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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  More than I expected. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bobrobin - July 11 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a compact SUV or an alternative to a family car you have to check the CR-V. I got much more than I expected. Acceleration and power are more than adequate for the vehicle. Interior space and storage areas are unmatched in its class. Styling has been much improved in the latest generation. The quality is outstanding for a $18-$19,000 vehicle. Could it use a little here and there, yes, but if your that picky, buy a Lexus or Acura. But, for us middle classers, you cant beat it. Just one thing, get the keyless entry. No power lock button on passenger door is a pain. My keyless entry is on order.

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  Surpised by how much I like this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Blissful - July 9 - 7:40 am

  After driving GMC Yukons for 12 years, I down-sized to a CRV. I researched for months and considered about a dozen vehicles. When I compared to my "must-have" list, the CRV was the winner. I love the roomy interior. Its peppy and truly fun to drive. With less than 500 miles on it, Im getting over 30mpg on the highway with an overall average of 26 mpg.

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  Another best design Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By sray - July 6 - 1:33 am

  I always though Honda CRV is a bit fragil suv even though my friends that owned them, loved them. Until now. My wife just purchased a 2005 CRV and I was surprised to see how many features were offered with this suv. Belive me Honda is compiting with german cars (I traded in a Mercedes C320 for this car).I guess I start wearing Hondas cap instead of MB or BMW.

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  Fun & Full of Ideas - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Colorado Mom - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Tons of storage places. Fun to drive. Corners well. The smooth acceleration is surprisingly good (way better than the RAV4s automatic), yet efficient (RPMs shoot up to give power, then go right back down again to save on fuel). Back is great for big dogs. Child safety seats fit easily, the rear center console gives kids a place for their sippy cups/snacks, and the rear doors have tons of places for coloring books, etc. This car is priced very well for what you get out of it. I am so glad I bought it!

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  Great, Towable, SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsilvertrecker - July 4 - 10:20 pm

  I needed a second car that I can tow behind my motorhome with all four wheels down, so that screening criteria eliminates many autos. With one exception, a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD, I have owned Honda and Acura products for the last ten years and this car meets the quality that I have come to expect from Honda products. A V-6 would be nice, but everything else is superb. I like the styling, the fit and finish are perfect, the interior space is surprisingly adequate, and the fuel economy is what I hoped for. I also like another aspect of Honda ownership and that is the joy of reading articles that consistently rank my cars among the best or the best in almost every reasonable category

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Harold - July 1 - 6:43 am

  With eight air bags; It cant get much safer. I purchased it for my wife. Must I say any more!

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  Whattacar - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nuzedit - June 27 - 9:40 pm

  This is our third CRV (we still have the other two - a 2000 and a 2001) and this is the best yet. Love the styling, fit and finish. Very comfortable even after a 15.5 hour, straight through drive from McAllen, TX, to Albuquerque, NM. Averages between 21 and 23 mpg in town and as much as 31.5 mpg on the road. Our other CRVs were LX models - on a two-wheel drive, the other AWD. Decided to go top of the line this time and feel it is well worth the difference in price. Full well expect to keep this one for up to 10 years. Our 2000 has 158,000 miles and it still running like a champ. We traded in a 2002 Accord on this CRV. The way if figure it. You cant go wrong with Honda.

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  Aging - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Brock - June 27 - 4:34 pm

  Has been a very satisfying vehicle. Have had a few problems with suspension, starter and steering but they were taken care of.

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  Solid SUV /Great Value - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - June 27 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent SUV. Build very solid with many standard safety features. Smooth and quite engine that handles very well, even on wet roads. Deceptively roomy inside with a back seat that can recline to add to passenger comfort. Excellent sound system and good MPG(22 local). Great value for your $.

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  Great car. Great features - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By JO - June 26 - 9:46 am