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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  So Far.....So Good - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mo Man - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Honda CR-V was well worth the wait. It handles extremely well, especially when cornering. The ride is very smooth for a vehicle of its size. The seats are very comfortable front and back.

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  Terrible suspension - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By J. Linch - April 8 - 7:16 pm

  I have had Nissan, Toyota before. Honda seemed to be the worst so far. After about 25K, the tires wore to 3/8 and needs to be changed. No Honda dealer honored any tire waranty. They dont want to pay for it. Their electric system may have some problems too. I am talking about hundreds or thousands of dollars from year two and on. Go buy Toyota or Nissan

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  Same as always, but with leather heated - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Burckhardt - April 3 - 12:20 pm

  LOVE my CRV third one in five years. So Happy with the leather seats. But, when we they ever change the damn windshild wipers to be like the ones in Accord. Driver needs to be able to adjust the amount of time between wipes. Also why is the gas cover release soooo out of the way. why not on the doo?? LOVE the CRV but still donr see the MPG I thought Id see.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MW - April 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had a lot of cars (Honda Element, numerous Subarus, Ford Explorer, to name a few) and this has been my all around favorite. It rides great and drives good. It has great room for passengers front and back. It has good storage. I purchased my CR-V 10/06 and as of 9/07 I have put 42,000 miles on it. I have had no problems and have averaged 26 MPG. I have gotten as good as 32 MPG on a flat road trip at 60 MPH. I cant imagine a better vehicle for the price.

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  Good all around, not perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By enginerd - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Has plenty of power to make driving fun, but shakes like hell under HARD accelaration. 4WD was engaging/disengaging rapidly? My biggest complaint is that you cant turn the AC off when defrost is on. Found a "hack" on the web that if you pushed butons in a magic sequence you can now turn AC off when in defog. There is serious storage space throughout vehicle. My rear tire brake seized at ~30K miles. Dealer fixed without charge. Getting to the oil filter and fuses are a major pain. My final complaint is that the rear wiper does not go 180 degrees like it should. I think it is an excellent compromise between SUV and car. I am quite happy overall.

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  Good Buy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By smmmmmm - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with my purchase. The only problems I see with its appearance are the small wheels. I also notice a lot of road noice while on the interstate. My 62" boyfriend cannot drive the truck because he cant get the seat back far enough to be comfortable. Other than that its a wonderful buy! The interior has a lot of room and I get a lot of compliments on the truck.

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  2002 crv review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gp - March 30 - 10:00 am

  terrific vehichle. versatile and reliable. solid build quality.

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  2002 crv review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gp - March 30 - 10:00 am

  terrific vehichle. versatile and reliable. solid build quality.

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  2018 CRV EXL Purchase - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By James Shoop - March 29 - 8:21 pm

  Look at 2018 Toyota RAV4

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  Different -- and Im learning to like it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By syracuse_jeff - March 26 - 5:23 am

  My wife really likes her 2013 CR-V, so the 2015 was on my short list when my ancient Saturn died. The biggest concern was the new CVT transmission, but after driving it for the better part of a month Ive pretty much gotten used to it. It certainly has a different feel, and for someone who has driven manual transmissions for 40 years, the mild vibration I get at low speeds reminds me of the "lugging" that would usually prompt me to downshift. But it didnt take long for me to get used to it, and now I hardly notice it. The car itself has been absolutely flawless; no problems whatsoever. Handling is even better than my wifes 2013.