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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  VIBRATION ISSUE ....HUGE VIBRATION... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By pramod1 - November 18 - 12:13 am

  Huge vibration in brand new car and this is coming for all new CVT 2015 crv as per their dealer testing . I called honda 50 times, wrote letter but honda turned blind eye and did not help at all.

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  Enjoy driving every day - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jmdchien - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle while it was raining which was perfect for the test drive. Fell in love with it in 1.5 miles. Now 1700 miles later, still loving it. A good choice.

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  CR-V (Cool Running Vehicle) - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By bfannon - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Somebody should tell Hyundai they dont need to put a 3.5 liter V6 in a car to make it go fast. The 2003 CR-V only has a 2.4 liter 4 cyl and it rocks! I test drove virtually every compact and mid-size SUV there is, and the CR-V won out not only in safety and reliability, but in low-end pick up, aesthetics, roominess, and price. It drives like a car, fits like a glove, and turns on a dime.

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  My first SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Oldengineer - November 10 - 5:16 am

  The CRV is the first SUV Ive ever owned - having driven sedans for 40+ years. The vehicle drives and handles like an excellent sedan. I find it very comfortable on long trips. The engine performs decently enough and is well matched to the smooth shifting 5 speed automatic. I like the interior room and the large cargo capacity. Even though my CRV is an entry level model, its reasonably well equipped. Build quality is excellent, and the interior appears to be of high quality. My only beef with the CRV is its so-so fuel economy at interstate speeds. Other than that Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  Its a winner ! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By baxter james - November 6 - 8:31 am

  Get Edmonds price quote it saved us a little more money than the dealership was quoting. Smooth ride and quiet.

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  The little SUV that could. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By J. R. Todd - November 4 - 2:00 am

  As a lifelong Honda fan, I wasnt surprised to find their crossover SUV performed as advertised. The 4 cyl engine is has more than sufficient energy to climb mountains and attain highway speeds without hesitation or difficulty. The AWD feature on my CR-V performs even better than I anticipated on snow covered roadways. I was also glad that Honda offered lower body cladding that protects my cars finish on gravel roads. Were it not for the fact that my salesman badly mis- informed me about the efficacy of increasing the wheel size from 15" to 17" (it cant handle snow tires on the larger rim) I would have been absolutely delighted with my purchase.

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  crv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By capecod - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Already got rid of it and bought a Mercury Mountaineer. Was very disappointed in it.

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  awsome - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By buba - November 4 - 2:00 am

  If you need a car for the next ten years buy a honda. Gas milage is great and comes stock with cd\air and most of all it is great for tall people also I am 62" and fit fine.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Peaches - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda CRV! I have owned a couple Civics prior to the CRV and I absolutely Hondas in general. I dont recommend any other make to anyone. My family is a Honda family: 3 Accords, a Civic, and my CRV.

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  Buy one of these! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By biskit - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car is a lifesaver on snow & ice. Incredible go, stop and handling power for a small car