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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  Useful SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By albatem - August 1 - 11:30 am

  Although this car is sluggish and not at all sporty it is a very useful vehicle. When the rear seats are folded flat there is a great deal of space for cargo hauling. The rear mounted spare tire works well with my spare mounted bike rack. Have not been able to get this things stuck yet, even from a dead stop in 3 snow drifts. Not the best mileage for a 4cyl usually 18 in the city and low- mid 20s on the hwy, very comfortable leather seating for long trips and lots of storage and cup holders. Overall good vehicle for my current needs.

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  Had first oil change, still happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By JustChuck - July 31 - 12:12 pm

  I had my first oil change about a month ago at 6500 miles. There was still 20% oil life left, according to the indicator. Also had the tires rotated at the same time. No issues at all with the car. The build quality is excellent. Gas mileage in crowded suburbs/stop and go driving is disappointing at 14-15 MPG, but highway mileage is consistently 26- 28 MPG. Have taken day long trips with three people and everyone comments how roomy and comfortable the back seat is. Have also taken a 2400 mile round trip NY-FL with my son who is 64". No issues with his height. Good luggage capacity, accommodated three people for a two day trip with room to spare, and two people for a week long trip.

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  Dont buy a honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By jose - July 30 - 4:28 pm

  I currently have over 116k on my cr-v if you want high maintenance costs, buy it. Example: 18 months battery replaced. 40k new brakes 35k new tires. Change spark plugs every 30k. Driver side window cable broke 3 weeks ago. 40k transmission shutters at low speeds 5 trips to different dealers. Finally, problem is diagnosed. Now waiting for last 5 hours to find out if extended warranty will cover repairs. I bought this cute little lemon new. Had a corolla and drove it for 180k for 12 years, once I had to change the alternator, brakes 85k front 110 rears. Also have a Highlander with 95k that gets better gas mileage than this car, I will never buy another Honda.

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  2nd CR-V and Proud Owner - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Aaron - July 30 - 2:52 pm

  Purchased our 2010 EX-L in June, traded up our 2007 LX and NO regrets what so ever ! Cant wait to see what Honda has in mind for the 2011. No I am not traded my 10 up yet. Just seeing if what they are going to do to improve this years model !

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  Great Utility - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By chitown - July 28 - 2:12 pm

  We bought this last year and have put 15K miles on it. It has been absolutely trouble free. The engine performance is what youd expect from a 4-banger in a vehicle this size: a little underwhelming. Still, it handles brilliantly for its size, has a crazy-good turn radius and is surprisingly short in length (making parallel parking in the city a snap), and gets solid fuel economy. We average about 25 mpg. Cruising on the expressway at 70, we get up to 31 mpg or so. Cargo space is fantastic. Weve moved furniture boxes in this thing that wed have never suspected could fit. Its not the most exciting vehicle on the planet, but its super reliable and solid. Best car Honda offers for the $.

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  Worked for me for 8 years - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By AJA - July 27 - 1:42 pm

  Had this car for 8 years and recently decided to upgrade to a Pilot. Over the course of that time, I only had some minor issues with recalls. Other than that, I changed the oil regularly and kept the tires inflated. Cabin noise was awful, though, especially when it rained. The car was under- powered, which was a shame. Gas mileage was good, which was appreciated when gas prices went through the roof.

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  The Bionic CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Tracey - July 26 - 9:16 pm

  After reading these reviews, I think I have the bionic cr-v. My car just turned over 100,000 while driving it today. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this car. It still looks new. I am JUST now replacing the front brakes after 100,000 miles and replaced the back brakes for the first time less than a year ago. My A/C works better than most cars that are brand new. There is excessive road noise and, true, the gas mileage could be better! My interior and exterior still look new. I dont have children or animals so that may be the reason. I love the inside design with the center tray. I too wish the back door didnt open to the side but thats the least of my desires for a vehicle. I love my car!

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  Buy stock in a good tire company. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jwells - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Have had this car for three years and already looking to buy a third set of tires. The car itself is fine and I feel safe driving my children in it but already looking to get rid of it due to the expensive cost of tires. We cannot keep buying new tires every year. Im on a budget and was looking for a low maintenance vehicle. Bye bye CR-V.

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  Still lovin my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By joe - July 24 - 2:36 pm

  I love my 2001 cr-v. I bought new from dealership. It has been the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Great awd in the snow. Gets me safely to everywhere I drive. It a great Honda cr-v. Get one you wont be disappointed.

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  Happy to be back in the Honda Family - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By dwm2112 - July 23 - 9:32 pm

  We took a 18 year break from Honda and are happy to return in the CR-V. The vehicle is comfortable and performs well from a mechanical viewpoint. Gas mileage is better than EPA ratings which was a primary driver for the purchase. Our other vehicle is a Toyota 4Runner with V8 so it is not so great on gas. The CR-V while smaller compares well with the Toyota other than the obvious significant difference in power. That is not to say the CR-V performs unsatisfactorily as I really enjoy driving it. You just have to drive it differently. If you are considering purchasing I think you will be very happy if you proceed with the purchase. Back in the Honda family again!