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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  Great Mini SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Der_Kommissar - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for the large interior space, small exterior size, and fuel mileage. It has delivered on all fronts. You really cant go wrong with this car, as long as you accept that its not a true off roader.

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  Absolutely incredible - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By PF - October 11 - 4:26 pm

  This car is flat out incredible. I am 26 and this is the first brand new car I have owned. It could be the novelty, but this car is the best car I have ever driven, and same for my wife. I test drove a lot of cars, and this one was the only car with the proverbial all-around package. Fun to drive, classy, gas mileage, decent price, great features, etc. I have only owned this a very short while, but I couldnt be happier. On top of it all, its a Honda.

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  This SUV is the best - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Kim - October 9 - 10:20 pm

  This is my second Cr-V and I just love driving this automobile. Its good in the snow, gas mileage you cant beat, and it is dependable. You cant beat this SUV

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  Just what I wanted ! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By bhbob - October 9 - 4:30 am

  This is just the type of vehicle I was looking for. It has almost every safety feature know to man, standard! Runs great, and terrfic in the snow.

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  Im glad I bought it! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Larry Reed - October 8 - 8:23 am

  Ok, Ive had my CRV since July 28th now. I still only have 200 miles on it so havent driven it a bunch. That being said I think it is a wonderful car and am so glad I finally got it. ts comfortable, roomy and just fun to be in. Ive been to the grocery store a couple of times and love how easy it is to load and unload from the back end.

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  LOVE! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lisa - October 6 - 9:39 am

  My mechanic (and owner of shop) told me this was the car to buy over a Rav 4. This car handles amazingly in the snow!! It handles well and is comfortable to ride. I purchased the EX-L and I am glad I did. Like others said, there is a slight vibration when you have the foot on the brake at a stop, but not a big deal. Honda has a great reputation and I am so glad I bought this car. The back has great leg room as well. No regrets

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  Best of the best - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Mohusker - October 6 - 3:05 am

  After three months, 32-33 mpg (measured). PROS: Mileage, comfort, room, handling, ride, quality of materials, cargo capacity, value, push-button start, walk-away locking, collision mitigation, android auto, shifter location, up-front bag storage, standard equipment on EX, visibility, styling. CONS: No tuning knob, digital instruments, small gas tank (14 gal), funky gas & temp guages. Italso easy to turn off the info illumination when adjustung the volume. The cloth seats are of high-quality fabric and well-styled.. We like the matte wood trim, but we would prefer that all dash panels not be black regardless of the interior color chosen. Too bad the safety equipment is not available on the lower trim level.

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  Truly a multi-purpose vehicle. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kim B. Foster - October 2 - 9:00 pm

  Handles and accelerates well while still being more economical than V-6 alternatives. Two wheel drive is more than adequate in northern urban areas. AWD would be better for rural commutes in winter or in heavy snow belt areas. Excellent heater and heated mirrors appreciated in Canada. Many thoughtful and functional items in the standard LX model. Our choice was between the Accord or the CRV. Both had nearly identical MSRP. The CRV is much more useful and has Vehicle Stability Assist included. Exceptional feeling of spaciousness for the driver and passenger. Residual value of the CRV has been excellent for many years I never truly understood the whole CRV thing until I bought one.

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  Reliable car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By publius1 - October 1 - 3:39 am

  I have owned the 2015 Honda CRV LX for about a month. It has driven flawlessly. It has been reliable, comfortable, and a nice car to own. The heat has worked fine in 16 degree weather. I have the all wheel drive model. It drove fine on one inch or so of snow we had a few days ago. I think it is an excellent value.

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  2008 CRV-EXL w/Nav FWD I think - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jennifer - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  Just purchased the CRV last week after 3 months of research. It was a tough decision going from a large Pathfinder to a small SUV but we could not afford the gas anymore. Very happy with the whole dealership process, internet buying was easy and in 5 days they had my CRV. Love the quiet ride, the Nav w/touch screen is great, the voice activated controls are good, as long as you say things slowly. Still reading the book on all the extra features. Rear seats have more room than expected, and love having so much visibility of the other lanes around me when I drive. The Pathfinder was boxy and limited. Cant comment on the fuel economy yet, and still trying to find the FWD button!