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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  One drive in it sold me.... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Walker - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE!!! I am 63 and have no problems riding in it. I wanted something that was not as big as a pilot and drove more like a car. The EX model is worth the price for all the upgrades. Very functional, good looking and of course, Honda quality. I know, sounds like a car ad but it truly is a fine vehicle. The dogs and my bike fit in it just fine.

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  MY CRX - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jimmil43 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  What more can I say "its a Honda". Zero defects on delivery. Fun to drive. Great on gas for an SUV (25-26 mpg) Handles well on ice and snow

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  CRV review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By david rairick - October 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my CRV. I only had 1 problem with the rotars on my brakes that needed to be replaced. I had to wait almost a week for replacemnts! Other than that every that drives my car loves it.

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  Gotta Love It - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Mary Jane - October 26 - 10:46 am

  So far, so good. I like the performance and reliability, the seat height, the comfort of the drive, the feel in snow, the compactness of it, the center folding tray, the under the passenger seat drawer, the little closing bin under the dashboard cup holder, the color (chianti red) and so on...

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  Good Decision - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Baloo - October 23 - 10:00 pm

  I was thinking about buying either a Rav4 or a CR-V and decided on the CR-V maiinly because I owned and recently desposed of a 1995 Accord. Im glad I chose the CR-V. The CR-V is a fun car to drive. It is very nimble and peppy without losing a supple and comfortable ride. The fit and trim is the same quality that Honda is known. The seating is comfortable especially in the rear seat. I purchase the cargo cover and I now have a trunk as large as any Ive owned. This is a quality vehicle at a very reasonable price.

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  Pretty Good SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Rita Greig - October 22 - 3:26 am

  Pretty good overall SUV - A few design flaws such as the Gear Shift new to the Radio and the weak Roof Rack. It has some pretty good get-up-and-go for the a 4 Cylinder - Very impressive...

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  2007 Honda CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Earl Carney - October 21 - 4:36 pm

  Car has a number of options normally found on more expensive vehicles, e.g., vehicle stability control. Too, the elimination of the spare tire from the rear gate makes the car more appealing and the gas mileage is good.

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  I Love This Car! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Janicen - October 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect vehicle for my lifestyle. It provides plenty of cargo capacity and passenger room yet its small size and car platform make it wonderfully driveable and great for getting around town. I can zip into any parking space with room enough on either side for my ten year old to open the door without worrying about hitting the other car. Getting in and out of my CRV is a joy. There is no sense of having to climb up into it. The EX models excellent safety rating makes this one the only SUV I would drive my family around in.

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  Fantastic Suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By peana - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic! Great quality for the amount we paid! We have no regrets. Excellent for all size women. We got a discount because we are Costco members, as well. During a rough winter it handled its self extremely well.

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  CRV 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By KGD - October 12 - 3:43 am

  Excellent vehicle. I put 240,000 on my 99 CR-V. Im getting 28 MPG on the highway. The new model rides a little rougher, but its more comfortable. The 2007 has a lot more horsepower, nice handling.