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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  2008 Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By cope6 - April 15 - 2:36 pm

  Of course there is the grinding/annoying brake noise, it has pulled to the right when stopping (deal said that rust/dirt causing the problem), have had clicking sounds at times when I go to start it and for some reason the rear differential has a problem every 10,000 or so miles. My 97 CRVs differential had problems at maybe 150-160 thousand miles .. needed grease! The dealer told me the clicking sound I get at times when I go to start it just cant be the starter because its a new vehicle!! What is it then - battery is good! Pulling to the right when stopping - per them dirt on rotors/brakes - why do they get so much dirt? Why do they want $100 to grease the differential every 10K?

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  Satisfy with CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Thrifty Buyer - April 11 - 2:01 am

  I brought this car with 62,000 mi. Of course, the dealer offered an extended warranty which I refused. Its a Honda right? So,forget it. About six months later engine light was on, and the mechanic said it was the throttle body. Really? Never replaced one of these. I took the car to the dealer to confirm but, Honda corp ageed to replace the part. Honda paid for the part ($800), and I paid for labor. The AC compressor went out at 90,000 mi. My mechanic told me there is a problem with the compressor on these cars (depending on where the part came from) Again, Honda split the cost. Overall, I love my car. I have over 102,000, and have only replaced the brake pads. Love Honda.

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  Terrible tire quality - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mike - April 7 - 11:38 am

  I have been well pleased with my CR-V. It get better gas mileage than I expected and it has ample room for a small SUV. The one downfall is the tires. It came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T 470 tires. At 17.000 miles they are worn out. I went to the tire dealer and was told there is no warranty on that tire. I went to the Honda dealer and was told by the service manager that they sell cars and are not in the tire business. A few minutes later he offered to sell me new tires, to which I reminded him that they are not in the tire business. I think it is a shame that a manufacturer sells a car for $24000, but, cuts corners on quality by using CHEAP tires

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  Reliable and practical - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By mavy - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Bought brand new in July 2007. The pros are that it has been very reliable. It has only needed routine maintenance. The only thing that has malfunctioned has been the windshield wipers (they go off on their own sometimes and wont turn off!). Acceleration isnt THAT fast but I did not buy this car for its power. Gas mileage has probably been around 20 mpg overall. Happy with the cargo space. Fits stroller and grocery bags and more!

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  Love my CR-V! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - April 1 - 1:06 pm

  When I was looking at cars, it was between this and the RAV-4. The rides were similar, but set this car apart was the interior comfort and style. Love the heated seats and still use them in Florida on cold mornings. Versatile back seat positioning allowing me to pack full to the brim with stuff. Great handling in rain and snow. Love how the car slows itself down when decelerating and the design of the gear shift.

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  Happy with my CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jarthan - March 31 - 4:39 pm

  I love the versatility of the CR-V, the AWD capability, and the fuel economy. I bought mine used with 90K miles, replacing a leased Jeep Liberty. The CR-V has a smoother ride and uses a lot less gas. It now has 114K miles, but runs good and looks great. The 2000 cc motor is very reliable, but is also very underpowered. That was corrected in 2002. Still, I am a happy CR-V owner and want to upgrade to a 2005 or 2006 no car is perfect. I believe this car has another 60-70K miles left in it.

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  Great car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - March 30 - 7:51 pm

  Great car. Its as reliable as gravity. Only problem in 157,000 miles, had to get a new radiator. Only way to go with a small family. Bought it new in 2001, and will turn it over to my son when he is 16. That will be in 2014.

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  317 thousand km and still going - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By valerio - March 30 - 4:30 pm

  Great. They should never have changed the style. I talk to other cr-v owners, all have same opinion

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  The Honeymoon is OVER! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By wmw - March 29 - 2:11 pm

  Let me start by saying I have had many Hondas. Fell in love with the new CR-V and had to have one! I special ordered mine exactly the way I wanted it, waited the 6+ weeks for it to come it, and loved it, now for the part that pains me, I have 36k miles on it and am getting ready for my 3rd set of tires, have had to have the catalytic converter replaced, the fan squeals on low, there is a rattle on the drivers door that they fixed 4 times now and its still making the same noise. The first set of tires they split the cost of them with me cause I went crazy on them, it only had 20k on it. Now these are making the same thumping noise, my mechanic said dump it now! While I can still get some $$$

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  A Rip for the pice - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Peter - March 28 - 5:06 pm

  Never again a Honda CR-V. Tires need replacing at 31,000, noisy ride down the highway, no sound insulation and no power with a small 4 cyl eng. With the small engine you would expect gas milage in excess of 25 mpg and not 22, which is what we average, which is mostly hwy driven.