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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  Keeps going and going..... - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By catherinet00 - March 24 - 10:48 am

  I bought this Honda crv after having too many bad experiences with a 1999 VW Jetta. Whew. What a big relief getting rid of the former and getting this crv instead. CR-V currently has about 143,000 miles on it and I have had no major mechanical problems with it. It has never left me on the road alone. It is like the little engine that could. The looks are NOT deceiving for what is under the hood. It is a SMALL SUV, therefore a small engine. This vehicle is perfect for me as a single female with no baggage. I am a city person and 99% of the time I use it to commute to work and other places in the city. Its perfect for me.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By brigida - March 22 - 3:13 pm

  I have two CR-Vs, a 2005 and 2007, I love them. My daughter drives the 2007 and I the 2005. I am looking to buy another car, not sure what to buy. I need something bigger this time. Not crazy about the Pilot or the vans from Honda. I wish they came out with something else. I love Hondas.

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  Love New 2009 CR-VLX - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Agoura CRV Owner - March 20 - 12:50 pm

  I found a New 2009 CR-V still avail in Thousand Oaks CA & opted for that to save $ - LOVE IT. I drive a lot and usually hate getting in a car but Im enjoying the comfort. My small complaints are the tires they chose - very hard ride and NOISY if you open the windows above 50 mph. I wish it had an auto headlight & wiper on/off (as my Jeep Gd. Cherokee had) but that is my only "Wish" - Im not raving about the mileage, and its obviously better than my 8cy, its just not THAT much greater - and I wish it had a little more "oomph" I LOVE the car - Very happy - LOVE the Nav (didnt think Id really use it) it helps a LOT from an ATM or gas location to a restaurant. So cool!! Happy Owner here.

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  2004 cr-v - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tom-cuse - March 18 - 7:30 pm

  Ran great for the first 40,000 miles. Fun to drive, great in the winter (central NY).

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  Overall very good with a few annoyances - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By J - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this has been a nice little SUV. The paint quality is sub par it seems like new scratches appear every day. Also, for an I-4 engine powering a Civic platform, I expected better gas mileage than what I get, which is usually about 20 around town and never better than 23-25 on the highway. Other than that, it drives well, its comfortable, it carries everything we need it to carry, and it is reliable. This is one we plan to keep until it is "driven into the ground."

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  Still Love This Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Shelly in W Michigan - March 17 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 2000, my first Honda after driving Fords. What a difference a brand can make. Honda dealerships have been great. Treat women like people, unlike Ford. Car is the best auto investment Ive ever made. 10 years later and 177.000 miles, it runs better than some of the used cars Ive just started test driving. Also being offered $4k for trade-in. Am now thinking about keeping car (rust and all) for another couple of years. Now gets ~25 mi/gallon. Only got ~20 mi/gallon for first few years. Not crazy about styling, but car is dependable. Had front end repaired a few months ago and muffler pipe replaced last year. Other than oil changes and tires, thats it.

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  Good little used car, glad I found it - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By L in TN - March 15 - 9:13 pm

  This is a nice car the money. Purchased it used and the very next day drove it to Smokey Mountains in TN. It is a 4 cyl but it held its own on the highway. Paid cash and enjoy carefree ownership. No sputtering, no slow start-ups even in the unusually cold winter, no trouble in the snow. Very good value. Nice for going to Sams, easy to load. Will be getting tinted this week, plan to keep this car for a while.

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  So far so good - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jackie - March 14 - 11:36 pm

  I traded in my 07 mustang gt for a 09 cr-v. So this review is from one end of the spectrum to the other. Totally not what i was looking for but after a problem ridden mustang i was looking for reliability and affordability at the pump. I dont get as much mpg as what i would have hoped, about 18.5 but Ive been trying to watch my lead food. Total cost of ownership has been great. I had read road noise was a problem for some people, but the dronr i had with the stang must have made my ears numb to it cause it doesnt bother me at all. Performance is a bummer but again, going from 300 hp to160ish would be. But Overall i am not at all disappointed in making the switch!

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  Front End - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - March 14 - 7:42 pm

  We are having trouble with our front end the car wants to wander. We aligned it and it still has a wander and will vibrate When the wheel is turned there is resistance in the wheel like something obstructing the turning radius

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  Good but not up to the hype - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Former Honda Owner - March 10 - 8:47 am

  We would have enjoyed the car more if Honda owners didnt hype the brand. The paint was a mess from new. All four seat belts hang onto the ground after a year. Rear differential makes car shudder in turns. Transmission clunks from first to second and back again. Uncomfortable seats and fabric. Shudders on acceleration. Very expensive brakes. Takes forever to get in to dealer, they must be fixing somebodys Honda. Having said all that, the car was pretty good. Id consider another but you shouldnt buy the hype. Its a car, they break. Id love to sit down with every person who said, "Buy a Toyota/Honda, youll never have a another problem. Ridiculous thing to say.