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:

• 

  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.

• 

  Noise - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Barry S. - May 29 - 4:32 pm

  CONS::: (1) too much noise when riding. you can hear the outside noise from traffic. (2) brakes make a creaking sound. dealership says its normal due to weather. (3) the parking/backup camera is blurred when it rains so you really cant see what is behind you. makes this feature more or less useless. (4) front drivers seat gets uncomfortable if riding for any length of time. (5) CD player setup is kinda "dumb". you have to push the button to raise the display screen to get access to the CD slot. (6) USB ports are inside the center console. hard to utilize. PROS: (1) good gas mileage, we averaged 32mpg on an extended trip. (2) looks good, good lines and style on the body. (3) price was OK.

• 

  Great, but a few minor things - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By fugetabadit - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Hasnt let me down yet... but, Gas mileage isnt as high as Id hoped and radio is so far away.

• 

  Vehicle pulls to the right - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By irmermaid - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I noticed on the way home from picking it up that it pulled to the right. The dealer has had it twice-aligned it twice-once with the additional spec from corporat. I cannot drive it yet without it wandering to the next lane, on any road, at any speed. I am only getting 18 mpg. The dealer said it would take 10,000 miles to break in the engine, and would not address the low mpg. There is only 700 miles on the vehicle. I have now noticed quite a few other people having this problem, with no real solution from Honda Corporate. This is my third Honda, and I cannot honestly recommend the CRV-EX to anyone, even though I am sure there are many satisfied customers out there.

• 

  Simply the best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cone - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Drive it you will love it. SUV $10,000 more are not as good as this. All around a greay vehicle.

• 

  Honda CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jon0296 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for the money. Fun to drive and so far it has lived up to Hondas reputation of great reliability and value.

• 

  CRV- 2004 - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By B. Shoup - May 27 - 11:13 pm

  CRV has plenty of power for an SUV of its size.It is very comfortable. It does have a below average ride, though. you cannot talk over the noise when on rough roads. Also, the CRV is a little bit noisy in the front-end when manuevering in a close area such as in a parking lot. Also, noisey windows when lowering or raising.

• 

  Great little car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SCK - May 27 - 12:43 am

  When I was searching for a new car, I was trying to find the perfect synthesis of fuel economy, space, reliability and cost. I considered the Fod Escape Hybrid, but it was too expensive. So it came down to the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4. The CR-V quickly impressed me with its spacious interior packed into a small exterior, the quality of the ride, the bang for the buck, and the other aesthetic and reliability ratings. Its a great commuter car, and serves my needs for space to load animals for rescue work quite well. Fabulous car. I love it, and Ive put over 11K miles on it in the 10 months Ive had it.

• 

  The New CR-V is one heckuva vehicle! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy from IL - May 21 - 3:13 pm

  I had a 1998 Honda Passport (LX). Before that, I had owned true Hondas. I was not happy with my Passport and traded it in for the 2002 Honda CR-V (EX). The difference between the two are like night and day. The CR-V ride is much more like a car. The Passport was noisy, and drove like an old pickup truck. I feel like Ive come home again when I drive my new CR-V.

• 

  The Best SUV for your $ - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Neal Golden - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought another Honda CRV only because it reliable and I gave my old CRV to future wife. My old CRV have 182,000 miles on it and never gave me any trouble. When I bought this car the dealer ask me if I wanted to take it for a test drive. I simple told him "NO". He look at me like I am crazy. I told him that my old car was driving like a charm. I felt there was need to test drive it because it reliable and dependable. I got my money worth on my 1999 CRV and I am expecting it to drive to 300,000. I am hoping the quality doesnt slip with my new Honda CRV compare to my 1999 Honda CRV since it was made in Japan. The only thing I am not crazy about is the emergency brake