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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  Great in snow (and all year round) - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By darwinzfolly - December 31 - 12:55 pm

  Tested the CRVs mettle in a recent MN snowstorm (where we got 20 inches of snow). On the way home from work, the car plowed through the snow as if it wasnt there. I was impressed & felt very safe. Its great for shopping,hauling people and pets, and gets decent mileage.

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  Dissappointment - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kokomoboy - December 29 - 4:02 am

  Poor acceleration, poor highway mileage and annoying wind noise.

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  Best Bang for the buck - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jlemoine - December 21 - 3:51 am

  After months of research I finally narrowed our choice down to the CRV or the Rav4. Test drove both 3 times and found both suvs competent but overall I thought the CRV was superior. First, all the talk about power, all you hear is the CRV is underpowered compared to competitors like the RAV4, Bull!! The reviewers even Edmunds compares the CRV to the 6 cyl RAV4 but when compared to the 4cyl version the crv holds its own and then some. The rav4s sold are 85% 4 cylinders!! Come on reviews be fair! I find the crvs power just fine. Im 62:" and 275 lbs and find the driving area comfortable and best of all the CRV is fun to drive! Honda quality is 2nd to none

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  Nice car to own - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By whkg - December 19 - 1:48 pm

  Before I buy CRV, I read some of negative review about this car. I had similar feeling while I test drive. 1. Not able to pick up to 60 MPH 2. Engine wind noise But after I compare some other cars, I am glad I bought the car. I found it is not bad when you pick up. And most small car has similar wind issue. For the price, value of the and build in features, I think this is a nice car to own.

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  Great car but LOW TECH!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By damjadi - December 19 - 6:49 am

  Honda has some great lease deals (probably because of the low depreciation). The CRV has a car-like ride, tons of leg and head room and very comfortable seats. It is well designed and very flexible. It has an amazing turn radius and no major blindspots. The gas mileage is a little less desirable and the road noise is rather noticeable as is the idle. My biggest pet peeve is the lack of features standard in most other vehicles base models. To get bluetooth and iPod connections you have to get the EX-L with navigation, meaning an extra $3000. We got the SE for the larger, safer tire package, but the dealer stressed the upgrade to a 6 CD disc changer. Is this 1992?

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  6 month update - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By adansereau - December 18 - 6:28 am

  i now have nearly 5000 miles on my ex awd crv. quality, comfort, reasonable mpg ie 21-23 around town and 28 highway not to bad for awd. it is quite, handles well, and the build quality is second to none. i have had over 50 vehicles and i know a good one and this is one of the best . i have to say there is nothing that stands out that needs changing, it nearly perfect.

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  Great car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bpuharic - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My goal with any car is low cost of ownership. The Honda CRV (2000) is an AMAZING value. I bought mine with 5000 miles on the odometer, and kept it for 10 years. Its transmission finally gave up the ghost at 210,000 miles. Other than shocks, routine maintenance (timing belt, water pump, tires, etc.) it needed NO repairs, not even a headlight replaced. Its not the most comfortable or stylish car but it is one of the best values in the world.

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  Do NOT buy! Poor design, not worth the money - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By purdue_flunkie - December 14 - 4:10 pm

  Car has serious engine problems. Idle is very rough and you can feel vibrations transferring to the steering wheel. Problem occurs when the engine is fully warmed up and idle drops to 700 rpm. There is an unstable operating point which causes engine to resonate. I tested 3 different vehicles and all of them have this issue. This is clearly a design flaw and Honda refuses to acknowledge existence of the problem. Every time you stop at the light, you can feel vibrations like you sitting in an old American car.

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  Deficiencies in the CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car about a month. The drive is nice, fuel economy is reasonable for a CR-V and the interior space is more than adequate. However I find the Honda information on the CR-V EXL with Navigation deliberately deceptive. Two examples (a) there is no caller ID available on the unit with the Navigation system even though the technology guide that comes with the car says there is. (b) Honda says there are "heated driver and passenger seats". Well that is true but they dont say that the driver side seat has a heated bottom and back where as the passenger side has only a heated butt. Big difference ! Hope theres a law suit so Honda is punished for these deceptive practices.

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  My last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This review is not to bash the Honda, but let people be aware of potential problems with this vehicle. At about 70k km. the power steering pump had to be replaced, no a big deal since it was under warranty. At around 80k km. both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced – under warranty. Once the vehicle was off warranty the following items had to be replaced – all wheel bearings, the whole struts assembly (over $1200), ABS sensor, catalytic converter (over $1000), recently my u-joints “went” but they cannot be replace – the whole drive-shaft has to be replaced (over $1000). Currently some bushings should be replaced but I am putting this off, and seat belt sensor is not working ($300).