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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  Smart Car for Local Driving - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By niteflite - January 31 - 7:25 pm

  This is my third Honda previously I had owned a 99 Accord and 04 Accord, both 4 cylinders. This cr-v actually shares the same engine as the 04 Accord, so given its bigger size, it lacks some power. Yet it had the most comfortable ride of the other cars I test drove - the rav4 and rogue. This car is great for local driving to run errands and stuff but for long distance driving it lacks the horsepower to make it up the hills easily. I also feel and hear the engine having to work too hard which isnt good.

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  Another Disappointed Honda Customer - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gina Mac - January 30 - 9:58 pm

  4 years and 66,000 km needed a VSA replacement-very costly had to autosalvage it. Now material is peeling off doors on inside of cabin. I wish I had not sold my 98 Civic which was virtually problem free for this vehicle which I can not wait to unload.

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  Convenient Runabout Vehicle - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Jesse S - January 30 - 11:05 am

  I bought my 99 CR-V EX used in 2009 with under 60k on the odo. It was in excellent condition and had been well cared for. After driving it for 6 months Im extremely pleased with it. Before buying, I read the user reviews on this site, and Im happy I did. They steered me to a great little vehicle. Maintenance tips: make sure you have the rear differential fluid changed regularly. Have the valves checked for adjustment periodically (Ive read many complaints from people whose valves got out of whack and wrecked their engines). Replace the crummy Bridgestone Dueler tires (I got Dunlop SP60s and am happy with them).

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  LOVE my CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Melissa - January 30 - 9:30 am

  I have had my CR-V for just over 2 years. I put on around 30,000 miles per year, mostly freeway/highway driving. My mileage overall has averaged around 26 mpg over that time, and it easily gets over 30 mpg when driving at 60mph on non-interstate highways. I agree with other reviewers about the poor quality tires that came on the vehicle...they had to be replaced far sooner than any on any other car Ive ever had. I replaced them with Cooper CS 4s and have been very happy. The CR-V is fantastic on ice and in snow. I feel very safe when I have to drive in inclement weather on my 40 mile one-way daily commute to work. Doesnt ride as smoothly as a car, but I didnt expect it to.

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  Goodbye Jeep Liberty Hello CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By b-rice - January 27 - 5:16 pm

  After driving a Jeep Liberty for 1.5 years we decided to trade up to a Honda. We constantly remind ourselves of the wise choice we made. We have now owned it for 8 months and 10k miles and still love it as much as we did when we drove it off the lot. It is very sporty, practical and for the most part comfortable. The 4 cyl engine should produce a more efficient mpg but 24-27 is almost double what we were getting in our V6 Liberty with almost as much power. The LX is very basic, but it gets you from point A to point B while having fun. I never realized how many were on the road until we bought it. Havent regretted our purchase one bit.

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  Love my CR-V - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Vicki - January 26 - 6:56 pm

  Love it! What a fun ride. This is our first CR-V. Initially we werent looking for an SUV but after I test drove the CR-V I was hooked. The all wheel drive is awesome on the snow. Love the handling and the functionality. The gas mileage is pretty decent. I get about 25-26 MPG highway and about 23-24 MPG city. It really depends on how you drive it. MPG indicator gauge can help with that. It could have a little more pickup. I notice it mainly on the highway but you can put it in D3 by pushing the button on the side of the gear to give you extra pick up. Overall, great car.

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  Reliable, but LOUD - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By gpzman - January 25 - 6:08 pm

  Have about 15K on the CRV now. Plenty of power, smooth shifting and very high reliability. My only compliant is that the road noise in this vehicle is almost unbearable. I cant speak on the cell phone (even with headset) and the stereo has to be so loud to overcome the noise. Honda needs to address this issue. I think as American cars improve, they will be really hurt Honda by increasing cabin comfort. Just took 800 mile road trip only got 23.5 MPG-disappointing.

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  Happy Customer - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By RamyaS - January 25 - 5:54 pm

  My husband wanted to buy a Rav4/V6. But I liked the CRV & we bought an 08EX AWD. After 45,000 miles in 2 years, my hubby likes the CRV, a lot. We live in San Francisco, we have driven to the Grand Canyon, Seattle, Yosemite & many ski trips to Lake Tahoe. Lots of space for my dog, gear, friends & my hubby. The power is more than adequate. On long climbing hills, the engine RPM is steady and the VTEC kicks in to keep a steady speed. We drove through a bad snow storm in Lake Tahoe and I could feel the AWD kicking in many times to keep the vehicle steady & safe. The only problem are the stock tires, they are very NOISY. Looking forward to many more trips in the CRV.

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  Its ok - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By david - January 24 - 9:30 pm

  Bought the CRV. Wife wanted it. We got the 4cyl 2wd with a sunroof, black on tan cloth. Got such a good deal on it new. She is 5ft 6in or so, and its perfect size for her. Iam 6ft 5in, and cant stand to drive it, its too small for me. We have had it for almost 2 years, and put almost 10,000 miles on it. The motor is loud, it sounds like the motor in my 150,000 mile old cavalier. The air bag light flashes about every two weeks, but the dealership cant find a code of it. When its below freezing, it seems the battery is weak, as the motor spins slow on start up, but has never failed to start. If your under 6ft, it be a good choice for you, I love the black exterior on light tan interior color

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  CRV is a DISASTER! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Honda NO more! - January 22 - 10:46 am

  I am so frustrated right now, it seems our mechanic sees the car more! We have had front strut issues, tire issues, brakes going to early, AC issues, and when I am driving it sometimes feels like I have a manual trans and have the gear too high, I am afraid what that means. Now the emissions warning is on, back door latch is getting lax. I want to get rid of this terrible terrible car soon! I like the looks hate the car. We dont have alot money to constantly be fixing this!!