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:

• 

  Off-Road Review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By autophotographer1 - January 6 - 10:12 am

  I photograph vehicles for a living and I drive all sorts of different types of vehicles. I have to say, this was the most fun I have ever had driving an SUV off road for my pictures. I took a Chevy Avalanche in the same area I took this Honda CR-V. I had a hard time getting the Chevy Avalanche to climb this solid 45° slope for pictures, however this little CR-V took the slope like it was NOTHING! Im a fan of large trucks and SUVs but guess what. Those larger trucks and SUVs are not going to make it through tight trails behind woods like this little fox can. Its more comfortable than it looks and has a lot more room than portrayed.

• 

  Good but not Great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By wmacork - January 4 - 5:51 pm

  Great Utilitarian vehicle, even in the EX-L trim. Not a thing wrong since buying over 2 yrs ago. Everything works well but just not excited about driving it. For the price there are too many things it doesnt have standard (lighted visor mirrors, fog lights, roof rack. Great around town but get ready for that "Singer" sewing machine engine on the highway.

• 

  Typical Honda - Great - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rancher - December 31 - 6:32 pm

  This is my third Honda product. Previously Hondas were, a 90 Accord LX and a 95 Accord wagon. The wagon was my favorite all time car. It traveled all over the US for about 120,000 miles plus another 50,000 while being towed behind a motorhome. Id probably be driving it still but my wife attacked a tree with it. She survived the collision with no injury but the crash was fatal for the car. The CRV is everything the wagon was and more. Our driving style is about 60% rural, mountain roads, 20% Interstate and 20% city. Gas mileage overall is 27+ mpg. Should this CRV come to a bad end, it will be replaced with another CRV.

• 

  Neglectful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - December 29 - 4:47 pm

  In 2012 I purchased a brand new Honda CR-V. At first, everything seemed great. A year later or so I started to experience a strange sound when I started the truck. When I took it in for regular oil change I mentioned it and they said they would check it out. They told me it was ok and the noise I heard was "normal." I trusted them and their exper mechanics so I continued to drive it. Needless to say it continued and ever time I took it in they told me nothing was wrong. It finally got to be too much and ONLY upon my insistence, they kept the truck overnight to listen to the noise which they repeatedly assured me was "nothing." Today after I finally called to check on my truck because no one called me I was told it is the VTC Actuator and would cost $500, but not to worry they would pay $350 and I would only have to pay $150. I asked why I would have to pay anything at all and was told because now the warranty expired. I asked for the manager who NEVER came to the phone instead I was directed to call Honda customer service. Well I called was given a case # and now wait for the result. Meanwhile, Im without transportation. Omg words cannot express my frustration. There has to be some protection or something for this. HELP,,,,,,,,

• 

  Lovin It !!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By wa59 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I drive 60 miles one way to work every day, and I was looking for a comfortable vehicle that could get me there in bad weather, and get good gas mileage. I found exactly what I was looking for in my CR-V

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By van - December 28 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my CRV for two months now and I cant complain. Gas mileage is ok for now (23 around town and 27 hwy) but I hope to get better mileage once it is broken in. One thing I am disappointed in is the Bridgestone tires on the CRV. They dont have very good traction at all in the snow. If it wasnt for the AWD I would be sliding all over the road. I cant believe Honda puts such a poor tire on their vehicles. Other than the tires I really like my CRV. Its fun to drive and a nice looking vehicle.

• 

  Love My CR-V! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Bride of Mookie - December 28 - 3:24 pm

  We have had this car for 8 months so far and I love it! Just took our first long trip (1800 miles) and thought it was time to write a review. There is very little we dont like. The CR-V replaced our Pontiac Montana - wanted something a little smaller, but not a car. For a long trip that we make once a year, we missed the extra space, but for the rest of the year, it is great!

• 

  Recently Purchased CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Lani - December 27 - 10:00 am

  My Husband loves this vehicle. He says it fits like a glove and couldnt be more comfortable. I am short and find that the headrest are bothersome to me. Also the seats have wings on the back and I find that to be somewhat uncomfortable on my arms and back. I think the seats could be softer also since it is a pricier mini SUV. So the seats are my only real complaint. Great otherwise!!

• 

  Aweasome - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By DD - December 26 - 8:54 pm

• 

  One quality built and reliable CUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By MHadden - December 21 - 11:03 am

  We now have over 33,000 miles on our CR-V in 22 months time and dont have a single rattle or creak (Japan built). Only a speaker has been replaced under warranty. Although the 2.4L I4 is pathetically weak, it still has decent pep around town and on the highway, especially when the rpms are high. The AWD is decent, though the traction control will kick in before the AWD does. Weve only rotated the tires and changed the required fluids. Ride is firm, but both the wife and I like it. Weve managed to get 25mpg over the course of ownership. Its still a great reliable vehicle for the price and feels much more upscale than a comparable RAV4.