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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  OK, but some issues - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By t55 - December 11 - 10:54 pm

  We purchased this car new. Fairly comfortable and rear seat has adequate room and Im 61". Road noise not bad on good roads but irritating on slightly rough highways. Hard to hear conversation on these roads. Engine noise is mild when cruising, but noticeable under acceleration and strained and a bit slow. This is fine as I drive usually for economy and many 4 cylinders are similar. Gas mileage is good on a trip with completely packed car going around 70, we got 29.5 mpg. Issues: weird chirping noise from rear at low speed. Breaks are very touchy. Navigation does not know some old roads. Have to talk very loud for voice activated phone and navigation system commands to work.

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  BEWARE - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By etgold - December 11 - 6:30 pm

  Technology is sorely dated. IPhone 5 does not sync and no idea if or when it will. FM Radio real time traffic is never correct. Shows accidents a mile away from actual location, wet roads when no rain for a week, heavy traffic on clear roads and clear roads when there is heavy traffic. Hands free commands very difficult to use. Sorry I bought a CRV. Went to buy an SUV for my daughter and did not consider Honda. You have been warned.

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  Very very bad experience with Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By julieca - December 7 - 10:38 am

  Severe Break Issue!!! We got our Honda CRV this July and currently we drove 4000 miles mainly for commute. However two weeks ago, we heard the big and scary noise from our CRV while we were driving to our parents home where is the peaceful and clean residential area. The noise sounded from the break in the rare wheels. But from our eyes, we couldnt find anything stuck there to make the noise. We didnt dare to drive until my parents said that we have to drive it until the issue really appeared so that we could repair. Fortunately the terrible crash sound disappeared after we drove a few blocks. But the car break does have issue from then on. Once we step on the pedal, it has "KA" noise.

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  Early Christmas Present! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By aimatben - November 28 - 8:34 pm

  My father decided it would be a good idea for me to get a car since i go to school in Buffalo. He is a previous Hillside Honda customer. and they made us happy once again. Everything was perfect. We were out of there in less than 4 hours! I chose the CRV because I am usually in a carpool back in buffalo. I absolutely love my car. The salesperson Steve was really professional and the sales manager Mr. Adams were extremely helpful. The process was smooth and painless. I couldnt have asked for a better christmas present. I would absolutely recommend it!

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  First Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jarsenal - November 27 - 12:48 pm

  I traded in my 2009 Scion XB for the 2012 CRV a month ago. So far Im loving the upgrade. Power is lacking but gas mileage is beyond what I expected in this vehicle. Im averaging about 29mpg mixed City and Hwy. Nice to make it more then a week between fills. The ride is very smooth compared to my XB could be the "regular" tires vs the low profile tires on the XB. I cant get used to the back up camera and rarely look at it. I dont trust it lol.

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  My Third CR-V - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jay2012 - November 21 - 4:58 pm

  I brought this Black CR-V about four months ago and its been a great vehicle. Great gas mileage much better than my other two CR-V which was a 2002 and 2006. I have been getting 24 to 27 mpg in city and 29 to 34 mpg on highway sometimes as high as 37 on highway. Its drive very well and very smooth. Its fun to drive too, more fun to drive than my older CR-V. I took the steel wheels and tires off and added a much nicer 17 inch Alloy wheels with 225/65R17 sizes tires and its looks much nicer from Discount Tire Co The Honda Dealerships are so expensive to buy new Alloy wheels.

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  My new CRV after 10 years - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jparedes - November 15 - 10:35 am

  Yes, finally decided to get back into debt (after 5 of no car payments)...it was time, my 2002 CRV (which I bought new) already has 240,000. miles (thats right)...no engine or tramission overhaul has been needed....the car is still in excellent shape, so much that now it was passed to my son... Thats the main reason as to why I bought another CVR .... "RELIABILITY".. The 2013 CVR LX has a very confortable ride, little wind noise in the highway, good visibilty, good handling.

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  Electric Shock from the ignition key...I should have known better - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By notrch - November 4 - 2:43 pm

  Has anyone else received an electric shock while inserting their 2012 CRV key in the ignition? I have and my finger is still numb and painful a month later. I thought I was becoming more economical when I traded my 2007 BMW X-3 in for this Honda. I am averaging 17 miles per gallon. The navigation system is a joke, I have been in a Staples parking lot with the navigatin telling me the closest store is 364 miles away!!! Dont even try to find a Radio Shack. The voice operation is sporatic and was designed to cause frustraion and annoyance, which it will do with ease...the only thing it does with ease. Thanks

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  Very Sad I just totalled my CR-V, I loved this car! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kmarino - October 30 - 6:39 am

  I loved this car it has been so reliable for the past 10 years. I had 197,000 miles on it and could have easily put on another 197,000 miles. Not one problem with it mechanically the engine had all original parts. Never had any of the recall issues either. My CR-V has gotten me home safely in some of the most extreme conditions driving from LA to Mammoth Lakes at least twice a month for the past 6 years. Until the night a deer took it out. I would recommend this car to anyone. Would love to buy a newer CR-V, but was laid off from work due to economy will have to try a KIA. Thats why Im on here. Thanks to all who write reviews almost bought an SUV from US makers reviews scared me.

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mrbrown3 - October 16 - 7:31 pm

  Disappointed after 1.5 months of ownership! Traded in a 07 4runner and took a huge step down. The vehicle is quite on smooth roads but try some rougher pavement and the noise is clear. Bought this thing for gas mileage and Im averaging 22.4. Not even close to advertised. Test drive one at night on a dark road out of the city and check out the high beams. Headlights are Horrible! Mine has some issue with the electrical system. My lights almost blink off when I come to an idle. Hope it does decent in the snow! It sounds and feels cheap! I dont have enough room to talk about the dealer. I put up with a bad dealer to buy into a quality, great gas mileage car and man did I get burned!!!