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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  The 2005 CRV SE ----ITS A REAL BEAUTY - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mike marinaro - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Pewter Pearl 2005 SE with leather seats...its a beautiful car...the leather interior makes the car. It is so elegant looking....lots of amenities found on a much more expensive SUV..the car is loaded with heated seats,heated side mirrors, 6 CD changer, alloys, roof rack, door edge guards...the car is really sharp..and great pickup too

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  I LOVE This Car!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica Jones - May 16 - 10:03 pm

  I have wanted a Honda C-RV for a while now, and I love the 2010. It gets good gas mileage, and has more horsepower than the 2009. It is a perfect car for all people. It is very comfortable at a reasonable price.

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  The best suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By muckyduck - May 11 - 8:10 pm

  I researched all the small suvs and found the cr-v to offer the most. Other reviews have complained about the engine size - it is plenty powerful enough for my needs. Others have complained about excessive road noise - this is not the case with mine. It is one of quietest cars Ive been in. I think bigger wheels and better tires would make a difference, but it is very comfortable driving. The quality of Honda shows thru and thru with this cr-v. Rough roads do make some difference in noise and ride, but nothing that is unacceptable. Like the parking brake position and will eventually get used to gear shift on dash. This is the suv to buy!

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  the grinder - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 11 - 2:11 am

  Be aware of the grinding noise the car makes when starting. Dealer is not willing to fix the issue, Honda turns a deaf ear to this issue. Nice SUV but the grinding sound and no help from Honda, is a deal killer when I am ready for a new car.

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  the grinder - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 11 - 2:11 am

  Be aware of the grinding noise the car makes when starting. Dealer is not willing to fix the issue, Honda turns a deaf ear to this issue. Nice SUV but the grinding sound and no help from Honda, is a deal killer when I am ready for a new car.

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  GREAT OVERALL PICK! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Scott Myers - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We initially looked at the CRV more than a year ago. We were all but decided to purchase a Ford Escape but decided to test drive the CRV. It has less fun stuff than the top model Ford Escape BUT it did bring the cost down from what we were looking at. Cant beat the Honda Quality and the engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder. OH, and the gas mileage is better than the Escape which would have added to the price of the vehicle in the long run! GREAT all weather vehicle for a small family and does not have the "minivan soccer mom" stigma going for it.

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  Much Research BEST in its class! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By John Marsh - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I wanted something good in all weather conditions, more storage room, and higher up to see over all those other SUVs!!! Did I mention something with decent fuel economy??? After a lot of research I have concluded that the CRV is best in its class. Some others have more bells and whistles type of options but your paying for it! Ford Escape was a good drive, but I didnt want to pay that much and what about the quality? CRV has a very adequate and even peppy engine for most people. Good for regions of the country that has all four seasons.

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  Wonderful - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robb - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful truck. Typical Honda, excellent!!

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  transmisions? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By burned by honda - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Honda did me good. I had two transmisions replaced and Honda tried both times to blame me . WOW the nerve of them. Thier customer service is amazingly poor.

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  CR-V SE A Great Car!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JE - May 5 - 6:06 pm

  My wife and I just picked up our new CR-V SE last week and we love it already!! It is rock steady to drive, the leather clad seats are comfortable and supportive, the 2.4 liter engine has good acceleration and it looks like a much more expensive car on the outside (it kind of reminds me of the new Volvo SUV). But best of all...its a Honda and that means reliability, a high resale value and economy of ownership!! This is the fourth Honda weve purchased (we traded in a 2002 Accord) and this may be the best one yet!!