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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  1998 CR-V AWSOME RIDE - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By mike44439 - July 11 - 4:32 pm

  Just bought a used 1998 CR V with just a little over 100,000 miles., so far great vehicle with great gas mileage averaging 25 and 28 on the freeway, not sure how they list it as 19 and 23, its so much better then that. Great to get around in the city and everday driving, with lots of space and comfort. For long trips I would prefer my F150 Lariat, but to save money on gas Ill use my CR V. As far as power its great for a 4cyl, and handles good, cant expect the power of a big vehicle in a little SUV, but its better then I expected., going up grades.

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  Better than expected - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By crawfolk - July 9 - 2:54 pm

  Love this car. Got 34.1 mpg on first highway trip. Averaging above 26 mpg around town. Comfortable Honda ride. Like the Bluetooth connection for my IPhone and other included technology. Enjoyed my 2003 Honda Element and wanted to retain as much cargo space as possible. CRV gives me enough. Good visibility in driving rain. Good price and trade-in value from Honda dealer.

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  Best Honda yet!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By molly090406 - July 8 - 6:53 am

  Just picked up my 2012 CRV-EX-L from the dealer and I love it!! What a fun vehicle and practical as well. I was surprised how "zippy" the car is when pulling out from an intersection or getting up to speed to flow with traffic. Getting about 27 mpg combined highway/city, but thats according to the mpg indicator. Ill find out how good it is when a do several fill-ups and calculate the mpg based on calculating the gallons/miles on a calculator. Theres nothing I dont like, except for it takes time to get used to the XM radio and all the settings.

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  Body Integrity - RUST !! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By huskerfan_1 - July 7 - 3:44 pm

  I would encourage all to check the bottom seal area of the doors for rust. Three weeks ago while while wiping down after a wash I noticed rust on the inside bottom of the back right passenger door. It freaked me out !! HOW ??? Took it the dealer ... it will get repaired next week under warranty (and it should). My car was purchased New Years Eve, 2010. Not sure if I will be keeping it.

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  Honda, please fix the road noise problem!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsonaday - July 4 - 2:13 pm

  Loud definitely describes this car. One can barely carry on a conversation on the freeway. I bought this car used and after only 3 years, the cushions on both seats were flat. AWD sucks bec it only kicks in when it feels the car slipping.. but there is a up side to this car, and that is its a little bigger than most rivals. Only thing is, you have to sit in the most uncomfortable seats..it got so bad that i had to replace the cloth with am leather.

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  Love my new Honda crv ex-l - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jsanczyk - July 3 - 6:38 pm

  My parents purchased a new Honda crv suv about 2 weeks ago. The car is beautiful. It is black with black leather interior. The navigation is so easy to use and I love driving the car. It handles great and parks so easy.

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  Poor gas mileage & seat construction - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By deb103 - June 28 - 9:20 pm

  This is my second CRV - in my 2009 the drivers seat kept coming apart and the same thing keeps happening in my 2011. I work from home so I dont drive that much and feel that the seat should still be in excellent condition. The plastic molding around the seat keeps separating and the leather cover tears where it is hooked on. Since they upgraded the computer the mpg on the road dropped from 29 mpg to 24 mpg and in town from 24 mpg to 17 mpg. I am getting ready to trade it because of this.

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  Wheres the "SU" in SUV Crossover? - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksonnenberg - June 18 - 11:47 am

  It is a nice vehicle in that it drives & handles well, comfortable interior & some nice luxury features. However, Honda removed much the "Sport Utility" and now looks and feels more like a Hatchback/Minivan Crossover. We needed to replace our 02 CRV but we suppose got spoiled by it. The 02 w/ the tire on the back door left extra room in the spare tire compartment to store emergency supplies like blankets and tire pump, but not anymore. I miss the table that was a feature of the 02 trunk base handy for camping & picnics. The new CRV has 2" less of ground clearance & no longer lets you pop open the hatch window which was great for access to our dogs or supplies w/o open whole hatch.

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  Fantastic Gas Mileage! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By lizzylou - June 8 - 8:37 pm

  Traded in my 07 Civic coupe on a White Diamond Pearl CR-V EX. I love this SUV! Can be a little sluggish with Econ mode on but saves a lot on gas and its peppy and fun to drive with the Econ mode off. I love that the CR-V handles so well. It handles almost as good as my beloved Civic did, excellent turning radius makes it easy to park. The cabin is quiet but still hear some road noise and has minimal body roll around corners and good stability. Getting a solid 30 mpg on the highway which is my main driving ~66 miles round trip per day at around 70 mph. Has 1,500 miles on it now. Ive had several people tell me its a beautiful vehicle! No other SUV compares in features for the price.

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  Best Purchase Ever - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By denant - June 4 - 6:23 pm

  I love my 2012 Honda CRV! I had a 99 Civic for 11 years and I wanted to get a SUV. I was affaid that a SUV would be a completely different driving experience, but to my surprise the CRV drives has a similar feel to my civic, I dont feel like i am driving a bigger car.