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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  The CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Costa - May 26 - 8:02 am

  This is an exceptional car for the price. And, the fold up rear seats create the room I need in my work

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  Good Choice-Switched from VW - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By wadvout - May 25 - 3:57 pm

  The Hondas are cheaper to maintain than VWs. The reliability has been much better than my new VW was too. Like the extra passenger and cargo space. The road noise has not been bad but wish the suspension and MPG were better. If a good suspension and MPG matter more than price than an Outback would be a good choice too.

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  Kind of a mistake - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Patti - May 25 - 1:57 pm

  I drove acura rdx, infinity ex35. Ended up with the CR-V because is was the best deal, thousands less. Best gas mileage and regular gas. The others require premium. I wish I had gone for the RDX. It was $6,000 more and requires prem gas and worse overall mpg. BUT much better to drive.

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  Very pleased thus far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By brenda - May 24 - 8:09 pm

  Up to today, I can say Im quite pleased and happy with my CR-V. Its just right for me and my family. I enjoy its peppiness and comfort. And its fun to drive! We just took it on a 5 hr road trip with no complaints. I also love the glacier blue color. Very pleased with this purchase. I hope I continue to enjoy it.

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  MY CR-V 2010 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bebotski - May 22 - 7:56 pm

  The only drawback I see in my CR-V is that whenever I hit a gap or mid size hole in the pavemen (road) the front suspension makes a load metal noise it seems like the suspension in the front is not quite silent compared at the rear. thats the only thing I notice rather than that it is an excellent car.

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  Great Vehicle, needs a 6 cyl. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By WPFD - May 21 - 10:07 am

  The Honda CR-V is a fun little car to drive in the city and when there are no hills to climb. There is ample room to haul just about anything without having to fold the back seats. They are adjustable and move forward to make more room. Driving in the mountains was another story. To keep the speed up, the engine runs at 4500 rpm and sounds like it is straining the whole time. Even with its new 180 hp engine, this care is very under powered if you have any mountain or even hills in your area.

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  Just Bought One! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By T-N-T - May 19 - 3:47 am

  Brand New Small SUV! Super easy to drive. Super spacious and extremely comfortable on long trips. Highly reliable, we should have gotten 2 of them.

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  Boring to drive - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - May 18 - 9:14 pm

  I have been reading the other reviews made by other people on here and wonder if they are actually driving the same SUV I am. It transmission down shifts so hard that it nearly threw off the snowy mountain road I was on. I think real time 4 wheel drive is a joke. The ride is harsh, and very uncomfortable on long rides and is very noisy. The seats are hard and uncomfortable. It is very underpowered and really so when AC is on and can barely make up the mountains where I live. it would a much better SUV for a place that gets less than 4 inches of snow and flat. I will never own another Honda, My next purchase will be a Subaru

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Sandi Wilson - May 17 - 1:31 pm

  I had a 2007 CR-V and just loved it but I put a lot of miles on my vehicle so decided to trade it in for a new one-- so so disappointing. I have had Hondas for the last 20 years but this will be my last one and cant wait to get rid of it. Terrible quality and gas mileage is so terrible compared to mine 3 years --only getting around 23 combined hwy/city where my old one would get me about 27. Supposed to be same vehicle.

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  2009 CR-V EX-L w/nav - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mwg - May 14 - 11:39 am

  This is not the first CR-V that I have owned. I find it very comfortable to drive. Handles well and has more than enough power. I like the interior styling but find that it is somewhat cheaply made and marks up fairly easily. Gas mileage is fairly consistent around 20-22 mpg city and 23-25 highway. Nice fun to drive vehicle. I would not recommend the navigation system. Routing is not very good and updates are very expensive (get a Garmin or Magellan instead).