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:

• 

  Uncomfortable, noisy, problematic - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By unhappy - November 23 - 7:09 pm

  Drivers passage is very uncomfortable for anyone over 6 feet. Others have commented on head rests being poorly designed - I agree 100%. Highway noise is quite annoying, needs more insulation. Pickup is OK at best, but what do you expect for a 4 cylinder. My biggest complaint is that I have had to had the brakes worked on twice with less than 30,000 miles. I have minivans that are far heavier that dont need brakes until 50,000 miles or more, and I drive them the same way. I also had to have the differential serviced. The service people basically said you cant leave the car out in the rain because the brakes will collect water, which led to my problem.

• 

  Great Car with low Maintenance Costs - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Syed Asif - November 23 - 4:20 pm

  Bought it brand new and now have 104K miles. No trouble other than a AC switch ( $450 ). Low cost SUV and a pretty safe one at that. Love it.

• 

  First Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By updating - November 22 - 1:47 pm

  Our Honda now has 53k and is over two years old. I dont understand the reviews stating poor performance. Ours has plenty of pickup. This isnt supposed to be a sports car. For the purpose of design, its hard to beat. The CRV would not get 30mpg with a V6. Better mileage than a Subaru Outback. The gearing is so good that power levels remain more than adequate. Im an ex-race car driver/ power enthusiast. The front brakes rattle on our dirt road. Rear pads needed replacing at 35k, tolerances too close causing corrosion and sticking with winter driving. Dont like center console. Front brakes still factory and otherwise, oil and filters only. Good snow performance with four studded winters.

• 

  Comfortable ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By nurseellen - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car. First non-American car I have owned. Using the shift takes some getting used to, I have turned on the windshield wipers often instead of putting it in reverse! Seats are comfortable, roomy interior, smooth ride.

• 

  C R Very Cool - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By PWR - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Love it! A small SUV that feels big with great gas milage.

• 

  Quality, Fun, Reliability - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Mars - November 21 - 2:12 pm

  My second Honda car, 2009 CR-V oozes quality and good taste. I love it! The MPH is not great though for a 4 cyl, 2.4 L engine.

• 

  Problem alignment not tires - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Joe R - November 18 - 7:50 pm

  I noticed that most of the 2008 CR-V reviews fault the tires and poor mileage. It appears the problem is alignment. I purchased a shop manual when I bought the car. Four attempts at the dealer to bring the alignment into spec resulted in the car pulling to the left (read head-on collision if not attentive with constant input). I took car to a local alignment shop. They said an after-market kit exists for rear camber adjustment. Installed kit and now, mileage is up and car goes straight down the road. Problem now, Honda Corporate and dealer say warranty is void. Appears this is a generic problem with the 08.

• 

  Love it but Keep in Mind... - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By CJ - November 17 - 3:38 pm

  I just bought a beautiful 2009 Tango Red AWD CR-V EX and I have to say I love it. The steering and the front view you get is the best! It has a very secure feel to it including when its pouring rain. The only down fall to it is that even though it claims to make 22 city and 26 hwy miles (for gas) and it has only given me an average of 16 which means that Ive had to refill my tank after only 250 miles. :( It should be at least after 350 miles. I dont drive much in the city so I was extremely concerned. I just spoke to two different Honda dealerships that told me that it takes up to 5000 miles on the car before it gives the average of 22-26 miles on gas. I was relieved to hear this news!!!

• 

  2002 crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By wkobryn - November 14 - 10:00 am

  We love our Honda CRV. A few things do bother us. We also took out our rear center head rest due to visability problems. Interior plastic shows all finger prints & smudge marks. and my biggest complaint is the fuel tank. it never takes more than 12 gallons of fuel. Instead of having a much higher cruising range we only get less than 275 total miles on a tankfull. I hate the constant gas tank fillups. My wife loves the crv and we would get another one if we had to do it over again. engine light had also come on in 2 instances.

• 

  2016 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By jim pukalo - November 11 - 6:45 pm

  Road noise in this vehicle is horable. Edmunds says the vehicle is quiet and best in class? I was thinking I got a lemon but on researching the Road Noise it seems to be a problem with all Hondas. I would suggest anyone concidering this vehicle do a Highway test drive to see if they can handle the noise problem. On a recent trip my wife and I had to shout at each other and radio was useless.