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:

• 

  Tough to Beat - value, comfort, reliabil - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By waynoo - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 92 Honda Accord new, now my 18 year old son is driving it. NEVER, had a problem, ONLY regular maintenance items, at 125,000. Why wouldnt I buy another Honda. I want the S2000 but my practical side won out. I bought an 04 CRV last November and Ive put 16,000 miles on it in 6 months. I have had no problems, except my girlfriend driving 30 miles with the handbrake on, caused rotors to warp. The dealer fixed it for free. Thank you Jeff Wyler Honda in Florence Ky!

• 

  My Second CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By grb - December 6 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 is my second CRV. Its the best car Ive owned in 40 years of driving. The first one, a 99 with 105,000 miles, required NO repairs--not even a burnt out light bulb. Perhaps, some day the American manufacturers will figure it out.

• 

  New vs Old CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Francine - December 6 - 10:00 am

  more pick up than previous design, 1999 CRV. also more leg room, a nice sun roof, and 6 CD changer with better sound system.

• 

  Reliable and beautiful - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Silviu - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Its a beautiful car inside and outside. A very nice experience since I left the dealerÂ’s parking lot. Has a quiet engine with a smooth acceleration that really pushed you in the seat. Has an ergonomic interior, and a lot of space which may not be imagined looking from the outside. Very well done car!

• 

  2008 Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BDVANJ - November 29 - 4:33 am

  The decision was between a Highlander or a CRV. The CRV won. Very pleased with this car. Wife loves the entire package - her "favorite" car. Overall mpg from dashboard indicator is 22.3. But, if you divide the miles by gallons put in the tank, its about 1 mpg less. Still not bad for a small SUV. Dual climate control is not very dual - there is only one temperature sensor. I had to add an aftermarket Homelink rearview mirror with compass and autodimming - should be included in EX- L.

• 

  speedometer not accurate - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Norman Wray, Jr. - November 26 - 12:48 am

  I bought it new in 2013. It is a 2013. I am 6feet two inches so it could have a little more leg room. In order to go 50, 60, or 70 miles per hour you have to go two and one half mph faster on the speedometer. This is a fact checked by satellite. My last ford and dodge were exactly right on. It supprised me really as that was the case in the 50 and 60s not today. The other thing I dislike is the flat tire indicator will only hold 5 tires in the cars computer and I am the type of guy along with thousands of others, including my honda salesman, who buys four new wheels and snow tires and put them on myself at the first snow and then of course the car says I have 4 flats so I ride with the light on. All new cars are this way i I imagine. You have to buy 4 senders and have honda reprogram. By the way I let the air out of one tire just to see and the flat tire warning light did not come on untill ten psi. You could be riding with 15 lbs. What a bunch of balony. Norman , Mcveytown.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sonny - November 22 - 10:58 am

  Dont Likes -------- Drivers side split mirror - What was Honda thinking ? In an EX L a drivers side mirror should match the passenger mirror. The mirror is distorted and is just plain stupid. No power seat for the passenger - really , just stupid Black Carpet - my wife hates it shows everything Leather seats are average in comfort , thicker padding would help and maybe a little wider seat for overall comfort Arm rest that driver and passenger have to share needs to be bigger , its just to small and thicker padding needed & also could be larger for much needed storage A Power rear door release & closing feature should be an option in the EX L model & work from the remote or from inside Likes _____ The CRV handles nicely , has plenty get up and go , very smooth shifting and a nice quiet ride - with no vibrations at any speed. Havent had any snow to test the AWD feature, but I use to drive my daughters 05 CRV in 2 -3 feet of snow with ease, so Im sure our new CRV will be excellent in snow Blue Tooth seems clear and easy to set up and no drop offs as of yet , others on the other end say the signal is very clear Gas mileage is 24 - 25 around town and around 30 - 31 on freeway the ECO button is cool , but only have 200 some miles on the CRV so hopefully the gas mileage goes up. Nice to be able to check the real time MPG Very easy Vehicle to get in and out of Im 6 3" and plenty of head room , this is my wifes CRV and she really likes being up higher while driving We drove the Rav , Encore , Subaru , Mazda ( I liked that Mazda 5 especially the cool center knob that serves as the main control ) but wife liked the CRV and probably overall the CRV was the best vehicle we tested Hopefully I can find a way to get a different drivers side mirror installed Ill be installing color coded side moldings, door edge cards and a cool tail pipe extender, parts arrived today and will sweeten the looks as well as give much needed protection. Later in the summer Ill install a rear spoiler

• 

  Love my CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rmking - November 21 - 5:30 pm

  was initially looking at the new HRV but for the incentives, overall cargo space and look and feel of the CRV I received much much more. Very happy with my car.

• 

  Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Hammybone - November 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a little SUV, this must be it. Its our first and I am impressed by everything about my 2003 EX. Great power, handling and brakes. Headroom is a pleasant surprise, also. Looked at the Tribute, RAV and Escape. No buyers remorse for me.

• 

  07 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AB - November 18 - 8:10 pm

  Purchased vehicle last week. Prior vehicle was 2006 CRV SE. Love the new styling. Interior is beautiful. Great leather upgrade from 06. Interior compares to Accord V6 EX-L. Ride is smmother that Gen 2 Cr-V. Did not think I would love the new style this much but I do. Have glacier blue w/ grey leather. Have been told car is very "pretty". Love that car looks different color in different lighting. So far performance is great.