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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  First Honda of Many? - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By sw44057 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this CR-V a few weeks ago at the urging of my wife. Was surprised by the room inside the cabin. Very open design. Wish it had a V6 available but the four seems to do just fine, youre certainly not going to blow by people on the road.

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  Buzzing when car starts - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By larry - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought my cr-v new in 08 problem free till about a week ago, when starting , the relay switch buzzes.. Honda says its a "quirk", which to me says "problem" called the main office in CA was told to take it the dealership were my car can be checked out, but dought anything will be done about the buzzing.

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  Rear Differential - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Rear Differential - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my CR-V with two exceptions. First the original equipment tires failed after 30K and the rear differential has required "regular service" (at $100.00/per) four times in almost 60K miles, which are mostly highway miles. Honda "Engineers" are supposedly investigating the problem but it still will not help those of us who will drive the vehicle past the 60K mile warranty period. We will look elsewhere next year when we expect to replace this vehicle. The manual and my dealer recommends service every 30K miles, which in my estimation is a outright lie.

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  Not a bad vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jeff - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle but seats are very firm and uncomfortable for long drives. No real creature comforts or nooks and crannies for your stuff. Nice as a plain Jane grocery getter but not a family car or executive sedan. Brakes dust and are questionable quality after 500 miles. MPG is 25.5 with mostly hwy driving at 75 mph

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  Sales and service - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kathy714 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride , both in the city and highway, window visibility excellent. mileage, almost 30 on highway. handles easily.

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Teej - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Five hundred miles on the car so far and I am very pleased with the ride and fuel economy Im getting (26-27 mpg). Switched from a 2004 Jeep Liberty. Test drove RAV4 and found it to have more road noise and gauges/clock were more difficult to read. Forester is a slug in comparison to CR-V. There is plenty of acceleration, especially where it matters - when you are trying to pass people at 75 mph on a steep hill. Its a little sluggish between 25-35 mph but you can get the acceleration you need if youre willing to be heavy footed. Interior layout is generally good. Seats are a little stiff and the lack of storage in the console is an annoyance. All in all - very happy with my decision!

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  HogHondas First Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By HogHonda - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased CR-V 10 days ago ($27,800) and have no complaints. Great Interior Fit,Opal Sage Metallic exterior, great finish. Took first trip to city and ran 60-70 mph on highway with AC on. Set cruise and got 32 mpg if computer is correct. Car runs smooth and does not feel underpowered as others have complained. Bridgestone Duelers tend to be a bit noisy. The blue tooth,voice navigation is great so far as is the audio connectivity. Interior fit is fine but needs a good wood grain upgrade kit! Projector halogens are better than expected at night, but not quite like the Xenons on my Acura RL. Will update review in the future. Look forward to Honda reliability.

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  Super reliable fun CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mimic - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my CR-V, drive more than average, never have had any major problems just regular expected maintenance. Hondas are just built like rocks, this is my third and not my last!

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  ok car but not great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By anna fekete - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, quick acceleration, cheap fabric interior, mileage only 24/gal- not great, very light, hard time drive in winter, tires bad after 2 years.

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  Nice to Drive - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By North Coast Shopper - November 3 - 2:00 am

  First brand new car Ive purchased in 30 yrs. Replaced a 2000 Maxima and, yes, I miss the pickup and comfort that the Maxima had BUT the Maxima rode so low that my vision was constantly blocked by SUVs and trucks and it drove me crazy. The CR-V is comfortable, the interior is roomy and I can see in front of me. I am happy with the trade off of safety for speed. Besides, while the car doesnt accelerate as quickly I find I dont mind it at all. Mileage was low to begin with but since I hit the 2000 mile mark (it only had 4 miles on it when I got it) I am getting about 21 in town and 28 on the highway - better than my Maxima and I dont need premium gasoline!