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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  Upgraded from Outback - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By fnc119 - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded my wifes 2009 Outback LTD in. The Outback was a good wagon, but the CR-V quieter, roomier with better pick up and better MPG.

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  Everything it is made out to be - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By 1st time honda owner - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car about 2 months ago. This is probably the best & safest choice in this class and price range. As an owner of a large European sedan I must admit I grew to appreciate this car over the last two months. Got it mostly for the price point & value but would highly recommend it to anyone, who is looking at this kind of car. Nothing really stands out, but the car, as the package, presents the best buy, from my opinion. (roomy interior, nice exterior, smooth ride, good breaks, excellent visibility, honda quality, 4WD for winter driving, good crash scores, great value, decent MPH) Whats not to like?. While it is NOT a luxury car by any means, it is a great "commuting vehicle".

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  Nothing could be finer - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dimo - November 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought our CR-V in 2003 at 35,000 miles now we have 197,654 hoping to go 1 million great travel auto can drive forever in comfort. Im looking for a 2nd one with about 50,000 miles on it I have 2 brand new cars and i love to drive this unit. nothing could be finer than to drive to Carolina from Mass. in my CR-V

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Miffy - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought our first CR-V mid November. Its a great crossover. Love the interior, exterior, everything! Weve had 4 previous Hondas, a Civic and 3 Accords and had no problems with any of them. We have great confidence in Honda. We needed the cargo space to haul things and it wasnt a disappointment to see how much room the CR-V has.

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  Nice car poor seats - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Gene - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Except for the seats, the quality is great. The seats are uncomfortable even with the 10 way adjustable power option. I am a big guy, 275, and after a few hours, my butt becomes sore. The seats remind me of coach airline seats. If I had known about the long term comfort made awful with the flimsy seats, I would of not purchased the car. My wife, 110, also could not find a comfortable position. The climate control is first rate and the radio is the best - the performance is ok but at 40 mph, it sounds like the engine is lugging. Alcohol gas content is critical. I purchased 87 gas at loves in Missouri and the gas mileage dropped 6 gpm and the performance deteriorated

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  A car for the elderly - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Economan - November 19 - 2:00 am

  First car owned since 2003 (havent needed one living in NYC). After 6 months of ownership & 6000 miles I am frustrated by this vehicle. The engine is amazingly weak off the line, the windshield wipers do not clear the windshield of rain, the a/c is weak above 90 degrees, and the suspension is loose and cheap. But the nav, bluetooth, back-up camera work well and it fits our family of 5 reasonably comfy. Definitely not a sports car or a luxury car, or all that enjoyable to drive. Will probably replace it with new X3 next year. Averaging 23 mpg city/highway combined.

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  Fantastic! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Warren - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the old girl with a little less than 30 000 miles on it. I was was warned never to buy a used rental. ten years later the car has 232,000 miles on it. In those ten years the car let me down once. (A freak electrical thing that ended up being a 50$ fix.) I have not been kind to this car. The thing is gutless (Good lord is it gutless) so I always seem to be over revving the car. I have towed WAY over its rated max weight. Im terrible at maintenance. NEVER changed the oil on time. The car has pocks from a Kansas hailstorm. I,ve been rear ended. I cannot kill this car for love or money. She is starting to show her years now. Just like her owner.

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  Great vehicle, but ONE bad experience - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Brian - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Had 2 Hondas in my lifetime. A CR-V wasnt what I wanted, but I decided to try it, vs. a car. Overall a great time. Short/long trips, hauled people and animals, towed trailers, packed it full, traveled in heat and snow (Great!). Overall reliable vehicle. Ive also enjoyed working on it (weekend mechanic) using Honda and Chilton manuals, saved some money. HOWEVER, Im one of many victims of burned valves (Gen1 engines). Owners were NOT notified of this issue, there WAS a bulletin A03-038 issued to garages, it WAS Preventable, but Repairs for this known problem were at owners expense ($2K+). HONDAS reputation has suffered - Im disappointed, not in CR-V, but in their management.

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  Not sure i should have bought it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jess - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Well I traded in a Toyota 4runner 1994 for this since I bought it I had to have the a o2sensor and a catalytic converter and a 3rd gear throttle sensor and has a small oil leak road noise why why I have not even had it a year the interior scratches easy I had my Toyota with 108,000 and did not do anything for 3 years on it never a Honda again

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  At 9000 miles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ChuckfromLI - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage has improved tremendously since the engine is broken in. Currently getting over 22 MPG in crowded suburban driving, up from 18 or so. Still very, very happy with the car. No problems, comfortable in the front and rear.