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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  Not So Sure - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Peacegirl - September 4 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 5 months now and I cant seem to bond with it. This is my third CR-V. Had an 02 and an 06. Traded the 06 for the 10 and have regretted that. Acceleration is very sluggish blind spots backing up and changing lanes- just cant see out of this vehicle. Liked the rear door that opened to the side on the previous models. If this vehicle is wet (rain or dew) and I open the rear door I get a shower. If its raining I have to keep the wiper going to clear the rear glass, not so with my 02 and 06. If you drop something between the seat and console, you wont see it again. Thought of trading this for a Subie, but they dont rate much better.

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  Great little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Beater - September 4 - 12:51 am

  I have driven this sweet little SUV for 17 months and average 26 to 27 MPG on the highway and around 23 in town. It burns regular gas which is nice, it can comfortably seat 4 adults and hold 4 sets of golf clubs. It hauls my drums, go skiing, its great around town and the highway. I sold my Acura RDX turbo that got 14 mpg around town and burned premium gas. This is so much more economical. The rear seats recline, its all wheel drive when you need it. Its 4 banger engine is peppy. I had after market leather and heated seats added. You cant go wrong with this sweet little SUV! It a great little SUV!

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  My first suv - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By grandmaelk - September 2 - 9:43 pm

  I loved my Saturn and they went away. I needed a new car, small and up off the ground. All research led to Honda CR-V. I have only had it a few days but love it. My Husband has a Yukon and I am just as comfortable in the CR-V. Visibility is much better than I expected. I like the interior layout. Not too overdone. I have leather interior which helps avoid the cheap look of the fabric interior. I love that the Ipod hook up accepts flash drives. I do not have the Ipod brand (boycotting) and the drive allows me to listen to all my music and not worry about my MP3, But Honda needs to look at Hyundai, they are a close second.

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  Slug - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By NLS - September 2 - 8:03 pm

  Im averaging 24-25 mpg local and 29- 30 mpg highway but the trade off is the sluggishness when trying to merge. It is worse yet when you have to come almost to a stop when a car in front of you is making a turn and then the CR-V really cant get out of its own way. Its scary when cars approaching you from behind think you are going to be able to pick up speed but your accelerator does nothing, even had one pull to the shoulder to avoid me.

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  Great car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bpuharic - September 1 - 1:26 pm

  I have 203,000 on my CR-V. In that time Ive replaced the shocks, and the timing belt (as recommended.) Usual stuff like tires, etc. Other than that, NO maintenance issues at all. None. It always starts, always runs. I drove it from Dallas to Philly when it had 180,000 on it with no problem. It gets about 25 mpg. Great car, cheap to own.

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  Rolling along in my 01 cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By aileen - August 28 - 5:22 pm

  i love this little cutie, i bought this in 2007 with 75,000 miles for 10k, it now has 11,900 miles on the odometer. its been very reliable for me. i went to Florida and back to pa where i live and ran smooth. i plan on keeping this cutie till it dies.

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  I love my CR-V! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ben - August 27 - 6:37 pm

  I love my CR-V, its not only great looking but fun to drive. I love the performance it has to offer, and it looks very classy without having to pay the big buck. I would definitely get another CR-V next time Im ready to buy another car.

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  MiniTank - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By FW - August 26 - 10:33 pm

  This CR-V is an all wheel drive model, with manual 5speed The winning attributes are: All wheel Drive (I live in MN) Mileage is 20 city 25 hwy. build quality is great. ride and handling are great. load capacity in interior square footage is great. although she sags pretty easily with a weighty load. Engine runs super. breaking is great. the negatives are: drivers legroom is cramped. rear hatch door opens to the side (poopy in the rain). if you are someone who appreciates practicality and reliability vs fluff, you will like this car. (lookout for the legroom issue)

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  It grows on you - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By MikeCVS18 - August 26 - 8:35 pm

  After 800 miles I am getting the feel of the 180 hp 2.4 L engine and finding it easier to access highways. Very responsive when passing . I am a average 55-65 mph driver. Driver seat broken in and comfortable, but still firm. Interior layout very good. The more I drive the CR-V the more I like it, also the layout on the dashboard nice placement, clear view.

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  Very Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By RR - August 24 - 12:55 pm

  Took this on lease just this month- maybe I still need to figure out features and vehicle still in breaking in period, but overall very disappointed with it. Noisy engine/ ac compressor, very poor pickup, difficult accelerating into a highway, fuel consumption around 17 mpg, stiff suspension transmits bumps straight through to passengers. Cheap interior design- driver seat arm rest needs getting used to, Bluetooth device linked to nav system does not display incoming call number, nav system configured to show roads as us# rather than road names. Wouldnt recommend- test drive RAV4 (comes with either bluetooth/nav but not both), or Subaru Forester (might have to wait-not readily available)