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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  Bike Riders Value Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bike Rider - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I chose this type of vehicle because I wanted my bicycle to fit inside, standing upright. It was important to me to keep both the outside dimensions and price as small as possible. The CRV was my best choice after looking at the Escape and RAV 4. The list price was $19,260 and I was able to get $560 off. I wonder if buyers will get better deals as time goes by. This is my first foreign vehicle and am looking forward to the "legendary" Honda quality and durablity. So far so good except for intermittant light on dash board for engine emissions problem.

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  Nice but... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hesaid - March 26 - 3:30 pm

  My wife loves her new CR-V. We did some comparison shopping and the CR-V is best choice out there for this size SUV.

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By All4Him78 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Upon researching all the available midsize & small SUVs on the market for 3 months, I finally came upon this little jewel. I didnt consider it at first, because I had seen the older models on the road and didnt like the way they looked; it looked too small. I discovered that the 2002 models were redesigned on a Friday, test drove it on the following Monday, and purchased it on Tuesday. I have no regrets with my purchase.

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  great purchase - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By honda crv - March 22 - 8:56 am

  the car is above our expectations. our daughter has one and has loved it and it looks like new after 4 years. we love the manueverability and size. it is easy to park. we are musicians and can load and unload with ease.

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  Great Car - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Domenic Calabrese - March 21 - 1:12 am

  we love our SUV!

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  Love this car. - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Igor - March 20 - 3:26 am

  Bought it via internet, at invoice price, after extensive research, and it did not disappoint. The AWD really came in handy during 2005 NYC snowstorms. The car looks great, drives great, very nimble, excellent visibility. Acceleration is a bit slow, but then it is not a sports car. Very comfortable, too, and spacious cargo area. And it is very resilient due to its bumper style: we had an accident, the other car took heavy damage to both right doors, we just got a couple barely noticeable scuff marks on our front bumper. I love this car and during a year of driving it, I never wished I bought something else.

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  Exactly what we wanted. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By WLL - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V has turned out to be exactly what we wanted. It is surprisingly roomy inside and is fun to drive. The fuel economy is close to being as advertised. This is just the car we hoped it would be. The acceleration is good and meets most driving needs. Great car - glad we bought it.

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  ETREMELY SATISFIED OWNER - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rONDA HAMPTON - March 18 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE DRIVEN OUR NEW VEHICLE ON SEVERAL TRIPS AND GOTTEN GREAT GAS MILEAGE. ON ONE TRIP WE HAD 4 ADULTS A CHILDS CARSEAT (WITH INFANT),LUGGAGE AND BABY GEAR FOR TRIP. WE HAD PLENTY OF LEG ROOM. EVEN WITH THAT KIND OF LOAD THE VEHICLE HAD PLENTY OF SPEED PICKUP TO PULL THE HILLS. AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE.

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  Your dreams DO come true - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Patti - March 16 - 2:33 am

  This car is just unbelievable! Ive had 8 cars in the last 10 years and this car is just a dream! It steers like a compact car allowing u turns with ease. It speeds up to allow you to get in the fast lane without making others slow down for you. I mean its just sooo awesome. It rides QUIET and smooth. It is built with creation and safety in mind and it shows. Dont let the odd location of the gear scare you!! :) Patti the best Realtor in S. Fl.!!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By StuckoND - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This may not be the most exciting car or truck Ive ever bought, but there is no question it is the smartest. Fuel economy, ROOM, 6 disk changer, moonroof, ability to handle adverse weather with AWD, and the pricetag on top. My wife and I have grown to like it more each month. This is a great small SUV for the price. Oh... Honda reputation gives us added confidence.