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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  Balancing Fun and Function - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tim Switalski - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. Its fun to drive, very comfortable, and handles well on the highway and in city traffic. The interior space is ample, with a lot of cool features. The all-time four wheel drive is also very good to have, especially in Buffalo, where the winter driving can be a bit challenging at times. Ive probably sold a few of these cars just by letting my friends experience the ride. Go check one out.

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  Excellent Mini-SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mr. - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I actually have the 2-WD by choice - I dont need the 4-WD in Midwest. This may not be the vehicle for a tall person. But for those of you looking for a well made vehicle under 25K this is a very good vehicle. I love mine. I do occassionally wish for a little more comfort, but if I wanted to spend more, I could purchase a Pilot.

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

  This car handles very well in the snow or on dry pavement. It has a very solid feel to it on the highway.

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  First SUV/Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By First SUV - October 31 - 4:10 pm

  My first car was a VW so I am use to the German car ride performance, but I do like my CR-V. The Navigation system is very fun to use and there is plenty of cargo space. I looked at the Tiguan and it was fun and spunky to drive, but the reliability of vw having own one myself, is terrible. So I got the CR-V and am happy thus far.

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  My 2nd CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Shoshana Mahler - October 30 - 7:37 pm

  Its no mistake Ive owned two CRVS. I love these cars. Hondas are the best.

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  The CRV is a great SUV!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Ute Vilfroy - October 30 - 9:13 am

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  Honda CR-V EX is a great value! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Fritzsche - October 29 - 3:03 am

  We researched all the competitors in the compact SUV class, and eventually narrowed it down to the point where the 2016 Honda CR-V EX was the only vehicle we were considering. Safety ratings were above all other competitors, and we really liked all the included features in the EX version and did not feel that any additional options were needed. We test drove it locally to make sure that we liked driving it, then began strategically shopping for the best deal. We loved the Edmunds "Price Promise" shopping tool, which really provides a great starting point for negotiating a terrific price. We got quotes from a few dealers through Price Promise, then emailed all the other Honda dealers within 100 miles of here to ask for their "out the door" pricing. We negotiated down the top two competitive dealers until they wouldnt budge any further, then contacted our local dealer (which does not participate in Price Promise) to see if they were interested at that price (which was about $1,800 lower than the original "invoice" pricing they had quoted us) and to our surprise, they were still excited to accept that offer. So, in the end, we paid about $700 less than the best Price Promise price, and got to buy it from the dealership right here in town. We could not be happier!

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  Probably the best small SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NewHondaDad - October 29 - 2:30 am

  Its fun to drive, with plenty of useful room. I seem to be in a small minority who chose the Fwd version here in TN, but I dont intend to drive off-road, and Ive done OK with Fwd sedans in the winter here. The engine has plenty of power. However, I think the engine feels "touchy", and the acceleration and decel. should be smoother. Milage around town after two tanks of gas is 21.6 mpg.

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  GOOD VALUE - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By PDS - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is a good value and it does what is advertised. It is meant to be a practical vehicle and it is.

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  CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spy_love - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Its clearly the best in its class .. worth the money !