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:

• 

  Nice car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Guohong Gao - January 23 - 6:44 am

• 

  Great small SUV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jacatch - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV and I love it. The ride is pretty smooth for a SUV and so far my gas mileage has not been too bad (about 22 mpg). The EX model includes everything, there are no options. The only haggling you have to do is getting a price under the MSRP.I have a family so I really appreciate the standard anti-lock brakes, side impact air bags, dual crumple zones, security key system and moon roof. In addition, this SUV has excellent crash protection results. My insurance was lower than for the 1999 Dodge that I traded in.

• 

  Almost bought a RAV4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CR-Ver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a Toyota Camry but wanted something with a little higher profile so decided on a RAV4-couldnt make a deal though so I checked out the competition and discovered the CR-V, which is roomier and has more standard features than the RAV4. Im so glad I checked it out. Its got a peppy 4cyl engine that likes to go and a smoother ride than I was expecting from an SUV- its not trucklike at all. I loved my Camry for its smooth, quiet ride and this vehicle is not comparable in those areas but it is more fun to drive.

• 

  Loyal Honda owner loves this one - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - January 20 - 11:43 pm

  I bought the 2007 CR-V just a few days after it was released. Having previously owned an earlier model CR-V, I am thrilled with the changes theyve made to this model. Ive had people follow me through parking lots to get a better look and ask me questions. Ive always loved Hondas, but this ones a real winner.

• 

  Perfect as kids get older! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Maura Marcotte - January 20 - 2:52 am

  I traded in our Pilot for this, after our three kids were completely out of the car seat/booster stage. I LOVE it! Fuel economy is SO much better, and the updated technology is terrific.

• 

  See our V ! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By don - January 19 - 6:16 pm

  From the day we first picked up our new CRV we felt very comfortable in it. The Honda CRV replaced our family mini-van of ten years; we were so surpirsed to find that we didnt lose any functionality but gained versatility and economy. The CRVs little extras like stow away picnic table, multpole cup holders and center console flip-up table are very appreciated. The CRV handles well on the road and has ample pick up on the interstate for a 4 cylinder vehicle. The cars AWD handles well in snow yet gets great gas mileage. The seats could be a little more comfortable for long trips. Otherwise the CRV is terrifc value and a lot of fun. No wonder there are so many on the road.

• 

  Me and My Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Karla - January 17 - 5:20 pm

  Ive always been a jeep owner for 12 years. This is my first Honda and I love it. I cant believe how roomy it is! We didnt sacrifice space with this smaller SUV!

• 

  No buyers remorse here - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Madison1197 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my CR-V. I traded up from a Civic last year and I have never looked back. I commute to work on the highway daily and I no longer feel like I am going to be squashed by monster SUVs or 18 Wheelers. They can all see me now. My CR-V is comfortable in long commutes, everything on the dash is reachable, and the storage is incredible. The only thing negative I have to say is that I wish it got the same gas mileage as my Civic. I hope that they come out with a hybrid for the CR-V. I will be first in line to purchase it.

• 

  A sleeper - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By johngabor - January 17 - 10:00 am

  We did not expect to by this car but it won out over the Nissan and Toyota similar models.

• 

  My 2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Duff - January 17 - 12:29 am

  Great dependable car! I came from a plush comfortable Car. At first the CRV was uncomfortable, but now I have adjusted. CRV is an excellent reliable Car! I give this Car a thumbs up!