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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  Wow!!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By gladys29 - September 12 - 10:28 am

  Its what I was looking for and more! I love everything about it. Its beautiful, drives smooth, comfortable, spacious. I have two kids and shop at bjs so I need some room, kids love it, so much room to stretch out in and enough for bjs run and a few other stores:) thanks Honda, Youve done it again!!!

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  Excellent Choice - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jerebea - September 9 - 8:02 am

  We are very pleased with our purchase. The CR-V is comfortable with sufficient room in the driver and front passenger area to not feel confined. Instrumentation is easy to read and controls are functional and easy to use. Rear cargo area is very sufficient for our needs handling a medium size dog crate with ease. Rear seating area is comfortable and very adequate for two good sized adults. We are presently getting 29.5 MPG is mixed driving. Style and quality of build is excellent.

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  Perfect Family Car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By chapelthrill23 - August 19 - 12:21 pm

  I bought the CRV because I needed a family car and it has not disappointed. It is smooth, quiet, handles like a car, is spacious, and is fuel efficient. A lot of what makes it wonderful cannot be found on a spec sheet. I cross shopped more expensive cars (TSX Wagon, XC70, etc) but the packaging is what made me buy a CRV. The interior design is fantastic. Im not sure how they were able to build a small car with such a huge amount of space. It also has many details that make it work for families. The huge center console is wonderful, the conversation mirror/sun glass holder is useful, the easy fold seats are handy, the big buttons are nice, and I love that the rear floor is flat.

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  Great SUV ! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By kelly5961 - July 29 - 9:34 am

  Weve had our CRV for 4-1/2 years , only 3 issues with it. (1) the dealership sales people, Flatout told them the 1st thing . She(my wife) is going to write you a check , flatout what is the best price on this car with a check right now, STUPID sales person came back and asked how much we were putting down, told him again your getting a check today , he came back and said for 5 yrs. your payments would be $NXO , I SAID LISTEN ! your getting a check for the car TODAY . this went on 4 more times before the JACKASS Sales Mgr. came out & I had to tell him twice the same thing, but got it bought right. (2) Crappy Noisey Continental tires. and a common SUV hatch noise with the windows open.

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  Love this car much more than expected - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ernie29 - July 29 - 5:49 am

  I had a lease coming due on a BMW328xi coupe. I thought the crv would be economical and practical but I never dreamed I would love the car, but I do. You get so much for your money. The fuel economy is amazing (getting 31.5 in Econ mode during my first 150 miles/2days of driving the car). The features are great, love the Bluetooth and Pandora streaming...you can even access your Pandora channels and do the like dislike on the imid screen. only complaints are iPhone is unsupported on USB (isnt this the most popular phone?) and wiper blade inserts suck but thats an easy fix. So much easier to load this car up than BMWs pricey options! Recommend body side moldings. Look great!

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  Love this CRV - right on GAS too! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By granyjany - July 14 - 12:56 pm

  Had my CRV just 3 days now and love it! My first fill up showed me getting 29 mpg.. I honestly expect more once the car has a chance to build an average. It handles well in the curves and it has so many toys on it! Maybe one of the coolest things is the way i can flip those back seats down with one finger! A great value for just shy of $30K !!

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  Better than expected - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By crawfolk - July 9 - 2:54 pm

  Love this car. Got 34.1 mpg on first highway trip. Averaging above 26 mpg around town. Comfortable Honda ride. Like the Bluetooth connection for my IPhone and other included technology. Enjoyed my 2003 Honda Element and wanted to retain as much cargo space as possible. CRV gives me enough. Good visibility in driving rain. Good price and trade-in value from Honda dealer.

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  Best Honda yet!! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By molly090406 - July 8 - 6:53 am

  Just picked up my 2012 CRV-EX-L from the dealer and I love it!! What a fun vehicle and practical as well. I was surprised how "zippy" the car is when pulling out from an intersection or getting up to speed to flow with traffic. Getting about 27 mpg combined highway/city, but thats according to the mpg indicator. Ill find out how good it is when a do several fill-ups and calculate the mpg based on calculating the gallons/miles on a calculator. Theres nothing I dont like, except for it takes time to get used to the XM radio and all the settings.

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  Love my new Honda crv ex-l - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jsanczyk - July 3 - 6:38 pm

  My parents purchased a new Honda crv suv about 2 weeks ago. The car is beautiful. It is black with black leather interior. The navigation is so easy to use and I love driving the car. It handles great and parks so easy.

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  Best Purchase Ever - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By denant - June 4 - 6:23 pm

  I love my 2012 Honda CRV! I had a 99 Civic for 11 years and I wanted to get a SUV. I was affaid that a SUV would be a completely different driving experience, but to my surprise the CRV drives has a similar feel to my civic, I dont feel like i am driving a bigger car.