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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  A reliable, durable pleasure! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By freshlife51 - March 21 - 12:04 am

  Ive thoroughly enjoyed this tough little SUV!! From Sept. 2005 thrul March 2012 Ive put about 70,000 miles on my EX automatic transmission, city driving about 3/4 of the time. Its agile (fantastic turn circumference & good get-up-and-go for hwy on-ramps), comfortable & roomy (great passenger & cargo space! Car seat plus 2 adults fit in back), & has cheerfully handled our over-loaded vacation road trips. Ive not had to put a dime into my CR-V except for scheduled maintenance & to (rarely) replace "disposables" like a bulb or tires. Not luxurious but quite comfortable. Road noise is annoyingly pronounced (get with it, Honda!!), but otherwise, this attractive workhorse has been a pure joy!

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  This CUV/SUV is great!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By chuckles0505 - March 18 - 9:45 pm

  I absolutely adore mine! I bought it a couple of years ago, and I love it -- it is 100% better than the stupid Civic I had, a definite lemon, unfortunately. However, the CRV makes up for all that!!! It handles wonderfully, is quiet, has enough power for me, and has caused me no problems whatsoever!!! What a relief to finally have such a great car!!

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  Bad Tires, CD players and Poorly Assembled - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kalam1970 - March 15 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my NEW Honda CR-V in Feb 2010. It was assembled in Mexico. On the basis of reliability reputation of Honda, I decided to buy CR-V out of 3 choices- CR-V, RAV4 and Subaru Forester. In Feb 2010, Toyota was giving very good deal (0% APR) and Forester was rated the best. However, price for RAV4 and Forester was $1000 more than CR-V LX. As I thought I got good deal and I dont have any Brand biasness, I bought CR-V. After 2yrs and driving 21,000 miles, it needs tire changed costing me $850. I am disappointed. Honda did not keep up its reputation. Plastic things fall off, clock runs fast, CD player get very hot within short time. Make noise when starts moving due to loose plastic...

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  You gotta luv it ! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By chuckles6 - March 13 - 7:23 pm

  I have only had this car for 3 weeks. I wanted to wait longer to write a review, However Im so excited about this little SUV I just had to let it out. With 600 miles on this car there is nothing I do not like about it. I have owned 60 cars and trucks in the last 36 years, 13 of them Hondas. Like always Honda has done it again. Solid, Quiet, and quality the just does not stop. I have owned Toyotas, Nissans, Subarus, Fords, Chevys, BMWs, Mazadas, etc. Everytime I switch to a different brand, I always miss my Hondas. This SUV feels very upscale when driving down the road. The interior is very pleasant and comfortable. Fit & finish is great. If you are thinking about it, you gotta get one.

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  Great First Car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By bsmithmcrobie - March 12 - 8:39 pm

  My mom bought this car used when it was 7 years old and we used it for me to learn how to drive and to have. It was a very reliable car and I loved to have it. It came in handy when all my friends and I wanted to go to the ocean for a weekend and wed pack my CR-V and fit comfortably. I got a decent trade-in and got a Honda Civic so I had something better on fuel that I would have after college.

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  So So - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jsonaday - March 6 - 4:13 pm

  Power is embarrassing! This thing struggles to get to 65mph! i bought this car used and i had to replace some things but its still pretty reliable and some what comfortable. awd only turns on if the car feels like its slipping.. If you are looking to buy a ex, the cloth seating is terrible because the foam is so loose that its flat all over the seat by 40k miles. Do like the interior other then that, well then theres that super annoying audio system that sucked so much i had to replace it...

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  2012 Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By happyhonda2 - March 6 - 8:31 am

  I love my new Honda Crv and was lucky to have a great salecman named Oscar G. Nichols who even offered to pick my new suv up when it needs service.This was a good experience for me because I think I was treated very fair and good.

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  Much Better Than a RAV4 - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By dave347 - March 5 - 6:30 pm

  Just traded a 2009 RAV4 for the 2012 CRV-EX. The CRV is much quieter, less road noise, peppier and much more comfortable. It looks better and rides so much better. We are hoping the reliability is as high but we think that with Honda it will be.

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  Good SUV for a 4 cylinder - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By stevenzhuli - March 4 - 6:43 pm

  I have been driving about 3 months and 6000KMs, take me about a month to get used to this little SUV. Overall I rate this car "OK" level. Only thing I feel not so good is the acceleration. A little bit slow to speed up from a complete stop. Also only when run at about 75-80 KM/Hour, I can feel some kind of vabriation, which is wired, normally should be very smooth at this speed. My small car 2011 Nissan Sentra, much more quieter than this SUV at any speed. Also my gas mileage: use 87 regular gas, get about 9.2L/100KMs. With 89 gas, get about 8.2L/100KMs. 75% on contryside road, 25% cuty driving. So I feel put 89 gas is a win for the money and car. saving about 50 cents per 100 KMs.

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  2012 CRV Review From A Unique Perspective - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ksako - February 25 - 11:17 am

  I recently purchased a 2012 Honda CRV EX. My perspective may be unusual because I also purchased a 2011 CRV EX a few weeks earlier, so I can compare the differences in both. Both of these vehicles replaced my 1999 & 2000 CRV LX, so my take on the differences in CRVÂ’s may be somewhat unique. Honda may have picked areas to improve on that not everyone may agree with.