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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  I am Loving It - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Missy - October 27 - 1:03 pm

  Great purchase decision. Love the car in totality. Lovely exterior and luxurious interiors makes Honda CRV the best buy of 2009 making it a value for money car. No complaints and fun to drive.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By klaut - October 26 - 6:52 pm

  Just bought my CRV last week and so far so good, I am thrilled with it! Downsized from a Dodge Caravan and not missing the extra room at all. Drives great, looks great (Tango Red) and best of all Im loving the better gas mileage. Handles so well and the moon roof and GPS are added bonuses!

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  Burnt Valves / Defective Head - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By qcar - October 26 - 4:00 pm

  My CRV burned a valve at around 65,000 miles. Not what I expected from a Honda! Manual lists 90,000 for valve adjustment. I called the dealer and they offered a high price to repair but no goodwill and no acknowledgment of a defect or revised maintenance schedule. Now at 125,000 miles I have stalling and surging problems due to a defective head design - leading to valve problems. I visited the dealer ($3800 estimate to fix) and called American Honda and got no satisfaction. Almost every CRV driver I talk to has had some valve or head problem. Why no recall? Google Honda CRV burnt valve - this is no rare occurance.

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  Good Transition - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By TomJ - October 26 - 9:19 am

  We had VWs for 42 years. When our local dealer closed without any notice we looked for something closer but still reliable. Reviews of the CR-v mentioned a stiff ride but we always appreciated the firmness of the VWs. Reviews mentioned the lack of massive horsepower. We were used to that. We test drove one and bought the same day. The transition from auto to SUV (CUV) was seamless.

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  best honda ive ever owned - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tom aiello - October 25 - 5:53 pm

  the crv is just fun to drive, look good drives great. no problems what so ever

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  A do-anything car. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 95814 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is ideal for urban living. We have a dog and kid on the way. So easy to park. All-wheel drive. Efficient to a fault. Sturdy and safe.

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  What happened to Honda reliability? - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By B20ZFailed - October 21 - 6:30 pm

  Please do research on the valve/cylinder head failures that plague the 1997-2001 CRV. Mine burned a valve at 123k miles. This is a prevalent issue that will literally cost thousands of dollars to replace. If I would have known this I would have never bought this truck.

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  My wife loves it, I think its ok. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By AP - October 21 - 1:19 am

  We purchased the 2007 model in 2006. It was between the RAV4 and the CRV. We chose the CRV and the 4WD for the snow. We had a big snow storm the first year and it did as good as my Toyota T100 4x4 truck. We had the rear Diff problem and had it replaced, got free 100k 7 year warrant for our trouble (and the fact that the dealer didnt believe us the diff was grinding). We now have about 45k miles on it, the tires are still ok, one is making noise probably the one that ran over an nail and was repaired. It seems the seats were wearing out quick at first, but seem ok. We got the big rubber Honda floor mats that really do keep the car clean. So far so good, after over 2 years, we love it.

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  AMAZING! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By hondaowner - October 20 - 10:19 pm

  I just got this car a few weeks ago and I am in love. I dont know why it gets low reviews on its exterior - thats the part that attracted me to it the most. I didnt like how it looked prior to 2007, but since its remodeling the Honda CR-V is by far a lot better looking than the Rav4 and Rogue if you ask me. I love the sleek, aerodynamic exterior - beautiful. The inside is comfortable (hard seats?? I dont think so.) and I love the nighttime lighting inside. I love the CR-Vs reliability and how safe I feel inside. The MPG is great...Ive been averaging 22.2 on city roads. Has lots of space and I love the sunroof and tinted back windows. I pretty much am obsessed with my new car.

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  This Will Be My Last Honda!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jcwouts - October 20 - 7:29 am

  We have about 65 kms on it. First off paint quality is garbage, the hatch has been repainted once already because of rust around the license plate trim. The car is full of rock chips, my sisters 05 Civic had the same paint issues! Had the rear diff fluid changed 3 times at 3 diff Honda dealerships as a precautionary service. They refuse to admit there is a problem. RIDICULOUS!! Still makes a noise! Rear pads and rotors replaced at 45kms! Sometimes the car wont even crank over on the first try. My 94 Accord winter beater has 300kms and has never had any serious issues. Honda better wake up and do something fast because they are losing very loyal customers. They lost us!! Time for a Subaru.