, far more room on the inside than appears on the outside. I great choice in a car.

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  2015 CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By avalonlady - June 11 - 2:03 am

  I love my new CRV. Roomy, comfortable and averaging 35.6 mpg on hey and 30 mpg in town. The vibration is noticeable but hey, its a lower idle on a CVT for efficiency of the gas. Ive own a 09 Toyota Corolla and a 2014 Nissan Sentra that both had CvT vibrations and shutters and stops. The options available in the EX is great, you cant beat the heated seats, sunroof, back up camera, lane watch. This car has enough power to pass and you will notice a smooth take off. I love this SUV and am planning some fun summer road trips!

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  Love our CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By 2007 Honda CR-V - June 10 - 3:46 pm

  We traded our 2005 Honda Accord for the new 2007 CR-V and we could not be more pleased with the vehicle. It is an outstanding value and a great design.

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  Great lil SUV for the single lady - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Karla Fisher - June 10 - 8:38 am

  I have heard that this car is the number 1 seller to single women. I am 53 years of age and with all the kids out of the house, I now focus on my hobbies which include, camping, fishing, kayaking, surfing and hiking with my medium sized terrier. I traded in my Volvo for this car and had to adjust to a couple of downgrade issues as a result. The stereo basically sucks. Even the Ex-L version which supposedly has an upgraded stereo. Compared to the BOSE system that came standard in my Volvo, this one is just not good. I will echo the sentiment by many others. The ride is pretty loud. It took a bit of time for me to get used to the road noise in the cabin but it really isnt so bad that one cannot get used to it. Other than that, this car beats my Volvo hands down. The AWD and high clearance are a blessing in the rugged outdoors of the PNW. The large cargo space holds all my fishing, camping, surfing and kayaking gear and even my bike. I have used it to tow lightweight kayak trailers and it behaves great. The right side mirror camera is an amazing feature. Recently I took this car all the way from Oregon to PA and back again averaging 29ish mpg. The cargo space became a sleeping space and I dubbed it the C.R.V. (compact RV). The most striking thing about this car (selling point for me) is how it handles the roads in any conditions. It handled high winds across the plains and accelerated quickly enough to pass even on the 80 mph freeways in the midwest and the AWD kicks in on snow and sand. No problems on that trip. In fact in 22k miles I have not had to spend one cent on anything except oil change. Contrast that to my Volvo where I had easily spent over 1k in repairs by that many miles. For the purchase price and for the peace of mind I have behind the wheel, this car wins all around.

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  Second CRV and loving it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Suezee101 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  We just traded in our 98 CRV for a new one last weekend. It was hard parting with the 98, but it was close to 100,000 miles so it was time. We looked at the Jeep Liberty and the Toyota RAV-4 but still came back to the Honda. I have always been a "Honda person" and it scares me to purchase anything thats not a Honda. Every Honda Ive had has been reliable. I love the CRV. Its just the right size for my small family and its fun to drive. The only difference this time is we traded a blue one in for a red one. I cant say enough good things about my Honda CRV.

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  CR-V is the way to go! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Danielle - May 31 - 3:26 pm

  Had a 1999 Accord and recently upgraded to this. Love the new body design and the mp3 jack in the center console. Has plenty of storage and drives very smoothly.

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  Worst Honda Ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By 2015hondacrv - May 30 - 9:21 pm

  Ive had my car for exactly one week and I am completely disappointed. This is my third Honda and is my last Honda. Vibration and shuddering after it warmed up and really terrible at idle (stop on D). The vibration is very noticeable on passenger seat without passenger. The posted MPG is not true. The MPG from Honda website is 26 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg rating for AWD models. Currently mine is only 23.3 mpg combined (driving a little more city than highway). The heater is weak and has trouble keeping up in cold weather. The back seat takes very long time to get warm. This is really a problem for me because I have kids sitting in the back seat.

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  Made in England - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Gilmore - May 30 - 3:47 am

  Assembled in Great Britain first strike worse car for repairs I ever had . 5 warrantee recalls for cables ignition key cant remember them all. 3 throttle bodies replaced, and a/c under warrantee so no cost, in az. U need a/c. Bought it primarily to tow behind rv ,for that it was great . Mileage good acceleration so,so. Kind of a slug. Still have it after 13 years so all the problems were tollererable . And will get another one its perfect for my wife. had the o-2 sensor replaced car running like new . a/c struggling in the 100+ heat in az.