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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  Practical and pretty and fun to drive - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kellyferg - June 15 - 9:11 am

  We love our new CRV and feel we made an economical choice but got a fun car to drive.

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  Hands-down, simply the best ever - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By surfer66 - June 14 - 3:44 pm

  We bought our silver 99 CRV new, and have done every maintenance step our trusted dealer has suggested. One major session, @ 100,000 M, cost $1200 another around $1000. This car hasnt skipped a beat, ever! It has been the most reliable, smoothest running car Ive ever owned in the 49 years Ive been driving. The 4-wheel on demand has never failed, and it was one of the first offered to the public at a reasonable price with that feature. Finally one small rust area has appeared. We we finally sell it and get a new CRV we hope it comes close to the quality of this one.

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  One Year Update - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jjbean12 - June 5 - 11:05 pm

  I have had my car for almost a year now. The CRV was a gift to myself after graduating college. I love everything about the car! I havnt had a problem since I drove it off that lot. Ive driven to the mountains in Colorado during bad winter storms. The automatic 4-wheel drive made me a bit nervous (in my Jeep I would manual turn on the 4-wheel drive), but it delivered every time. I suggest taking into an icy parking lot and driving around to get used to the feel of the 4-wheel drive. Overall, I love my car and I probably will continue buying Hondas.

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  Broken Engine Bolts - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By johnl123 - May 31 - 8:23 am

  I have a Honda Crv SE with 5000 miles and only 5 months old. While driving a few days ago 2 engines bolts broke. Luckily I was not killed. The Go Honda dealer in Westminster , CO said it could be fixed and he cannot let me break the lease because he would loose money and he would go out of business if everybody could just return cars. My car is not a lemon. I would have to have 5 similar occurrences, The managers name is Eric. I am supposed to drive this car with my 2 grandchildren, no way in hell. The staff at the dealership are rude, insensitive to say the least, including the overall manager Matt Hall. Honda needs to recall this model before someone is killed.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By littlemrslarge - May 20 - 9:52 pm

  I have owned my 2005 CR-V for about 4 1/2 years now and love it! It has about 120,000 miles on it now had 29,000 when I purchased it. No problems at all - all Ive done is change the oil on schedule (every 5000 miles), replace the tires and brakes once each, and regular maintenance items. Weve taken it on many 400+ mile trips and it provides a very comfortable and safe ride every time. Cargo room is great and comes in handy often! The interior plastic trim does gouge easily if youre not careful when loading large items, and the "H" on the steering wheel will discolor if wiped with a Clorox-type wipe (oops). Otherwise, its a fantastic vehicle that well have for years to come!

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  Love My CR-V! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv7 - May 17 - 11:14 pm

  I bought her used and have really only put minimal repairs into her. She only had 1 owner before me. They kept great records. I always take good care of her and keep her tuned up. I have had her for over 6 years and have put over 80 thousand miles on her. She has a totally of over 160,000 miles. She has been a GEM! I started looking for more fuel effecient vehicles lately, but I really dont want to give her up. I would have bought a new CR-V if they had kept a similiar style, but I really do not like the new style. Maybe, Ill just wait till she finally gives out on me. Her qualities will be hard to match! Great in the snow, durable, long lasting reliability and overall Outstanding quality

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  Best 1st/any car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By hondatoyotacj - May 15 - 11:47 pm

  This was my 1st car. 182,000 miles and it drove like a dream. I loved the way the truck drove and how it felt just sitting in it. My CR-V had a great smell, possibly of victory since its an amazing car. I got a new car and sold it (Mistake). I dont get the same feeling with my Xb. This will always be my favorite car. If I could find one around my house that had decent miles, Id be all over it. I plead for potential CR-V owners to purchase this truck. Join the family!

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  2011 CR-V SE AWD Great - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By nmt - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  First Honda and SUV. Only 300 miles on it but so far so good. Seems to be a great little SUV, as long as you drive easy. The 4 cy is not made for driving like you stole it or pulling of any kind. Ave mpg of 28, best I got so far was 33.2 mpg. That was driving like an old lady on a nice calm warm sunny day. However making the same trip in very winding conditions produced 22.1 mpg. So the 4 cy needs good conditions. Iam very pleased with the comfort, both front and rear seats. The rear seats are much better than the RAV4, especially for car seats. I agree with others that there are blind spots but no problems with wind noise or anyting else at this point.

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  Honda needs to address severe wind noise in their 2011 CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By newsandiegan - April 24 - 3:52 pm

  This is my first Honda, that I love in general. I took my first Pacific Coastal Highway trip and the mileage was not as promised, but the car rode nicely. Except, that on the freeways the windows wind noise is severe. I test drove it around the dealership and never on the freeway at 70 miles, my mistake. However, I do want Honda to know as dealership says it is a design problem and cannot be fixed. I sent my first payment to Honda Financing this month, in pain, as I am not entirely happy about this severe wind noise that ruins the conversation with your passengers. Lets do something as a group and make Honda aware of this and request a fix. Honda knows better than to ignore this problem.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jt17 - April 14 - 8:08 am

  I bought my CRV new and got a good deal--last 2004 on lot and a 5 speed. I get great gas milage because of the standard transmission. When I clean it up, it still looks great. I have only had one problem with it in 7 years, beyond scheduled service. My A.C. unit blew up--literally. I was having problems with it when it was under warrenty. I took it to the dealership and I was told that there was nothing wrong with the A.C. unit. I took it in several times--finally the dealership told me after examining the car under the special "sonic ears"-nothing was wrong. The A.C. unit completely blew a couple months later when the warrenty expired--the cost $2,600 out of pocket.