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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  This LEMON should be selling lemonade! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mbpace - September 23 - 5:22 pm

  We bought this car new in May 2003. 2 weeks later the radio stops working. Its "fixed" and then stops working 2 months later. This time the radio is replaced. About 15 months later radio goes out again. After "fixing" twice, radio is replaced AGAIN! Dec 2003 drivers seat wont lock in place fixed 2 times and then new seat put in. Feb 2005 locks dont work and fixed Apr 2006 CD player stops working "fixed" Sept 2007 A/C compressor- pin shears off and sends metal fragments through A/C, entire system replaced Jan 2009. CD player wont release CDs Sept 2009 A/C broken AGAIN, bucking like a horse when idle $1500 to fix what they "think" is wrong since car drove ok for them except for A/C!

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  my first new car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tammy - September 23 - 2:26 pm

  i love almost everything about this car very stylish my family and friends say it looks like a lexus I have to agree and only a fraction of the cost a very nice makeover inside and out

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  a/c problems - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By kpea - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car for 17 mos., & have had problems with the A/C 3 times. The 1st time the dealership claimed a rock had penetrated my grill & put a hole in the A/C causing fluid to leak. The warranty wouldnt cover it, & I had to pay for repairs. The 2nd time the A/C failed, I took it to the dealership & was told the condenser fell apart. Warranty covered it. The dealership service dept. said that this was a problem in faulty design for 2003/2004 models & they had had the problem often. I didnt have it for more than 2 days after the repairs and the A/C has started fading in and out.

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  Wishful thinking. - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By tom - September 23 - 1:06 am

  I live and drive in San Francisco. Our streets are not the best. We have lots of hills, stop signs, and untimed traffic lights. I guess none of this is taken into account when "they" calculate the city mpg. With about 80% city and 20% highway driving, Im getting, with a very light foot, about 17 mpg. The turning radius is a bit too much for easy U-type-turns. The rear window is too high for easy backing into my downhill garage. Road noise at freeway speed is a bit too loud. I expected better.

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  Great buy for your $$$ - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By john - September 22 - 8:38 pm

  We purchased this car 0 miles, today the odometer reads 155,000, besides regular maintenance (brakes oil, gas!) this car has given us no problems. Its true what they say the car does not have a lot of power on the road but it drives great, its very spacious inside, it drives great in snow, and you cant beat the gas mileage. My wife loves it so much we are trading in for another CR-V and we hope we enjoy it for many more years.

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  CRV or Bust!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By irishgal - September 21 - 5:44 pm

  Ok...so its a smaller SUV but our family of four LOVE the CRV. Really. Turn radius is super, comfortable, verrrry reliable and fun/easy to drive! Gas mileage is about 22 hwy. 18 or so city. Good storage room in back. Weve had 5 people (2 adults/3 kids) and theyre not squished. There are no blind spots, either. Important for me!!

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  A lot of car for the money - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Bernadette Tornabene - September 21 - 3:56 pm

  I went from a 98 Windstar to this. I have to admit, I miss the smooth ride of my van versus this more "truck-like" ride. Acceleration is SO much better than that old V6, though, and I have feeling its going to be that way for a long time.

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  Slips, Slides and Sucks Gas - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Rick - September 21 - 1:43 pm

  Bought this vehicle about 1.5 years ago. At first we liked it. It has a very comfortable car-like ride and is fun to drive. Only mechanical problem to date has been a failed battery, which Honda has a problem with. However, when winter came our opinion changed drastically. If you have to drive in winter conditions this vehicle can be downright dangerous. The tires have no grip at all and we felt like we were taking our lives in our hands driving it back and forth to work. My wife refused to drive it and took my Corolla! We are going to have to spend $1000.00 on new tires before somebody gets killed in this thing. The Honda dealer will do nothing about it. Also it sucks gas like a Hummer

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  Gotta Love It - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Musicman - September 20 - 12:25 am

  When looking for my second car, I knew I needed something with a lot of cargo space and good fuel economy. Of course I also wanted something stylish and fun to drive. I found that in my CR-V! Its got enough room to haul my bands equipment to shows when Ive got the rear seats folded up. The iV-TEC engine has enough power to satisfy throttling down the interstate. And it has plenty of room to carry my friends from place to place! So far the only issue Ive had is the glove compartment light stays on all the time the switch isnt catching.

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  No More Hondas - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By D JACK - September 19 - 9:24 am

  Bought new in 04. Tires wore out after 20,000 miles. Excessive wind and road noise, rides like a tank, seats are not comfortable. Front struts had to be replaced at 50,000 mi. and yes my air cond. went out at 59000 mi., cost $2800 at dealer. Found someone to fix for $1000. Eng. light keeps coming on and off. No more Hondas.