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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  Jack of All Trades - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By XPLR - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle seems to do it all. It has the cargo room of a larger SUV, but drives and feels like a car--really! After 2 weeks with the CR-V, this mini-ute truly exudes a solid, well crafted feel. The quality of the materials and parts are evident as well as the excellent engineering. There is a reason why Honda does not have to advertise their superb quality...everyone knows it after driving any Honda. Like Edmunds.com states, "Drive it, youll like it."

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  Honda CR-V EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Pete Doddato - February 16 - 2:40 am

  We bought the Honda CR-V for the Honda reputation for quality. Basicallly we are satisfied with the car so far. We have been experiencing a problem with the check engine light coming on quite frequently. So far the problem hasnt been resolved by the dealer. I hope it isnt an ongoing problem.

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  my ex crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By robbn - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. The only thing I regret is I miss having a bigger car. At the same time, Im glad its smaller for economy reasons. I like the leather trim; however, I would like it fully leathered. I would also like to have alittle more visibility from the right side.

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  My CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Willie - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I use primarily for towed vehicle behind my 34ft. RV and for local and near out of town driving. To date I am well pleased with the ease of towing 4 on-the-ground and the ease of handling in traffic. Very responsive for a 4- cylinder engine. Good mileage. Overall excellent vehicle for towing and general useage. 5 passsenger capacity a plus A little noisy on some roads and driver rear visibility slightly limited for short persons due to rear 3 headrests jutting up. A good vehicle for the dollar.

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  Love the Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By L.G. - February 15 - 9:20 pm

  This is my first import vehicle in over 40 years of driving. I must say that I am at present time very satisfied with this car. The fuel consumption is not as good as advertised, but I am satisfied with just over 26 MPG. I was concerned about the power of a 4 Cyl.engin, but while it is not that of the V8s I have driven over the years I find it to be pleasing. It seems to be road worthy and stable. Handles well beond my expectations. There is a lot more room inside than you might expect from the cars outward appearance.Runs smooth, quite, and is fun to dtrive.

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  worst transmission in history? - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By FD - February 14 - 1:12 am

  This is a nice car in every way but one: the CVT. If you never push the gas pedal down more than halfway, youll probably love it. In that "easy driving" mode, the CVT is well behaved and unobtrusive. But god help you if you ever expect more. The CVT is always in the wrong gear ratio: too high off the line and way too low when trying to accelerate at higher speeds. Its fiddly, constantly seeking up and down the rev range in response to the slightest movement of the throttle. I can be cruising down the road at 40 mph, push the pedal to the floor, count to three and return the pedal to its normal position; the cars speed wont change a single mph. Instead, the CVT winds the engine up to the redline without generating any forward momentum at all and then winds itself back down when the throttle is released. Its just pathetically unpredictable and irritatingly unresponsive when you need it most. Ive had this car for 12 months and love its many features, but that transmission is absolute garbage.

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  honda odometer problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By alanmj - February 14 - 12:16 am

  I took my first trip in my new 2015 Honda EX-L CRV. The odometer is high by almost 3 percent. Seems like Honda is repeating their 2006 odometer problem. Is this how honda improves the gas mileage? 3 % of 31 MPG is 30 MPG.

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  Im loving it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Phyllis Sather - February 13 - 1:49 am

  This is the first time in 27 years that Im driving anything but a van. My son picked this out for me and he made a great choice.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By fun14 - February 10 - 6:06 am

  I chose this car after looking at many in the category over the past year. Specifically the Toyota Highlander and Acura RDX were the other contenders. This car has most features I was looking for at a better price and with better fuel economy. It looks nice and drives well.

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  OK - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By student - February 9 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews and looking at specifications, the CRV was at the top of my list. Interior is well designed, the silver exterior is sweet. The first drive I was impressed with the acceleration from 0-60 mph. The 6 cd changer w/ cassette is pretty cool, now I can connect my mp3 player to the stereo. The speakers are ok but I needed a little more bass so I put a sub in. But what really disappointed me was the gas millage. I average b/t 17 and 18 in city and 20-21 hwy. These numbers more resemble a V6 rather than a 4 cylinder engine. Overall I have a little buyers remorse but I am satisfied with my purchase.