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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  BEWARE-Rear view window has poor visibility - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By dljon - April 8 - 12:02 pm

  If theres someone short standing behind the vehicle, you will not be able to see them because the rear view window leaves a huge blind spot. I bought this car solely because of safety features, not realizing this problem. Definitely recommend a back up camera even though I never needed one in past vehicles. Also, the gas mileage is no where near as good as it should be. Still love the car as its very comfortable to sit in with good lower back support. The car also handles perfectly. The AWD handles beautifully in the snow and ice. I would have not made it through this winter without these features! I would recommend this car 100% if the owner got a back up camera.

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  9 months 8000 miles - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By adansereau - April 1 - 12:13 pm

  a perfect fit finish and no problems with this suv are impressive. one oil change, wash and drive !! gas mpg knocking around this winter 21.5 down from 23 in the summer. did a 200 mile trip in feb. half highway 69 - 70 mph and half country roads 45- 55 mpg and it returned a true 28.4, not bad for an all wheel drive vehicle. the comfort and ride and versatility of this makes it a great reliable suv that has more room than some larger ones.

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  Daily driver - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jerry154 - April 1 - 2:47 am

  I purchased my CRV used with 111,000 miles and have driven it daily for about 5 years. Super reliable vehicle that has ample interior room and surprisingly large cargo area. It runs good, handles good, does excellent in the snow (I live on a hill in the country and have never been stuck or had to walk once), and gets superb gas mileage compared to other SUVs. My commute is only about 10 miles one way to work, and even with several long trips including one to Florida I have only logged 25,000 miles so far. Not impressive by any means but this car has needed zero work done on it, other than oil changes. In the past I have had many American cars driven the same need lots of work.

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  Good car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By hardfire454 - March 31 - 4:02 pm

  I enjoy this car, but for a Honda, the fuel economy is a bit disappointing

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  2011 CRV Quality but missing a few things - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mview - March 28 - 7:15 pm

  1 month into my new purchase with less than 600 miles I was a bit unsure I did the right thing. However my dealer helped me through resolving my issues. My issue was the rough ride due to a large degree the factory tires (Continental) which rode okay on new smooth roads but not on any others. My dealer worked out a deal with me and I traded out the Contintals for Michelins (required extensive on line research in Honda Forums etc) now and all is good. When purchasing this vehicle I would negotiate a tire upgrade before driving away. I have owned Subarus, Toyotas, and yes now I can add my first Honda to my list of quality cars.

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  Best Little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jcihak - March 26 - 2:07 pm

  Ive had my CR-V for six month and driven it through a very snowy Pennsylvania winter. Overall, I love the CR-V and would not hesitate to buy one again. Pros: - Part time AWD was great in snow and icy conditions. Never got stuck even going up icy roads. Got wind-blown into a snow bank and drove right back out - Great MPG for AWD SUV - averaging almost 26 mpg mostly rural (29mpg on the highway) - Leather seats are very very comfortable on long drives - Tons of cargo capacity Cons: - Mine and many other CR-Vs have poor fit and finish. Doors and trim dont line up right. - Jarring over bumps - more like a truck than a car - Nav is primitive and overpriced

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  Drivers seatback - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By ronnied - March 8 - 2:03 pm

  I have had my CR-V EX-L with leather seats for 4 months and I still cant get comfortable in the drivers seat. The seatback is too narrow and the side airbag is costantly digging into my ribs. I have tried moving the seat position every way I can but I still cant find a position where my back is not on the side of the seat. I have not heard of anyone else complaining about this. I am 58" and 195lbs. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem. Please let me know if it is just me or is it a real problem. Thanks.

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  2011 CRV SE - 175 Miles - Power Steering Out - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By faye7 - March 8 - 1:05 pm

  I cannot describe my disappointment. At 175 miles, the Power Steering went out and car is at the dealer waiting for parts. It has other noises yet to be determined, excluding wind noise. I expect more from a new car and especially from Honda. This is unacceptable and a reflection of Hondas Quality Control Department. I had no problems with my 2003 CRV so I purchased another one solely for the reliability even though I liked another car better. It certainly has failed my reliability expectation. This 2011 CRV can not compare to the 2003 CRV build quality/reliability. Honda has issues and I have lost confidence. I seriously regret buying this 2011 CRV and wish I had kept my 2003 CRV.

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  Road Warrier - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By baba2cj - March 5 - 9:38 am

  I bought my CR-V two months ago and use it for my company car. I travel 1000 miles (NC, SC and GA) a week. I am 61 and a little over 200lbs. I do own two other Hondas (05 Pilot 190k miles, and 07 Accord 120k) so I may be a little biased. The CR-V is the best automobile I have ever owned for my use. The power is more than adequate. I am averaging 27.2 miles a gallon over 6k miles so far. The initial seat comfort is a little harsh but, within a month of driving regularly, has softened. The steering is dead on and tight. I havent felt any of the "vibrations" I read about in other reviews. Maybe Ive just been lucky but I have never had an issue with my Hondas.

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  11 years of worry free driving - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mr_blablabla - February 26 - 10:26 am

  Bought new in 2000. The air condition stop working in 2010 got the freon replaced and i was back in business. That was the only issue ive had in 11 years and its never let me down,not bad eh!. Its all about reliability and this little truck is still running strong with 335,000 kms on it. My daughter wants it so i guess ill go look at something new.