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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  Best car I have ever driven!!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Wolfman - June 16 - 12:06 pm

  I travel 3 states as a territory manager and this is the best car I have ever driven. It is so fun to drive and everything is rtight where you want it. Stereo with 6 disc cd is awesome. Power moon roof is great and engine and transmission are solid.Handling is nimble and athletic. Styling inside and out is really sharp. This is my first Honda. Wow! I have owned GM and Ford and Chrysler products all my life and this CR-V from Honda is almost too good to be true in every respect. I will be a customer for life! 5200 wonderful miles so far. Thank you Honda for a job well done...

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  bad customer service - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Deb - June 15 - 1:26 pm

  Look closely at paint especially the lift gate....underneath mine had like paint bubbles or runs and now it is chipping off...found several on lots with the same thing...just have not chipped off yet....customer service was the worst...dont expect help from corporate because they do not care...I have owned several Hondas and asked them if they were ok with the fact that they would lose me as a customer...and they had no concern

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  My First SUV - Lovin It - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Chrissy - June 9 - 1:23 pm

  Its very different going from a Nissan Altima to SUV but I have to say I love it. I like being higher from the ground and your proliferal vision is so much better. I researched the RAV4, Forrester, Escape, etc. but thought the CR-V had much more to offer. The interior room is spacious especially in second row compared to SUVs in the same class. The ride is smooth and it handles great in the snow - no slipping and stopped when I wanted to stop. The SE package is reasonable priced with so many features - great options available - auto start/back-up sensors. My insurance was actually cheaper than the Altima because of all the safety features.

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  Second time customer doubly pleased! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Sameer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I had a 98 Honda CR-V and when it was totalled, I immediately got the then brand new 2003 CR-V. This was in the first week of January when finding one at any price at any dealership was a tough job. I still happily paid the premium (you get what you pay for- about $600 less than MSRP) and since then have been 100% satisfied. High marks for the thoughtful and family friendly interior. Youd be surprised how much space there is when you fold the rear seats! We loved the picnic table a lot (made our car popular among friends!) and it returns in an even bigger form!

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  Wow...This thing is fun - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hrguyil - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased 2003 EX AT in black. Really amazed at the peppy 4 cyl. I traded a 2002 EX V6 Accord coupe and the CRV seems more zippy. Engine is quite on the highway and theres not much wind noise. The suspension inspires confidence in the corners. The tires are a bit noisy and the radio is a bit far away. Perhaps controls on the steering wheel for us commuters. Dealer wouldnt budge on price.

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  Dying Breed - Get One Before LX is Gone! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By 3RdHonda - June 8 - 1:33 am

  This is my third Honda, all based on the Civic platform, dating back to 1982. The first two were 82 and 89 Civics. They served their purpose, but I ended up with a bunch of Toyotas, including a 1993 Toyota Previa which now has well over 400K miles. When looking for an all-around family utility vehicle, I almost ended up buying the Toyota RAV4, but the 2005 model was too small and the 2006 model is trying to be another Toyota Highlander, bigger and over-priced. I searched all over car lots for something to set itself apart, thats when I came across the 2006 Honda CR-V LX 4WD, the ONLY trim level made in Japan, not England. All 2007 CR-V will be bigger made outside Japan; thats OK, Right?

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  Cabin noise - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Beaumont - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle,cabin noise/road noise high. Difficult to carry on a discussion. Honda has some work to do, get the noise level DOWN. With the noise level down, this would be a10 , vehicle. **

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  I drive one everyday. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By davm500 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Honda CR-V very much.The back seating area has enough for Adults.I went on a Fishing Trip with 5 Tall man and it was a 2 hour drive and everyone was very comfortable.Everyone was very glad that they was in a Honda CRV. For the trip.Try it for your self and enjoy the ride.

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  CRV SE edition is nice - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV2005 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I got a new 2005 CRV SE in Pewter Pearl color with black leather seat inside. I have been waiting for the SE edition. The new color looks really nice, especially with the front and rear bumpers painted. I traded in my 2003 silver Pilot. The Pilot is nice but kind of big for me. The car is very fun, easy, and peppy to drive. Power is also good enough for me, better than 2001 CRV. Not a road burner but good enough for everyday use. The Pilot has more power but feel heavier when drive and so the CRV feels more peppy to drive. Noise is also very acceptable for me. It has been improved much better than my previous 2001 CRV but not as good as the 2003 Pilot.

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  A Very Smart Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Spark - June 5 - 7:30 am

  Had previous CRV LX, which I loved. Decided to purchase new CRV Touring for the additional safety features and auto open back hatch. This vehicle is luxurious and practical. Love the AWD, since I live in the mountains.