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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  Endlessly Loving My 2001 CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By pjcook1 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  An excellent vehicle, excellent manufacturing, zero defects since day 1. Very good in snow/rain. Love the styling & feel. Good visibility. This is NOT a muscle car, poor acceleration to highway speed, difficulty getting out of its own way BUT hey, when youre doing 65 youre doing 65. Wind noise at speed. OK gas mileage 16-18 city 20-21 hwy. Great ground clearance, jump curbs all the time to park or get out of minor physical jams (not always to the Mrs. liking).

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  Love at 1st site - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By 300K + - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This was the 1st car I bought brand new & wanted to keep. 11 yrs later & 300k + miles she runs like a charm, very little maintenance, brakes were still good after 120k. I wish they never changed the body style after 2001.

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  Influenced by the past - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Flyfisher - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3 rd CR-V since 2005 and what a change. The new CR-V was made in the US which may make a difference. The other 2 were pure Japanese. Acceleration is nonexistent. Feels like I am pulling an anchor whenever I hit the gas. With AC on, its even worse . The center console is nice but if you drop anything between it and the seat, you have to hire a contortionist to retrieve it. I dont like the auto drivers seat as the ranges are not as complete as the old manual controls. Loads of blind spots in this baby. I didnt even consider a different car as mt 2007 was a peach. I shouldnt have traded it in. This is my last CR-V and I cant wait to trade for a different brand.

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  First CR-V and PROUD OF IT! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By SR - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a 2010 CRV EX AWD and very happy with my purchase. Had for a little over a week now and did about 250 miles already and only because I enjoy driving it. Runs real smooth and handles like a car. The additional height is perfect for someone who has owned 2 sedans in the past. My only gripe is that the wind noise is not blocked completely but given my kind of driving [home, office, weekend groceries and movies], it really doesnt matter to me. I keep it at 60-65 mph most of the time mainly because I love the feel of driving it and I am not in a rush to go anywhere. Ill probably come back with more updates later.

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  FamilyMobile - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By astrom - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The good: (a) Great for our family with the 2-year old twins. My wife can sit in the back between two car seats. At the same time, my mother can ride in the passenger seat. So it moves three adults and two kids and all the attendant stuff easily and comfortably (b) well equipped: gray leather is great with the kids, love heated seats and mirrors, good stereo (e.g. subwoofer, 6-CD changer, MP3 playback, auxiliary input for an iPod), love the sunroof (c) acceptable fuel economy (21 mpg overall), (d) 4WD is handy in winter (e) trouble-free after 19,000 miles (f) easy to live with, like a toaster, turn on/turn off, nothing more or less. Bad: (a) road noise (b) weak engine

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  My First Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Ed - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have friends who drive CR-Vs and love them. I researched different cars in its class and got a good deal on this. It does have more road noise than my former car did though the ride and seats are very comfortable. The radio, CD, MP3 system is great and sounds terrific. The interior is roomy and deceiving from the outside. Im looking forward to see how it handles in the snow. Not even 700 miles on it and Im getting 27.5 MPG on the highway.

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  CRV review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By RAW - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this CR-V with 26K miles and am now at 190K and have not had to do much other than oil changes, occasional brakes, tires, etc. It still runs very good. My only annoyances are that the door locks work intermittently using the remote, so I have to use the key. Also, lumbar support is almost non-existent causing fatigue on longer trips.

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  First 400 miles - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By howard - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Just finished the first 400 miles. Overall liked it. This vehicle was assembled in Japan, and it is much better than another new vehicle I test drove at the dealer (Same model but made in North America). That vehicle gets a lot of engine noise when I tried to accelerate. So I guess the build quality is different in different assembly plants. By the way, I asked the dealer to add the tailgate spoiler. I have to tell you: It looks much better than without it! I also installed a Honda remote engine remote starter. Was a little bit surprised when seeing the remoter - quick big and thick. It knocked my knee all the time during the driving, so I kept it at home, i.e not use it.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By pabatang - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Terrible! No pick-up power, poor acceleration, poor gas mileage, dangerous due to poor acceleration on the highway. For safety I have to trade in for a different make.

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  The first 100 miles - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Howard - September 5 - 2:54 pm

  Just pass the 100 miles! This car came straightly from Japan and had only single digits on it. Overall it is a good car and handling is very good. Yes, it does have the wind noise as others commented. Engine noise varied - The one I bought is much better than another CR-V I test drove at dealer (Made in diff plant). So I guess there exists some diff among plants. By the way, I installed the remote starter, which is a little bit and heavy in the pocket - a small surprise.