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:

• 

  5th Honda, No regrets here! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By LJ - July 19 - 11:10 am

  This is our 5th Honda vehicle over the past few years and weve not been disappointed in any of them this one included. Weve got just over 500 miles on this CR-V and are already seeing 27 mpg on the highway. We seem to get better fuel mileage when not using the cruise control, perhaps due to the drive-by-wire throttle control? This CR-V has the typical Honda build quality and engineering that weve come to expect and enjoy. Its roomy with lots of storage space and great amenities. We love it!! The information center takes a little getting used to, but its a great feature that it is. There are many SUVs to pick from, but the Honda, will be hard to beat with these great features.

• 

  just right size suv - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By andrew - July 17 - 7:20 am

  Had this CR-V for a month going from a 09 accord exlv6. Wanted SUV for practicality and comfort. Nicely finished with very comfortable seats good visibility. Ultra quiet engine and trans. Reasonable gas mpg 21 -23 around town, nice features with reclining rear seats and folding seats. This cr-v exudes quality throughout. Ex all wheel drive sticker $25,845.00 this is an excellent SUV there is no reason to spend more, both my wife and I love the car, and I have had over 50 autos and this is one of the best you can buy. Period !

• 

  Wow, what a fun ride - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By big bert - July 17 - 6:21 am

  love the cr-v, great gas mileage and very roomy , i am 6-2 and plenty of leg room.

• 

  The Beast - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By caitthegreat - July 16 - 5:03 pm

  My friends call this car "the beast." It can go anywhere, accommodate anyone, and it just keeps on chugging. I bought it in 2004 with about 70,000 miles on it, and have since added about 100,000 more. Its reliable as a commuter car, but its also great for road trips. Before I purchased it I read a review saying the timing belt might need to be replaced at 75,000 miles, so I had the dealership take care of that. Since then, the only problem Ive had is that I needed a new radiator a year ago. I just got a tune up this week and it runs amazingly. Ive spoken with dealers who say they rarely see problems with CR-Vs. This car has been good to me, it was a great investment.

• 

  Excessive Road Noise - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite777 - July 13 - 10:12 pm

  The CR-V is a very practical car with excellent interior and exterior design. Even the sales guy at Nissan when test driving the Rogue told me the CR-V is perhaps the best in its class. Ive gotten good use out of it - is roomy enough, provides good MPG and options on the EX. The biggest problem with this car is the loud road noise. at any speed over 25 mph i hear the engine, vibrations, and just noise. It make me paranoid that there is something wrong with the suspension or tires but the common theme in these reviews is the road noise.

• 

  2008 CRV--Love it, but a few exceptions - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By curiousg - July 13 - 3:17 pm

  I really relied on Edmunds reviews when deciding to purchase this car so I thought Id give my thoughts. Im happy I bought this..and would buy it again, but Id but the next model up for the extra cash. If you want pep, go elsewhere. I feel safe rain or snow, and I get an average of 24-25 miles/gallon. Have done 30 mpg on a pure highway trip. Love the flexibility and space. My two gripes are 1) the brakes wear really fast--too fast. After 2.5 years, I had to replace them. And thats too soon. 2) I have some odd whistling noises when the car shifts gears/gets to a certain RPM. Dealership cant figure out what the hell it is but its been there since the beginning.

• 

  Honda CR-V Air Conditioner Issue Cover Up - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mac PSP - July 12 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased my Honda CR-V new, it now has just over 70,000 miles, last week the air conditioning system failed and wiped out the entire system. The dealer wanted $2000 to replace the system. I refused and checked out the issue on line. As it turns out there are multiple year air conditioning failures on the CR-V. Hondas USA Corporate office is refusing to acknowledge to there is an issue. I am contacting the California State Attorney General and an attorney. Hondas Corporate Customer Service Rep would not let me make a point on the phone and told me, "I might want to be quiet before I stuck my foot in my mouth!" This is typical of how Honda has handled this problem. Stay tuned!

• 

  AC blows up - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dave - July 12 - 3:07 pm

  I had a Honda accord hatchback in the 80s that was great. I bought my wife an 04 c-rv and it held up pretty well until this weekend . At 59,000 miles the ac locked up and the clutch assembly violently was ejected from the car. We limped home from Iowa to Oklahoma,and lo and behold there are at least a thousand other people online that have had similar experiences. Honda, shame on you for not fixing this. Hello Ford, we will be in contact shortly.

• 

  Love it- but hate things as well! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Orangegirl - July 9 - 9:30 pm

  Sold our 97 Rav4 for this, comparing both, Id lean towards the Rav for my personal use. Dont get me wrong the CR-V is a GREAT SUV, but I hate the fact you cant open the back window/door manually, you need the remote or button inside the vehicle. VERY ANNOYING!! The space in the back, though sufficient, is lacking in height, because of a useless " picnic table". My Rav I could fit my bike in it and a dog, plus when yard sailing buy a snow blower or something else higher and fit NO PROBLEM. But all in all this a good car, and I do love Hondas, will only buy Honda or Toyota, however I do miss my Rav.

• 

  Sluggish off the line - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Petro10 - July 7 - 6:58 pm

  Overall car is well made and amenities are great. However, it is extremely sluggish off the line, acceleration is sub par, we knew it would be slow but not this slow. Fuel economy while driving here in DC averages 17 mpg with only 24 on our one highway trip.