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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  Pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Canuck fan - April 6 - 9:53 pm

  Have owned for three months and current mileage is 7000 mi. Have had 4 Accords and one Integra so am familiar with Honda quality/reliability. Recent 5800 mi trip averaged 30 mpg. One 180 mi freeway trip at 70 mph was 34 mpg.Gas mileage better than expected.I think it likes warm weather. Very comfortable & quiet ride.Lots of storage room.I wish the rear seats would fold flat though. Engine could use another 40 hp to provide more oomph above 90 km/hr. V6 option would be nice. This is the first SUV I have owned and am impressed with seating height,handling and ride.At 7000 mi, oil life shows only 50% used.I am used to 4000 mi intervals. Seems like a long way to me.

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  Hate to let this great SUV go! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By trishakeim@yahoo.com - April 6 - 12:02 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. This car replaced my Toyota Tacoma pick-up and had big shoes to fill in doing that, happily I can say it more than served its purpose for me and my family. From simply around town errand driving to long road trips, this zippy car is comfortable, has great pick-up, is safe in the wind and rain and is an all around great car. It looks like a Lexus when it has had a wash!

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  Hate to let this great SUV go! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By trishakeim@yahoo.com - April 6 - 12:02 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. This car replaced my Toyota Tacoma pick-up and had big shoes to fill in doing that, happily I can say it more than served its purpose for me and my family. From simply around town errand driving to long road trips, this zippy car is comfortable, has great pick-up, is safe in the wind and rain and is an all around great car. It looks like a Lexus when it has had a wash!

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  Hate to let this great SUV go! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By trishakeim@yahoo.com - April 6 - 12:02 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. This car replaced my Toyota Tacoma pick-up and had big shoes to fill in doing that, happily I can say it more than served its purpose for me and my family. From simply around town errand driving to long road trips, this zippy car is comfortable, has great pick-up, is safe in the wind and rain and is an all around great car. It looks like a Lexus when it has had a wash!

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  Our 6th Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Julian Nestor - April 5 - 4:45 pm

  We have never had to repair any Honda we have ever owned. Brakes and tires are the only replacement parts we have ever needed. Thats why we buy Hondas. The CR-V is surprisingly big inside but is still a practical size for Southern California traffic and parking. The CVT transmission is very smooth and so far we are surprised how normal it feels around town. Time will tell on reliability but we have always had faith in Honda engineering. We bought the Special Edition that Honda usually offers and the end of a design run because of the standard content. We normally purchase the EX model but have never liked or used the sun roof feature that is a large part of the cost of the EX package. The SE model has reasonable content without the gimmicks that are so common today. The reasonable size was also an issue. We were afraid that Honda like so many other companies would make the next design bigger. Horrible traffic and tiny parking places are a fact of life in Southern California. We expect number 6 to be as reliable as all the others.

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  Great little car! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Klett - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Only thing I don;t like is Honda dealers using receptionists. I want to talk to my mechanic & not just see his photo on my bill. Soon as my warrantee runs out, Im going to a garage that lets you see & talk with the "technician". Also, a 20,000 mile checkup with oil change costs $90 at Honda & I got the same thing across the street at a "Tires Plus"for $18.95!

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Goody - April 1 - 12:03 am

  Mine is relatively new, with only 7,000 miles, but so far it has been great. The only drawbacks are that it doesnt get quite the gas mileage that I thought it might and the seats get in the way of seeing out the sides and back. Other than that it is another great Honda product.

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  Great value - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Carguy - March 30 - 7:47 pm

  Good money for the car! A lot of options out there. Find what is best for you! But I found the performance to be decent, loved the styling inside and out, and was very practical. Great feature set for the money. Interior quality is great, very nice materials. Some cons include the entertainment system but CarPlay is good. Another con is the auto headlights and auto wipers which dont seem as automatic as they as should be. LED headlights are very nice and improve visibility. City fuel becoming does not seem realistic at all! But highway is as expected.

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  Buyer Beware - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By fnamowicz - March 30 - 3:35 am

  Terrible vibration at idle. Rough riding almost as good as a pickup truck with bad springs. The vibration cancels out any good features of this care so please read all the negative reviews and test drive when fully warmed up. This is the worst Honda ever.

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V handles curves without excessive roll. The size of this vehicle is just right for me; dont really need the 8 passenger space of he Pilot for myself since Im not carting the children around anymore...until grandchildren come around, anyway. Like the performance of the i-VTEC.