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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  Great crossover - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By enginemedic21 - April 27 - 9:26 am

  I purchased this vehicle in the past week after doing about a month of researching different vehicles online and visiting the dealership for test drives.As I am a college student I was not able to purchase the EX-L model but I am more than happy with the LX model I purchased.I drove pick up trucks all my life(F150/Ranger/Tacoma) so I needed a SUV that could pull a trailor but also wasnt bad on gas as my commute is going to be far.I test drove the new CX5,Rav4,Rogue, etc and found these to be the strong points on the Hondasmooth/quiet ride,most power(for the 4 cylinder),interior build quality and there sync system is amazing.Im able to like/dislike Pandora songs from my steering wheel.

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  Great small Suv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By small3 - April 22 - 6:35 am

  I have had my 1999 Honda Suv for 6 years with no problems! It now has 343000 on the clock but still goes like a dream. The AWD for me is great. I have launched my boat in some really awkward places at Jozini dam but the car never let me down. We had a holiday at Pont D Outo this year and the car had no problems with the sand we didnt get stuck once!!! And those sand roads are bad.

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  lovin the new 2012 Honda cr-v ex-l awd - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By bbhondaguy - April 19 - 12:34 pm

  I am not affiliated with Honda, I just buy them. This Honda is stellar in every aspect. I traded in my 2008 crv lx, which I liked also, very good quality. This redsigned crossover is so nice and if you are thinking of buying one...go for it! If you can opt for the the ex-L I recommend going with this one. It will not disappoint. People that say Honda needs to put a 6 speed tranny and 6 cyl in these are nuts! This 4 cyl. has more HP than previous models and better gas mileage. Stellar performance and reliability is what consumers want and its what Honda delivers in all of the their vehicles. You cannot go wrong with the 2012 crv or any Honda new or used!

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  Great SUV, but underpowered - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jhesselbein - April 18 - 2:06 pm

  The 2012 CR-V has a lot to offer. Ergonomically, it is very practical - everything is within the drivers reach, including climate controls, radio controls (which are redundant on the steering wheel), bluetooth, etc. The instrument cluster is a fresh design and its fuel economy is certainly respectable for a small SUV (I average about 26-29 depending on type of driving: city v. highway). There is ample room in the rear seats for average-sixed adults. The powertrain operates very smoothly and the vehicle, overall, have a very car-like driving demeanor.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By hillaryous - April 18 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car used in July of 2011. It had one previous owner and 130,000 miles. Since Ive bought it I have put just over 10,000 miles on it. I have so much fun driving it. My sister drove it once and loved it too. Its very spacious. It is a little noisy but that just gives me a reason to turn the music up louder. Its great for roadtrips and just back and forth to school and work. I will drive this into the ground and then will probably buy a Pilot instead of another CR-V because I dont like that the newer models backends open up instead of out to the side plus I like the extra room.

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  CRV Tires are Junk - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By newmanrn - April 12 - 6:41 pm

  I purchased this CRV in May 2011, after 8,000 miles we got a vibration from the rear of the car. At 23,000 it was so bad I had to replace the tires with still half the tread left. When they pulled the rear tires, there were flat spots so big, the bounced up and down when they rolled them over to the tire changer machine. There was a 4" wide flat spot across the tires. It came with the Bridgestone Dueler HT470 tires. These tires are junk. Another item that disturbes me is the oil is constantly dirty. I started with using the oil life indicator for oil changes, but the oil was so black, I moved it up to 3,000 miles and it is still dirty. Even with the software update it is still bad.

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  Great Colorado college car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By ftstdnt_andmom - April 9 - 2:02 am

  Im a full time college student and a mom so this car mostly fits the budget! I bought my car 6years ago with 32,000 miles now it has just over 175,000 (I drive a lot) its showing its age now. The biggest problem is the A/C unit. The clutch arm went out 3 years ago and its just not feasible for me to have it repaired. Not having AC is annoying but not nearly as annoying as 2 complaining kids in the back seat.

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  Our third Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By harvest - April 2 - 4:26 pm

  Weve had our 2012 Honda CRV EX for about 2 months now and have put about 3000 miles on it. Compared to the 2004 CRV we previously owned it is quieter, rides smoother, looks more modern, and has more electronic features such as hands free bluetooth for your cell phone. We chose it over a 2012 Toyota RAV4 because the CRV had more comfortable seats and my wife, as the primary driver, liked that there was a flat space between the seats to put her purse (or even stuff it down in the storage area between the seats). The fabric on the seats is softer than the coarser RAV4 fabric. We had one long trip and got 28 mpg at 70 mph but around 31 mpg at 60 mph on rural highways.

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  Checking in at 20K - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - April 1 - 8:21 pm

  Just passed 20K recently. Went on KBB a few minutes ago to see what the car is worth. Private party value for very good condition is 21K. That means I only lost about $5500 in almost three years and 20,000 miles, and I didnt even enter my mileage. Their default was like 40K miles! Car is overall very, very good. Love the heated seats and the sound system. I have not had any problems at all. Washed it by hand today and I was surprised to see the tires getting close to wear bars. I would guess theres another 7 or 8K left on them. In fact, I like it so much we may buy a 2012 for my wife.

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  An okay car - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By rheramb - March 25 - 7:58 pm

  Standard dislikes noisy, Continental tires are probably the worst tires I have ever had , meager interior convenience-cup holders, storage. A rumbling sound in suspension/wheels, more like a low roar.Got the Glacier Blue and wish I had chosen anothr color because it is so common. In our climate Honda has trouble with brake corrosion regardless of the model..