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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  Feel safe in CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Texas - March 9 - 8:31 am

  After doing all my home work on small SUVs I settled on a 2007 CR-V with the sleek new body style. I was weary of the 4 cylinder engine not giving me enough power, But she proved to do the work, hauling round bales of hay up hill. The back seats drop forward to make a larger bed. Plenty of room for 4 adults comfortably and cargo area.

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  Good Ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bud H - March 8 - 6:48 pm

  This has been an excellent SUV. I use it often like a truck. I am able to fit a 16 foot extension ladder inside with the rear hatch closed. It has been 100% reliable. We have never had a problem with it. The OEM tires did wear out around 20,000 miles. New Goodyear tires are not even half worn at 40,000. No maintenance except oil changes and tire rotations. Fit and finish is very good. No paint issues. No leaks or rattles.

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  Honda 2007 CR-V EX 4 door SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By anna - March 7 - 5:55 pm

  I bought my 2007 CR-V in 2007 after doing my research on small SUVs and I found this one was so much better than all of the others out there. The mileage was not what they said it would be and the road noise is heard even with the windows up. I have had it for 2 years and I use it for work and around town travel and at 47,000 miles I have to replace the tires already.

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  Love it! Love it! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By CRV4-4OFUS - March 6 - 10:09 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a second car and wanted a small SUV with AWD or 4WD. We saw one for sale two weeks ago wit 176,500 miles and hesitated for a day. We went to look at it again and bought it for $3500. The interior looks like no one drove it or ever sat inside- its brand new looking. The exterior was rusty w/stock steel wheels and very worn out tires, a few dings here and there but nothing too serious. After driving the car from the lot we drove straight to the Honda mechanic and changed the belt & adjusted the valves and brakes. The SUV is in great shape mechanically and the interior is in excellent shape. The price for service $650, tires with 16" Honda rims $660.

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  High maintenance after 75000 miles - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By T Anderson - March 6 - 9:19 am

  Very noisy - hard to hear radio on most roads in the Northwest. Very high maintenance after 75000 miles. Examples: Drivers side door lock malfunction. 2. Left passenger door lock actuator malfunction.3. Cruise control computer system malfunction. 4. Air bag indicator malfunction. 4. Timing belt side mount replacement. Items 1-4 cost $1200 in repairs! Honda dealer had a very hard time diagnosing cruise control problem. i.e., many false fixes.

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  Noisy! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By daveintown - March 5 - 1:00 am

  I bought the LX new in September 2009. I am still not used to the SUV differences from my previous Toyota Camry. I find it noisy, my #1 complaint, even though I had it undercoated, there is still a lot of road noise and there is a lot of wind noise in the windshield area. The gas mileage is also not as good as advertised. I would spend a lot more time test driving other makes next time.

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  I love my CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JulieG - March 2 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this vehicle after I totaled my Pontiac Grand Prix. I did some review but not much on the CRV. I really was looking for a 6CYL not a 4CYL. I was in a training class and driving this beater around when I walked in to Honda. I test drove it and purchased it that day. It saved my life in 11/2007 on Thanksgiving when I hit a deer on a highway going 65MPH. I was pregnant at the time. Everyone was safe but shaken up. I was able to drive home from that accident. The car was repaired and looks completely new. I drive 68 miles a day to/from work. I get 23-25mpg depending on how aggressive I drive.

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  alright suv - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Retired Air Force - February 26 - 3:00 am

  We bought the CRV to replace a Town and Country. My wife wanted something smaller to use for work. It is very noisy on the Houston roads, the car has 23,000 miles and the tires are already showing alot of wear. If you put the back windows down at highway speeds, there is a deafening noise that sounds like a jet is taking off in your back seat. The mileage is also not as good as we expected. Sitting in both front seats on long trips isnt all that enjoyable

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  Fun Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Jackson - February 25 - 8:52 pm

  I bought this new and really love it. Love the moon roof, the CD/radio, and the seating configuration options. As a tall guy, I fit in this thing well, even with the moon roof. Towing a U- Haul type trailer on the highway I get a respectable 19mpg at 55mph. Original tires were noisy and rough, but lasted to 50K - replaced with Michelins. Replaced rear brakes at 72K. MPG have been (very) disappointing - have always beat EPA estimates on other cars. I get almost 25 going to work 7-miles away, but highway mileage is almost 22 on the cruise control. Overall average is 23.7.

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  2 foot of snow and all is well - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By moch - February 21 - 8:06 pm

  AWD 5spd made it over 2ft of snow with no issues (and a good set of tires). Towing up to 2000lbs has not been an issue. Car is used hard but serviced well 82000 miles and no problems.