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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  new crv - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By yankeefan56 - September 18 - 11:49 am

  my wife and i went out on labor day to buy a new suv...we both liked the nissan rogue,but after driving the honda crv...it was a done deal...the vehicle is fun,roomy,4 wheel drive ...while this car only has 175 miles on it...will keep you guys posted,but so far...excellent

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  Great vehicle for small family - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 06roadking - September 12 - 8:05 pm

  Traded in a Chevy Traverse - too much vehicle and $$ at the gas pump. City, highway and combined driving havent disappointed - just returned from a trip traveling over 1200 miles. This is a smaller vehicle than Ive owned in the past, with some great features and performance youd expect with a 4-cylinder. It is extremely comfortable to drive - I am 63". Plenty of room for luggage too. Cabin noise is average on smoothly paved roads, and below average on rougher surfaces. Overall, were extremely pleased with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to someone(s) in the market for a small family vehicle.

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  At 15,000+ miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chuckfromli - September 3 - 7:31 am

  Just had it in to Honda for a recall regarding a transmission upgrade. Also had my third oil change and tire rotation at this time. No problems with the vehicle at all. Gas mileage varies a lot though. It can get 26-27 MPG on highway if the road is level. That will drop to 22-24 if there are hills. Around the crowded suburbs I average about 21 MPG. The leather seats are cheap, no doubt. It seems only the drivers seat is actually leather. And there is a lot of wind noise if you open just one of the front windows on the highway. You need to crack open one of the rear windows too. But this is true in many cars and vans these days it seems.

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  10 years and 130K miles still strong (with caveats) - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By ruckerz - August 30 - 10:11 pm

  Bought this car new and still purrs like a puppy ten years later. Things to keep an eye out on [1] Automatic transmissions, dont forget to change that oil regularly. [2] I had to replace the radiator at around 90,000 miles. It developed a crack in the cheap plastic casing in the front right below the fill port. [3] Lube that rear differential regularly. Youll definitely need to change it if you notice that tight turns at low (5 mph) speeds causes a humming from the rear. [4] ADJUST VALVE CLEARANCES early and regularly! The cylinder heads on the first generation CRVs are soft aluminum and the valve seats can recede into the head cooking your valves and a very costly repair

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  Tried Subarus, Toyotas and went back to Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - August 27 - 3:32 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Outback Ltd for my wife for Mothers Day 2009. It was good car just not comfortable comfortable. After 18 months my wife asked me to to get her something different. I suggested an RX350, a Highlander or a Pilot. She said she wanted something smaller so I did some research went to the local Honda dealer and he made me an offer that was too good to be true on a 2011 CRV EX-L. My wife fell in love with it, so did our daughter inlaw and daughter along with their husbands. Both girls got CRVs within two months of my wife. The entire family made the switch within the past year from Toyotas, SAABs and VWs to Honda.

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  Will have to change tires in 1 year :( - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By hondaduras - August 23 - 12:28 pm

  I have had the CR-V for a year. I REALLY like it. BUT I was dissappointed to find out that I have to buy new tires after only 1 year. The original tires got cupped because they have the LOWEST possible wear-rating of 360. So, keep this in mind when buying. Otherwise, I am very satisfied with the CR-V.

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  LOVED My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jval - August 17 - 2:05 pm

  My dad purchased the 2003 CR-V LX 4WD new in 2002. When I was ready to drive, he passed it down to me. I drove it for the next eight years with only a few fixes. The front/rear brakes and alternator were the most major repairs, but with good reason. I went to school in Ithaca, NY for four years and the snow/sleet/hail took its toll. For the winter beatings it went through, it held up great. I recently got in an accident and my CR-V was totaled - a Chevy truck hit my front passenger wheel. The impact hit all the right spots and my poor CR-V couldnt be repaired. It was only at 78,500 miles. Its a HUGE shame - this car had many years left in it. I miss it greatly.

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  SEATS & CARGO Are Disappointing - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kirbyfred - August 15 - 11:52 am

  Leather seats here are a joke- look and feel like vinyl, v. lo quality "leatherette" maybe? And sides and back of seats are clearly vinyl, leather is seating area only- cheaply done. Heated seats work poorly, v. disappointing. Leather and heat in my old BMW 325 seats are far superior- - Honda blew it here, and the "leather"/heated seats are clearly not worth the extra cost for upgrade. Cargo: rear seats do not fold forward far enuff they leave 6" of dead space between front and back seat area- - my skinny road bike does not fit well in here. Would be nice if rear seats could be removed & reinserted easily.

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  I love my C-rv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By linzee09 - August 10 - 9:02 am

  I love this car its cute and small its all I need. Gets great gas mileage. I brough mine with 143,000 and it has 154,000 on it no problems. These cars will run forever IF you maintence them. If your buying one make sure they have had a vavle adjustment or run away from it. The vavles need adjusted every 30k dont go buy the book!!!!! This car is very nosiy and bumpy but guess what its a honda not a lexus. Its also very underpowered but it doesnt borther me to much im not racing it so it doesnt matter. Its a great car I love it.

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  Not so reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By colibri1 - August 8 - 4:25 pm

  Bought this Honda (first and last one) used with 88,000 km and a little warranty left. Noticed that it consumed about 1 liter of oil every 3000 km. Took it to the dealer - he said it is normal for Hondas (????) At 112,000 km had to replace engine. Luckily air conditioning is working fine. Not happy. Not the greatest gas mileage either. Very noisy on the highway - can not hear radio clearly. Will never buy Honda again.