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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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By griffing - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is such a great car for the money!!! Acceleration is awesome for a 4 cylander, and the gas mileage is great too. Very roomy and queit ride. I love the fold down seat configurations.

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  CR-V is there enough driver leg room??? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By brad shannon - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This car rides much like the Accord. I find myself thinking Im in my old Accord when driving this vehicle. Hanlding is tight and solid. Acceleration and visibility are good. Im still getting use to the positioning of the gear shift and the emergency break. I would like to see remote keyless entry standard on the LX model. I would also like Honda to put better quailty tires on all their vehicles. I tend not to get very many miles off their tires. Also the CR-V doesnt seem to like to go much over 80 miles/hr. I realize that SUVs and higher speeds are, to a certain degree, mutually exclusive. If you dont have to tow anything and your off-road demands are lite to nill - I recomend.

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  Nice Compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Ravi - September 18 - 4:06 am

  Ive had this CR-V for 4 months with 3500 miles. I have not had one disappointing moment. Im getting 20 mpg in city and 27 mpg on Highway . Im yet to go for the first Oil change / service.

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  Good body, poor shoes - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By nsguy - September 17 - 5:47 pm

  The crv is a top car when you have all the boys toys installed, but the downside I have recently experienced on my less than 22months vehicle is that both my front Yokohama 245/45/19 inch tires had to be changed due to the service dept inspecting the tread and recording the tread at the limit of 1.6 mm. I find this disappointing given that I have done only 13,000 miles from new and no erratic driving. This is too costly.

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  Great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Rich - September 16 - 11:03 pm

  Cavernous interior for such a small car, with good cargo space and a generous back seat, though taller drivers will want more leg room. Child/booster seats easy to install. Excellent handling: responsive engine, tight turning radius, great visibility and good feedback. Parking in tight spots is easy. AWD saved me on snowy days. MPG is mid 20s. Controls are simple and easy to use in the otherwise spartan interior. Great safety ratings, feels solidly built and proven very reliable after five years.

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  Excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mohan - September 16 - 11:31 am

  I did a lot of research on similar cars from various manufactures along with the CRV, before opting for the CRV. It is primarily driven by my wife (who loves it to bits). She drives 120miles round trip to work every day and says the drives it great. It has lots of room in the front and back. Regarding the fuel consumption, well she is averaging around 29miles/gal. We did a round trip on Labor day from Chicago to Cincinnati to Twinsbury and back to Chicago. An amazing car. I loved the drive as a driver and a passenger (in the front and back). Both my son and daughter love the drive and the comfort the CRV has to offer. There was lots of room in the trunk for all our legs. Well designed.

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  Great little SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sarah - September 16 - 12:33 am

  We were shopping for something to replace my 06 Accord that was totaled in a wreck, while at the Honda dealer the new CR-V caught our eye. It wasnt even on our list. I love the new design, didnt care for the old one. There is very little road noise in the cabin. The brakes are excellent. Large cargo area, the seats fold down easily. It is so easy to drive around town, I think the front end may be shorter than the Accord so parking is a breeze.

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  Horrible Engine Vibration - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck P. - September 15 - 4:38 pm

  The engine in this 2016 CRV vibrates considerably while stopped in drive and foot on the brake. The front seats vibrate to a point that causes my legs to go numb. The doors and center console vibrates, as well as the dash which is creating a noise from the dash/steering column area. The dealership says this is normal, but I wonder what component/s this vibration will cause to come loose later on--electrical connections, fuel line connections, a/c connections, etc. (not to mention my legs)? I bought this CRV because of a presumed reputation, but am left gravely disappointed. I will never buy or recommend Honda vehicles.

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  2000 CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mary - September 15 - 1:21 pm

  I have loved my CRV since the day I bought it. I have only the normal wear and tear, such as tires, battery oil changes. I now have 103,000 miles and intend to drive it for another 100,00 miles. I get 25 miles a gal around town.

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  Great SUV, The right size. - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By gbnutter - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Just perfect for everyday use. Honda quality, great gas mileage, although we would love a hybrid CRV. More than enough power for highways, climbing, everything, we have never wished for more power! We did have an after market leather added, a really nice addition!