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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  Darn Near Perfect - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JW Adams - December 19 - 4:10 am

  This auto has been driven hard since my family purchased it. It is just a pleasure to drive in the city as parking is no problem with its tight turning radius, that being said, It is also very freshing to get out of it after an 8 hour drive and not be cramped up in the least. The engine has plenty of zip, enough to sail the truck on down I-95 in excess of 90 mph. Youll just be cruising along listening to the six disc CD player and do a quick speedo check and be wowed by the speed you were doing. Its a super car that has not had to be back to the shop for any unschelduled maintaince, period.

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  Great but forgot a few little things - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JohnBoy53 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Downsizing from a 2001 F150 S-Crew, it took some adjusting! This little SUV appears to be a very good vehicle. Solid, well designed and nimble. Several things that coulda/shoulda been included are: 1) tethered gas cap so you cant forget to put it back! 2) tinted top of windshield. (I thought all cars had this) 3)12V power outlet that works with ignition off so cell phone can charge uninterrupted. Other caviat to consider: Road noise is excessive. (I was surprised about this) I do recommend this SUV. Overall it is an excellent value!

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  My 2nd Honda... - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By 2HndaOwnr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  The fake dead-pedal is poorly designed for your clutch-foot. The EX manual has no armrest in front! The stereo is too far away for anyone shorter than an NBA star - changing CD tracks requires you lean over as if you are getting something out of the glove box. The front seats could use more bolstering. The carpet is awfully cheap. The headliner rattles. The power windows on the CR-V wont operate in the auxiliary key positions. IÂ’ve experienced some torque steer under high-powered starts. The stereo needs more power. The tailgate is rather unwieldy.

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  Honda CRV 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Marie Balson - December 15 - 1:53 pm

  Have the car for 1 week + and enjoy driving it. Very comfortable and easy to drive

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  Great Vehicle for Illinois Driving - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ken Kraus - December 11 - 6:13 am

  We like the all year durability of the the Honda CR-V. Its perfect for the Chicagoland climate.

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By JeffbowMoyer - December 11 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for reliability,reasonable pricing,good looks,and pretty good performance,then the honda/crv is a pretty good bet.Its also pretty comfy.

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  I LOVE MY CR-V!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KT - December 7 - 7:30 am

  This is my 2nd CR-V to own.. I recommend it to all my friends. It offers so much space/storage but does not feel too big to handle. I can park in any space! The pick-up improved with the newer style. My old CR-V (2001) was the old body style w/4 cyl and NO pick-up. I always said I would not be the 1st off the light but would outlast any of them! Honda quality can not be beat! The acceleration in the new body style is a welcome change and was the only thing I felt needed to be improved! Thanks Honda for making an excellent, yet still affordable Compact SUV! GREAT JOB!