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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  Love my new CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - July 23 - 8:40 pm

  I love my new CR-V! I took a lot of time comparing the CR-V to the RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Outback. I think I made the best choice. Very high quality. I have a bad back and I like the firm seats, very comfortable. Back seat is spacious, bottle holders in all the doors and very quiet ride. I like the blue light dash and the double glove box. Rear hatch is spacious and has a hard cover which you can put light groceries on (dealer added for free). I also added heated seats as an extra.

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  No Regrets - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By neonbright - July 23 - 10:29 am

  This is my first Honda and I love it. My research for a new vehicle was extensive and over 8 months long. I finally decided on a small SUV or Crossover, it came down to 3 SUVs. Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Nissan Rouge. The Nissan Rouge was easily ruled out, small trunk area and other personally wants. So it was down to the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and the Honda CR-V won. Yes the CR-V may cost a little more but it is worth it.

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  Loss of features over 2000 honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ms. mimi - July 21 - 8:47 pm

  How I miss my Honda 2000!! The interior of my 2009 is crap. Stains on the upholstery, mostly from water and it looks worse than my trade in which was ten years old. Also, they took away the seat pockets on back seats, made the under passenger seat drawer so small it cant be used and took away two of the cup holders. I have to use one cup holder for storage of personal items. I also do not like the outside design. Loved my other one with the wheel on back. I needed a new car and went with Honda but do not like this car because of interior features mostly and outside design.

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  Needs bigger gas tank/better tires - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By roadhog - July 21 - 8:41 pm

  Nice vehicle, second Honda, poor quality tires, small gas tank, otherwise a good vehicle. Tires made 30K, NOT GOOD. 22-32 mpg comfortable ride.

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  Loving my 01 cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By john - July 21 - 11:50 am

  Heres my story. I bought this 01 crv in jan 2007. With 78,000 miles on it. Ive traveled a lot in it. It now has 174,000 miles and its still running great. It is very comfortable for long trips and very great on gas. Im so glad I bought this cr-v.

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  Review - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By D Bell - July 21 - 11:34 am

  Agree with others in saying that overall this small SUV (that feels and is pretty roomy) was very dependable and easy to drive. Mileage was typical - 21 - 26 mpg around town. It had enough engine power. Had it less than a year due to being rear ended by a heavy commercial truck that didnt brake, it just hit. CR-V was totaled. Bad thing, yes. Good thing, we lived. Not much you can say after that...Glad to be here. I have friends who own CR-Vs from 2005 through 2009 and they all love their particular year models. One friend has two CR-Vs in the family, a 2008 and 2009.

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  Honda needs to pick up the quality - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob L. - July 20 - 7:30 am

  Had a 2000, and a 2005 CR-V. This one is not as good as the 2005. Paint job is the pits. Got black abd between finger nail scratches and small stone chips it needs cover waxing continuously. Road noise is slightly better. Mileage is OK. Tire wear is unacceptable. Power is a joke. When is Honda going to wake up and put a V6 in this vehicle? Interior materials scratch easily. Not durable at all. You took away the big cup holders in front.Dealer added options are non- negotiable pricewise. Far too expensive to make the vehicle look better. Its time to look much closer at the competitors models

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  A/C On Elm Street - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jboo - July 19 - 6:36 pm

  Yes, another A/C nightmare story! I am on my 6th, yes SIXTH, A/C since I bought this otherwise nifty car new in 2003. Not happy here, however, the A/C guy is thrilled.

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  No Next Tme - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Warren Norman - July 19 - 6:34 pm

  This car runs me crazy downshifting back and forth on slight grades, not enough power unless using lower gear. Dealer says this is normal. Will not buy this car again.

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  Tire and AC problems - lemon - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BH - July 19 - 3:54 pm

  First problem when car was around 1.5 years old with 31,000 km I was told I needed new tires. Dealership indicated they put cheap tires on the vehicle. I have never had to put new tires on any of our vehicles until the 70,000 km mark. Next problem when car was 2.5 years old, in July, on one of the hottest days in Canada, the air conditioning stopped working. We were told after a $99.00 diagnosis problem that we needed a new part - a sensor wasnt working but there is one small problem, the part is on back order and you cant have it fixed until October and guess what it is not under warranty. Cost will be approximately $700.Our AC will work about the time the snow flies.