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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  Its Great ! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my lifetime and this one has got to be the best ever. I love the ride quality (more like a car than an SUV).It has plenty of interior room for passengers as well as cargo.I cant understand why anyone would pay a higher price for one of those heavy suvs when this one does it all at an affordable price.The CRV is an exceptional value even if you pay full sticker price for it. (I didnt)

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  Still Loving it!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - June 25 - 1:25 pm

  I have owned my CRV for 8 months now and I still love this SUV!!! We just took the CRV on a family vacation to the beach and my sons lacrosse tournament, and my husband was VERY impressed... we were able to fit beach chairs, luggage, folding- sporting event chairs and lacrosse equipment all in the back without blocking the rear view. He was also pleased with the ease of parking in small spaces!! I was always one to avoid parallel parking whenever I could, but with my CRV, I have absolutely no problem with parking!!! This by far is the best vehicle Ive owned yet.

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  Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jaytee2126 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little SUV! Fun to drive, rides lika my Saturn. Great for this small (51") woman, and her bigger hubby! Very competitive pricing. Excellent options included on base model. Love it love it love it!

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  SWINGIN LITTLE CR V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Donald ROSS - June 23 - 10:29 am

  I like the larger size tires, would recommend them. We are older and it is easier to get in and out of. The radio is great, enjoy sirius and all the options. Would have liked to have had the auto rear door opener. All in all the car is great, has a great ride and easy to handle. Plenty of horse power, get up and go. All around, a nice car and very quiet in the cabin.

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  Unhappy with gas mileage - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By DW - June 22 - 7:15 pm

  I have yet to see 20 miles per gallon even on long trips and not going over 60 miles an hour.

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  I like new cars, and I cannot lie! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jenn Ashley - June 22 - 12:16 am

  I really needed an SUV after our move to the country. I am excited to be able to drive in the snow again!

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  Wow. Great car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Harrison Grothoff - June 21 - 1:33 pm

  I loved the CRV! It was the best car I had ever gotten. I wish it came in a manual shiftstick though. I would have loved it more!

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  Fun and reliable vehilce - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SamIam - June 19 - 4:40 am

  Traded a 2005 altima. AWD needed in the hills of VT even if snow has been scarce this year it will come. First impression is vehicle feels very tightly built. Feels safe and secure. Mileage has been a resonable 25-26 mostly city with some highway during commute. Higher when just highway. Fit and Finish are excellent as usual with Honda. Down side is no storage to speak of in the main cabin area.

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  Buy one while you can - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Taysean - June 18 - 10:36 am

  I drove an 01 SE till late 06 and was very satisfied. I just recently, 6/5/09, bought an 06 EX w/ 14k miles on it. Needed 4WD to get to WV but wanted the mileage too. Definitely not disappointed. Drive 30 miles to work each day - averaging 32 MPG. Drove a good distance to buy vehicle which was described as "pristine". Was not even close w/ scratches, chips, etc. Saw CR- Vs with 50k miles in better condition. But overall, I am pleased w/ the vehicle.

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  A Good Value - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ted - June 17 - 5:06 pm

  Ive had the car for just over a week now, and I like it a lot. It is very quiet, the handling is sporty, and the build quality is excellent. Its also a lot roomier than the last time I tried a CRV (although that was back in 2001). I had been considering the Mercury Mariner, but the CRV won me over with its good looks, superior resale value and Hondas reputation for reliability. It also just feels a lot more solid; the doors close securely and do not feel as flimsy as the Mercurys.