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 Vibrations!!!! (none) - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 4 - 6:59 am

  I was very uncertain about purchasing the CRV due to numerous bad reviews about vibrations. Extremely happy with the purchase. No vibrations. It handles well and is getting the mpg as advertised. Lots of gadgets to figure out. The only negative is a subpar navi and poorly designed buttons/controls for the radio/nav system.

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  Fun and Safe - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Irvin - May 3 - 8:01 am

  Through first month of ownership, it has been fun to drive and gives a very safe feeling

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  Honda Nation not holding up Warranty - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Katy - May 2 - 7:24 pm

  My last 2 cars were a Toyota Tercel and a Toyota Camry- I love Elmore Toyota in Westmister- So, I decided I wanted an SUV and bought the Honda CRV- I love the car; however, after only having it for a little over a year, I am having problems---The windshield washer fluid depletes or stops working after a week of filling- They would not return my calls and I had to resort to writing a letter- Then they responded--I dropped it off and they are telling me there is no leak- Which I tested myself and already knew this- So, I asked if the reservoir was still filled with fluid- The Manager said he didnt know and I said well, if it isnt a leak, then maybe something is clogging it- he said they do not know so, come and pick up my car and whenever I come in, they will re-test it--Are you kidding me- They are returning my car to me without it being fixed and it is under warranty-they also had to order a motor for the apparatus that sets the door locks as this is now broke---I have never had problems with my Toyotas or experienced such bad customer service as with Honda Nation in Costa Mesa--The manager even said maybe I use the washer fluid too often- Really??? Are you kidding me- I dont know what to do so, maybe I will call BBB or Consumer Affairs-I am so disappointed because I love the car but, if things are breaking after only one year, what does the future hold- I do not trust them and will be getting a different car or a different dealer!!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ohioengineer - May 2 - 4:45 pm

  This is my wifes third CRV; quite frankly I cant get her to even look at anything else. However, we almost switched after reading all the vibration comments, but are glad that we didnt. Yes, their is SOMETIMES a vibration when sitting at a stop sign in drive, but you have to really concentrate to feel it. My wife uses it both as general transportation and as a work truck - we own a ranch and haul everything from feed to alpacas in the back. We drive it regularly in both city and expressway traffic and it performs like a champ. It feels very safe and secure at highway speeds and is very comfortable. My wife loves the gas mileage, as our other car is a Ford F-150.

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  Stay away from this vehicle at all costs - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Tomaso - May 2 - 1:51 pm

  I had a 2013 Vw Touareg tdi, and it was my wifes decision to buy this vehicle. Worst mistake I ever bought. First off they didnt tell you at the dealership that the vehicle has a special traction control system that automatically works when engaged and almost cost me three accidents because it slams on the brakes then the drivers view on the dashboard goes all nuts. The lights are very distracting on the dashboard and to me can not be turned off. Then the radio setup for blue tooth and radio stations sucks! First off they only give you 10 presets for your Sirius radio which is not good. Especially if you want to hear other things. Functionality of this radio is system is horrible and not very user friendly. Finally the worst thing about this vehicle is the gas consumption. I feel like Im only 200 miles a week but I had to fill the truck up three times. Im not impressed if it wasnt for my wife I would never buy this vehicle! Just because its made from Honda doesnt mean its a great car. As soon as I can I will get another Vw and stay away from Honda products! Dont waste your money! Get a nicer sub with better gas Mileage.

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  My CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Honeybunny - April 30 - 2:26 am

  I purchased the CR-V less than a month ago and I love it. The car is very roomy, especially in the back row. I had three of my guy friends in there and they were pretty comfortable. I used to have a Corolla and parking was easy, but the CR-V can be pretty tough on small parallel parking, if you have the extra $2000, get the back up system with nav. The heated seats are pretty nice. Gas from the three weeks we had it mileage is so so but not bad, just dont rev the car too much because it kills the mileage.

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  All we ever wanted and more - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Vernon Bevill - April 25 - 7:13 pm

  Wife wrecked her 03 PT Cruiser in January, so we car shopped 3 yrs sooner than planned. After research between a Toyota Rav4 & Honda CR-V. Test drove both, especially at night for low beam headlamps in deer country. Both tested well but felt the Honda was a bit better in comfort & mileage and details for the money. Several customers said the service at this dealership was great. We have been getting 24.8 in the commute/town driving and the one road trip of 360 miles I got 29.8 doing around 70. We loved the Cruiser, but already like this one better. It is roomy and well built and has all the appointments needed. Arm rests & visors could be wider, but thats all we see needed after 3 mo.

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  Honda Happy! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - April 24 - 5:06 pm

  I love my new Honda CRV!! It is so fun to drive, easy to operate, and very kid friendly. I am getting 21-22 mpg (mostly city driving) but Ive only owned the car for 3 weeks. Hopefully, that will improve a little as time goes on. I just added two accessories, the roof rack and the moon roof visor which really added to the overall appearance of the car. I traded in a Pontiac G-6 for my CRV. All of my groceries fit into this car - all $350.00 worth! I test drove a Pontiac Torrent, and a Rav4 before the Honda. I definitely made the right choice. Love it!

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  CRV-best car on the road - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Pat - April 22 - 3:22 pm

  Great mileage; lots of storage; no blind spots; turns on a dime. Love this car!!!!

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  CRV-best car on the road - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Pat - April 22 - 3:22 pm

  Great mileage; lots of storage; no blind spots; turns on a dime. Love this car!!!!