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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  You cant beat a Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie Applegate - January 3 - 8:50 am

  Very reliable and now with the right side camera even more safe then before. This is my fourth CRV and I will continue to buy this model. The resale is also very good. Dont trade because the dealer will never give you what its worth. Sell to a private party.

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  My First Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By John Carroll - December 31 - 10:10 am

  This is my first ownership experience with a Honda, and so far I love it! What appealed to us the most, other than gas mileage and reputation, was the ground clearance and seat height adjustment. Both of us have some back troubles and most sedans sit too low to the ground. You literally have to pull yourself up of those low seats. But not with the CR-V. It is easy to get in and out of. It is probably the most practical vehicle we have ever owned. I did much research on the internet and compared CR-V with many competitors. None of them matched the CR-V in quality, standard options or price. Love my Honda CR-V!

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  The Honda CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Isaias Medina - December 29 - 8:30 am

  My wife been wanted a Honda CR-V for a long time and finally we got one. We have driven the car for about 600 miles and both of us are very satisfied, no complaints so far. This car performs very well all around. The 180 HP improvement makes a big difference and yet it adds an x-tra mpg, cant ask for more from a 4 cyl. We plan to keep this car for a long time.

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  Great Gas Mileage - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By G Money - December 29 - 4:43 am

  Sure you could get better gas mileage with a sedan, but the CR-V gets great gas mileage for a SUV. It has lots of cargo space for a smaller SUV. It handles like a car, but you still get to feel like youre riding high and driving a bigger automobile. If you can afford it, and dont mind the lower gas mileage, then get the Pilot. But for a small SUV, the CR-V is great!

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  CRV EXL fun to drive.... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmy Drew - December 28 - 6:26 am

  Traded my 2006 Toyota RAV 4 V6 for the 2008 EXL CRV. While the engine is smaller on the CRV I find it very capable. It cruises at turnpike speeds with no problem. The fit and finish of the vehicle are superior to the RAV 4. The riding comfort is much better than the RAV4 and ride is very smooth. I am extremely pleased with the rear hatch opening on the top rather than on the side and front seats seem to have more room front and back as well as side to side. This vehicle seems to exhibit a much higher class of material as well as arrangement of the dash and the radio is simply terrific. I had the JBL system in the RAV4 but the Honda radio is much better.

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  bought a solid utility vehicle thats fun to drive - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gary wright - December 27 - 3:34 pm

  research before serious shopping. know what you want and what options. set a price to pay and hold to it. you may be able to include some dealer add on,s in the final deal to enhance the purchase.

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  I Fit! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By William Woodruff - December 26 - 10:37 pm

  I am 6feet 2inches tall and the cabin does not feel cramped, my legs fit and I feel like I,m riding high off the road. I did not expect these impressions in a "small" SUV and now I get significant MPG improvement (was driving Nissan Murano) and dont give up the larger car feel. Happy!

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  Nice SUV but could be better! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By R Hutch - December 24 - 6:25 am

  Fun to drive. Comfortable. Road noise at highway speed annoying. Materials could be higher quality. Door slam feels cheap. Speaker quality awful. Great 2nd car for young drivers. Safe.

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  Great Vehicle to Own - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By askme - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Having a Honda name is what lead me to test drive the CR-V. After doing extensive research on Honda and the CR- V, it is how I came to my final decision. The SUV handles shockingly well in icy or snowy conditions. I was amazed after the amount of snow fall we had last winter, how well this vehicle handled. Its almost like driving a car. I would (and have) recommended the CR-V to anyone. Its an excellent vehicle overall. Well worth the money. Everything you can possible want comes standard in it. I will definitely purchase another CR-V for my next vehicle in years to come.

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  Almost new and really nice - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Vitale - December 19 - 12:34 pm

  Was looking for a one year old compact SUV and found a 2015 Honda CRV w leather and only 4667 miles and certified. We had already driven a BMW X1 (too small, no rear AC vents, no spare w run flat tires (which are the worst tires ever made). We also drove a Mazda MX-5 (under powered, no rear AC vents, cloth seats). After reading reviews about the CRV had some reservations about the engine vibrations some people talked about. Found this one with on Edmunds at Coral Springs Honda (FL). We drove it (no vibrations), my wife loved it, made a deal and went home with it. Made a 1500 mile R/T a week later and it performed beautifully. Averaged about 75 to 80 MPH and and got 27 mpg (and no vibrations). Just to be on the safe side with all the electronics we extended the bumper to bumper to 7 years/100K which is the same as the powertrain warranty. Our first Honda and very pleased.