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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  LOVE my Grainger Honda! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff V - January 26 - 4:13 am

  Vibration issues non-existent with 2016 refresh. Rolled over into new lease on a 16 CR-V SE, after previously leasing a 13 CR-V LX. Love the refresh! The SE added 17" alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, and security system. Also like the center console-mounted a/c ducts for the rear passenger area. Color is mountain air metallic, with beige cloth seats, pillars, and head-liner contrasting a black interior. Went to dealership (Grainger Honda in Savannah, GA) searching for white diamond pearl, but was not readily available. Sales rep showed me the mountain air metallic and as soon as I saw the interior, I was in love! Went for a test drive and CVT shifting was smooth and effortless. Under normal driving, the CVT is barely noticeable. Just press the gas and youre off! The car has very decent acceleration and will get up to freeway speed quickly. While cruising at around 55-60, if you put the pedal to the metal, the engine will rev up to about 5,000 rpm before the rest of the car "catches up" and, if youre not paying attention, youll be doing over 90 in under 10 seconds! Gas mileage is excellent, very close to what I was getting with the old CR-V. Highway mileage with the CVT is a tad lower, but city mileage has improved greatly!

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  I love it! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By C - January 21 - 8:10 am

  If you are looking for a new small SUV, this is the one for you! I absolutely love it! I have debated for about 2 years on what to buy and I just kept going back to how cute this little CR-V is. Ive had it for a little over a week and it is so nice. It handles like a car, has a nice interior. The MPG is very good, about 26 HWY and I just think its the cutest thing on the road. I personally do not think it has a lot of road noise. I used to have an Acura TLS and thought I would be longing for more power in the CR-V, but I was wrong. It has a good bit of power. I would highly recommend to anyone. All in all, I love it. I think its wonderful.

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  Blizzard of 2003 Report - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By dtskiles - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 98 Cherokee in this summer. On Feb 15-17 2003 we got over 3 feet of snow and my first thought was "wish I had my Jeep back." Wrong. The CRV jumped snow banks without hesitation. We also took it to Cape Cod this summer and packed it so full of junk, we NEVER could have made the trip in the Cherokee. Weve had ZERO problems with the car.

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  Cant beat it - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 5K owner - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research on which mini SUV to buy, and it finally came down to the Forester or CRV. Ultimately, I liked the interior features and comfort better than the Forester. Also, since this was replacing a 13 year old Civic Si I had loved, I thought why mess with success. At 5000 miles, so far so great!

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  Great Car, More Reliable than Domestics - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Webb - January 18 - 3:43 am

  For those of you looking to buy a new vehicle, the CR-V is the way to go! The acceleration is adequate and smooth throughout. Fold the seats ahead and the back becomes a great roomy area for dogs. It handles great during inclement weather, very stable with a smaller chance of rollover than larger SUVs. Honda made a wise decision by not increasing the size of this car as so many have done!

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  Praise for 2000 CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2000 Honda CRV - January 16 - 10:03 am

  Has get -up and -go. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Back window windshield wiper too. I love the car. My children love driving it too. Drivers seat adjustable for driver. Color is Red. Table in trunk is removable and has a bin for ice drinks under it. Neat feature for a tail gate party.

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  Happy to return to Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By carolina - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  Sold Jeep Grand Cherokee. Thought may lose interior space & power, but very pleased CR-V has plenty of space & 4 cyl has surprising zip. Smooth ride & good turn radius. Compared to Toyota Rav4 & Jeep Liberty. CR-V better vehicle/price for money. CR-V fun to drive, smooth ride, lots of head/leg room interior, avg 22-26 mpg so far but dealer says will increase after 1st oil change. Told by several people CR-V exterior similar to Lexus & BMW 4WD.

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  2003 honda crv ex auto.w/side a.bags - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hickory55 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  superb drivability & handling making for a pleasant experience. responsive steering and everything works well together. very pleased with the shift lever on dashboard and the placement of handbrake. the ride is firmer than i am used to as i have diven larger sedans, but ride is very quiet and very well controlled. brakes are magnificent;best that i have ever had on a vehicle.22 city&27-28 hwy mpg

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  best mini suv in the world - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By root - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i love it and am going to buy one more for my wife

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  2004 Honda CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Ket K - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I decided to buy my 2004 CR-V due to a track record of high reliability with this vehicle. The CR-V seems small from the outside, but inside its very roomy with some of the nicest features I like. Power windows, child door safety, got 5 stars rating from NHTSA crash rating... and beatiful design overall. I have researched this SUV for a while...and found out that it is considered the best compact SUV in this class. Highly recommended!