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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  poor quality all around - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By georgiae - August 10 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 2011 honda CRV new. I thought i bought a great car. I was totally wrong, what i bought was a generic car. Horrible road noise, dont use the air and try to pull a hill, your lucky if you get up to 40 mph. tires need replaced after 14,500 miles. Moon Twp Honda basically said " You drove the car" . No kidding i didnt buy it to park in the garage. They offered me 2 tires, i said but there are 4 tires on the car. Too bad per Honda. The management at this dealer ship is awful. Do not buy this vehicle you definately will be sorry, if you do do not but at Moon Twp, Pa Honda, very ignorant management.

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  Lease end decision - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By nyken - August 2 - 6:33 pm

  The lease on my 2010 CRV- EXL is up in a few months. I most likely will be looking to replace this with something other than a Honda. For 3 years I have never really bonded with this vehicle. It is not much fun to drive. Acceleration is sluggish and handling is just OK. The ride is very noisy and it rides more like a truck than a car. I have been dissipointed with performance in the snopw. It just does not feel very sure footed and slips and slides. I have not had any serious problems with this vehicle, but the OEM tires wore out after only 15K miles. The dealer service department always comes across with an attitude. Good bye Honda

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  Great SUV ! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By kelly5961 - July 29 - 9:34 am

  Weve had our CRV for 4-1/2 years , only 3 issues with it. (1) the dealership sales people, Flatout told them the 1st thing . She(my wife) is going to write you a check , flatout what is the best price on this car with a check right now, STUPID sales person came back and asked how much we were putting down, told him again your getting a check today , he came back and said for 5 yrs. your payments would be $NXO , I SAID LISTEN ! your getting a check for the car TODAY . this went on 4 more times before the JACKASS Sales Mgr. came out & I had to tell him twice the same thing, but got it bought right. (2) Crappy Noisey Continental tires. and a common SUV hatch noise with the windows open.

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  Love this car much more than expected - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ernie29 - July 29 - 5:49 am

  I had a lease coming due on a BMW328xi coupe. I thought the crv would be economical and practical but I never dreamed I would love the car, but I do. You get so much for your money. The fuel economy is amazing (getting 31.5 in Econ mode during my first 150 miles/2days of driving the car). The features are great, love the Bluetooth and Pandora streaming...you can even access your Pandora channels and do the like dislike on the imid screen. only complaints are iPhone is unsupported on USB (isnt this the most popular phone?) and wiper blade inserts suck but thats an easy fix. So much easier to load this car up than BMWs pricey options! Recommend body side moldings. Look great!

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  Bad Honda CRV Experience - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By kimimimi - July 25 - 6:05 am

  I did a lot of reserach to before buying this Honday CRV and was confident that I was buying a more energy efficient vehicle that requires little maintenance. I purchased the car new in February. At under 2,000 miles the battery had to be replaced. At under 2,000 miles I started hearing a "chirping" noise. First visit they replaced a belt. Chirping noise persisted. Second visit that replaced a pulley and the alternator. Third visit they replaced the water pump. All of this engine work done on a vehicle with under 4,000 miles on it. The black rubber door molding around passenger doors started drooping and the final straw was the mirror on the passengers visor just fell off!

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  AC is a money pit - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By timjsmith - July 20 - 8:17 am

  2004,2005,2006 AC units are so bad Honda had to settle a lawsuit regarding this piece of junk. Do not buy a used Honda CRV unless the AC unit has been replaced, it will cost you $1400.00 bucks to replace it. Eventually you will have to if you drive it over 50,000 miles that is about how long it will last.

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  CR-V getting better with age - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By karsrus - July 19 - 11:29 am

  We traded our 2007 Honda CR-V EX-L in for a new 2012 Honda CR-V EX-L after doing due diligence and exploring all the other new models. Like many others looking for a high content, high value CUV, Its really difficult to beat the combination that the CR-V offers. With 1,400+ miles on ours now, the gas mileage has averaged 31mpg both highway & city. Weve seen as high as 38mpg. The 4cyl does fine, and living in TN we have a good mix of hills and valleys with no issues passing on the freeway. Both front & back seat space is really good, and we continue to marvel at how spacious it is on the inside compared to small footprint on the outside. Fit and finish are very good.

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  Love this CRV - right on GAS too! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By granyjany - July 14 - 12:56 pm

  Had my CRV just 3 days now and love it! My first fill up showed me getting 29 mpg.. I honestly expect more once the car has a chance to build an average. It handles well in the curves and it has so many toys on it! Maybe one of the coolest things is the way i can flip those back seats down with one finger! A great value for just shy of $30K !!

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  HONDA JDM <3 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By melomelo - July 12 - 4:10 pm

  Okay so I love LOVE hondas but my crv i bought because i wanted a car that would best fit me and my new family i had a daughter two years ago and i wanted something more reliable and more room well.. of course looks like a mommy car off the bat but drives smooth i just changed my air box my bushings went bad but thats cuz i drove 145000+miles on it so everyday i drive 35 miles going ONE way so in one day its like 70+miles on my car but its built strong i love it i bought the car at 103,000 and i have had it for almost two years i love it! still going strong minor things have to be done like those bushings but its okay i drive alot and any car can last long as long as you MAINTAIN IT!!!

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  Very Satisfied - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By cwbarrett - July 12 - 3:01 pm

  I purchased a white ex-l 3 weeks ago. Im getting about 27 mpg. I havent established the value in the eco feature yet. That aside, the car is comfortable and I know I wont have any major repairs for several years. It handles very well. I like how honda simplifies the options. I would like to do a dna test to see if this is really leather. As a four cylinder it gets all it can out of it. I think I would prefer a six but the four will do. Sound system is ok but I have a 9 year old highlander with JBL that sounds better. I wish I had bought this years ago instead of a different AWD that uses a boxer engine.