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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  07 CRV LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Teresa - July 27 - 11:03 pm

  This is my 4th Honda and I am not disappointed. I love the vehicle. The drive is smooth. The interior design is simple, functional and comfortable - lots of room.

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  great compact suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By gerry34plant - July 27 - 9:00 am

  this is my first suv and first japanese auto. its a great compact suv. wonderful outside view, easy to drive and park. holds large items in back. i added a few extras that i believe are worth the dollars. a cargo cover, cargo mat amd wheel locks. everything else is included in the purchase price. one item that should be changed is a variable wiper that gives more speed control.

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  Pretty much a great little car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By CMW - July 27 - 8:07 am

  I am happy I purchased this car because I love the way it looks and drives. Very practical. Lots of compliments from retirees. Car looks like it costs a lot more than it does.

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  Refined - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GAB - July 24 - 9:02 pm

  After 1.5 years I am very pleased. Zero problems, very refined for this price point, immensely practical. City gas mileage over the last 3.5k miles: 23mpg. Best HWY mileage: 33mpg. Excellent build quality. Performance and mpg improved slightly after the first couple K miles. Would buy again in a heart beat.

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  Very intelligent car and much quieter - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Gerald Baker - July 24 - 5:12 pm

  The road noise of the previous model CRV was very annoying. We liked our previous model but would not have purchased one if the road noise was not significantly improved. Fortunately, the 2016 is much quieter than our previous model. I am extremely impressed with the electronics package on the Touring model we purchased. Adaptive cruise control, lane monitoring alarm, "Lane Keeper" that nudges the car back to the center of the lane if the driver lets it drift toward one side of the lane, very smart audio system even talks to a smart phone to initiate Pandora without having to touch the phone. The USB port allowed us to put dozens of CDs on a stubby USB memory stick (MP3) and play them whenever we want. The interior of the car is very nice and comparable to our other car - an Audi. We did purchase the top of the line CRV - Touring version - so I cant attest to the interior of other CRV models. The only thing that could be better is the navigation display. It is hard to identify streets and the labeling on the navigation display is hard to read. Considering the rest of the car is very well designed, I am surprised at the shortcoming of the navigation display. However, overall we are very happy with the car.

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  Great Mini Ute - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tzaharis - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is very functional, with a great use of space. Also, you cant beat the reliability and re-sale value.

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  Perfect for Grandpa and Grandma! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By hausfrau - July 23 - 7:39 am

  After being in a car accident with our 1992 Honda Accord with an 18 wheeler and lived, we were sure that the Honda was a good make of vehicle. Brother- in-law and sister sold us their 2001 Honda CR-V. We love it! My husband is 65" and has plenty of leg room. This is a spacious automobile. We have our own little entertainment center in the front seat with us, AM/FM/Cassette Tape and CD player. We have the little "bar" and the table in the back. What else could a little old retired couple ask for? It rides smooth. We dont know what it will be like in a Minnesota winter, but the brother-in-law had it for 8 Wisconsin winters, so that cant be too much worse. No more accident fears! Yay!

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Carol Lea - July 21 - 3:17 pm

  The car is perfect all around. Decent MPG, comfortable, loves the highway, large storage capacity.

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  Great purchase - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Deborah - July 19 - 10:37 pm

  I bought this car for my oldest daughter with 60,000 miles and it now has 146,300 and is still going strong. I have always done all the recommended maintenance on it. The AWD feature is good in the snow or rain. It has lasted longer than I ever expected and has been a great investment. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Love My 2016 Honda CR-V EX - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Brian Bratti - July 17 - 8:34 am

  Great car