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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  watch the wipers. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KPM - February 10 - 3:00 pm

  This car is all utility. Its a bumpy ride for the passengers. My husband and dogs all get sick in the car. The deep hollow for the windshield wipers holds the snow and ice, and your wipers are too deep to dig out! They get frozen in there. They ought to do a safety recall!

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  Very disappointed - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle03 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I guess it was my mistake... to go from a 6-cylinder vehicle to a 4-cylinder... but I was guaranteed it was the top of the line 4-cylinder! What I didnt realize was that I would never again be able to pass anyone without literally watching the gas deplete. And, if I have to pass anyone on a hill... well, LOL, thats a different story. I have to turn OFF the AC just to get up enough power to do so. My paint has chipped and rust spots have appeared all over my vehicle. Very disappointed.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kendra - February 8 - 8:10 pm

  Living in Wisconsin, I wanted to trade in my Honda Civic for an all-wheel drive sedan. I test drove several, and only decided to try out the CR-V after seeing an ad online. I never intended on being such a loyal Honda owner, but once I test drove this car, I fell in love! Even though its an SUV, it didnt take much to get used to driving. Within the first week of owning, the TPMS light went on, and my Honda service dept. got me in right away to replace one of the sensors. I didnt think the TPMS was even a necessary extra, but sure enough, it lit up when the temps dropped and Honda checked my tires and filled me up for free. I havent had a single problem since then.

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  Terrific Bang for your buck! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie - February 8 - 5:10 pm

  I decided to wait at least two weeks before writing this review. The car is fabulous. It drives like a car and the bells and whistles are great. I tried out the Toyota Highlander, Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Nissan Murano before buying this car. I felt all the other cars drove more like a truck. I was spoiled with my Honda Accord EX V6 and found it difficult in deciding on a second car. Well Honda has another fabulous car that is economical on gas, drives like a car and is a great alternative from a minivan! It was well priced and affordable. I truly have become a HONDA fan after this purchase. So many features come standard with the middle EX model. Honda is a great product.

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  Jeep Guy to a Honda Guy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By John V - February 8 - 11:33 am

  I have owned a Jeep Wrangler for ten years and just purchased a 2008 Honda CR-V. This car drives like a Cadillac, nice and smooth and has lots of power. I am so impressed with the power. It has so much passing power. My CR-V is black with black leather seats. The interior is so classy and roomy. The sun-roof really opens things up and I love the shelf tray in the back. Lots of room when you fold the back seats up.

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  Great Value, Fun to Drive, Saves Gas $$ - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By axcelle - February 5 - 6:46 am

  I bought my 08 CR-V in 11/07, and have put 15,000 miles on it driving all over the country for work in the past six months. Ive driven in the mountains, on the prairies, in ice, snow, floods - just about every weather condition. It handles beautifully everywhere. The only area I feel some pressure on the engine is on hilly highways. The ride is great, not too soft and not too stiff, and I am just thrilled with the MPG. I average 29-33 highway and 24-28 city in all kinds of weather. The build quality is very good, love the power features, love the exterior looks. I would like to have fog lights and a longer armrest, but thats about it! Great vehicle for a fantastic price. Get it!

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Loren West - February 4 - 5:08 pm

  I have owned a 2010, 2014 and now the 2016 CR-V. The 2016 is the best yet! There are plenty of higher cost options, roomier SUVs but when considering my needs, value and total cost of ownership, this is an excellent vehicle. Very open at rear access allows hauling of many larger items. Would like the option for another engine but I am in flat terrain and the 4 cylinder is pretty peppy and meets my needs. Solid, quality and great re-sale value.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Jane - January 31 - 4:03 pm

  My previous vehicle was a Honda Accord LX which I really loved too. When it came time to trade it in I thought I wanted another Accord but the black, CRV SE on the lot caught my eye. I love the sporty look. It rides great. I was amazed by the pick up. I love being up high and not feeling like I am driving a monster truck. There is a surprising amount of leg room in the back seat also. I am very happy with my CRV and look forward to driving it for many years.

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  Unstable, unsafe, on grooved pavement - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By norcalsteve - January 25 - 5:00 am

  Bought the car 2 days ago, today was the first time on our lousy Hwy 101 in Santa Rosa, Ca. BUT - wherever you drive this car, if the pavement is grooved, usually a concrete road, or if there are a lot of cracks running the direction of travel, this car will be unstable. Its like the rear wheels are loose, its annoying, I think its unsafe, when you have many lanes of travel, and its hard to keep the CRV in its own lane. I travel this road all the time, my other vehicles do not act this way. And - all the Honda service department says its the tires, and nothing can be done about it. Great, when I get sideswiped by another vehicle then what? Blame the tires !

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  2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By AR - January 25 - 1:14 am