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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  Most enjoyable - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By John Buzek - August 16 - 8:56 am

  Most enjoyable vehicle I have driven for work in 25 years. Handles great and gas mileage is good around town. Viewing while driving is great.

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  Lots of bang for your buck - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By SBNP - August 14 - 9:41 am

  Great at everything, but with it had paddle shifters like the HR-V to downshift. That would really help with mileage.

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  Awards + reviews + value = easy decision - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jarnel - August 11 - 2:00 am

  The CRV is not a leader in any one category with the exception of quality and resale value. Need sport car like handeling? Get the Subaru. Need a real off roader? Get the Jeep.But if you want plenty of power, a smooth ride, great milage, plenty of storage space, a thoughtfully laid out interior, and enough off road capacity to get you down that muddy dirt road or unplowed snowy side street, buy the CRV. I recommend the sporty 5 speed manual transmission to work the most out of the engine. It has many other thoughtful features such as a fold down centre tray which allows easy rear access and reclining rear seats.

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  Long distance travel - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By wagtail - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Rather unconfortable after 2-3 hrs, becomes more so the farther you go. Seats and backs too firm no lateral support.

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  I Luv my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Dede - August 10 - 12:43 am

  I have had my CRV for 4 months and I love it. It is fun to drive, dependable and gets great gas mileage. We took a 4,000 vacation over Thanksgiving and it held the road great and was comfortable. We really enjoyed our trip and our Honda CRV. It has all the pick up speed you need for city freeway driving and a great ride overall on the highways. My daughter has a 1997 Honda with over 200,000 miles and it still drives like a champ. Sure seems like a good deal to me!

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  Awesome - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By melike - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive

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  Cannot Open Cargo Door - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Jae - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  I have had to fix the door twice because the Cargo door would not open. No matter how hard, and long I press the latch, the door would not open. At first the dealer fixed the issue by replacing the entire latch, but after a month of use, the problem came back again. Six month after the second fix, the latch was slow to react, until finally, stopped working entirely. Now that the Warranty expired, the dealer is charging to fix the problem. Very Disappointed with Honda.

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  HONDA Rules - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MTM47 - August 6 - 2:46 pm

  This is our first HONDA and it lives up to its excellent reputation. Well built, quiet, stylish..a real pleasure to drive!

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  Safe Choice - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sayre - August 5 - 2:15 pm

  Safe choice

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  Nice car, could improve transmission - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - August 5 - 11:53 am

  I generally enjoy this car. Comfortable and well put together. Pretty quiet with some wind noise @ 70. Engine generally quiet unless you need to push it, and down shift a couple of gears. Wish the transmission had paddle shifters like my wifes FIT. FIT is more fun to drive. Too frequently it shifts to 5th gear for mileage, when 4th would be a better selection. You cannot manually select 4th. Can hit the button on the shifter and go to 3rd, but thats it. For this engine/trans combo 4th would be really useful. Overall mileage is about 22.5 with 40/60 city highway.(actually liked the CVT arrangement on the ROGUE better) If I slow to 65 mph on the highway mileage gets much better.