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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  Not so low maintenance after all... - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By surfbort - January 14 - 3:53 pm

  Things starting falling apart as the warranty expired, as usual. The rack and pinion were the first to go at 62k miles. After that costly repair, then the A/C clutch, which seems to be a common problem. Now, at 84k, theres another issue with the power steering fluid leaking and the rack and pinion is to blame again! I thought Id be getting long-lasting quality as advertised but Im left sorely disappointed. Especially, after overlooking petty things like road noise, uncomfortable seats, and cheap materials. I feel like Ive been duped by a brand that preached longevity and quality, but never delivered. I couldve gotten a new, loaded Hyundai for the same price and a better warranty

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  Hate it - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By anitagoodcar - April 18 - 5:29 am

  Bought this new to replace the Toyota Sienna that kept breaking down. Replaced tires, windshield wipers and a few other components before year one. Same complaints as others...plastic bits falling off, poor acceleration, weird noises. Battery problems, computer problems, have nicknamed it HAL from 2001. If it starts singing, "Daisy, Daisy" I am leaving it on the side of the road.

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  Dont buy a CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By 08crv - October 11 - 6:58 pm

  The good reviews were written when the car was new. Honda CRVs developed all kinds of problems with drive train vibrations. Buyers beware! The fix is expensive. The road noise is so loud you cant hear the radio at high speeds. Save your money Honda quality is not what it used to be.

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  Very very bad experience with Honda CRV - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By julieca - December 7 - 10:38 am

  Severe Break Issue!!! We got our Honda CRV this July and currently we drove 4000 miles mainly for commute. However two weeks ago, we heard the big and scary noise from our CRV while we were driving to our parents home where is the peaceful and clean residential area. The noise sounded from the break in the rare wheels. But from our eyes, we couldnt find anything stuck there to make the noise. We didnt dare to drive until my parents said that we have to drive it until the issue really appeared so that we could repair. Fortunately the terrible crash sound disappeared after we drove a few blocks. But the car break does have issue from then on. Once we step on the pedal, it has "KA" noise.

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  Dangerous Car - buyer be aware!!! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By mad_as_hell - December 3 - 9:28 pm

  I own a Honda CRV with 40.000 km (approx 26k MIles) on the clock and the engine mounting bolts just sheared straight off. We are very lucky that we are alive to write this post as the engine dropped through the bay. Honda though, despite risking our lives, is trying to screw us by saying it is not covered under warranty. We are disgusted and outraged that Honda Australia is refusing to cover us for a major defect in their car, that is life threatening and obviously a design flaw They have a severe issue with the curent CRV model and are refusing to accept responsibility.

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  Broken Engine Bolts - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By johnl123 - May 31 - 8:23 am

  I have a Honda Crv SE with 5000 miles and only 5 months old. While driving a few days ago 2 engines bolts broke. Luckily I was not killed. The Go Honda dealer in Westminster , CO said it could be fixed and he cannot let me break the lease because he would loose money and he would go out of business if everybody could just return cars. My car is not a lemon. I would have to have 5 similar occurrences, The managers name is Eric. I am supposed to drive this car with my 2 grandchildren, no way in hell. The staff at the dealership are rude, insensitive to say the least, including the overall manager Matt Hall. Honda needs to recall this model before someone is killed.

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  2011 CRV SE - 175 Miles - Power Steering Out - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By faye7 - March 8 - 1:05 pm

  I cannot describe my disappointment. At 175 miles, the Power Steering went out and car is at the dealer waiting for parts. It has other noises yet to be determined, excluding wind noise. I expect more from a new car and especially from Honda. This is unacceptable and a reflection of Hondas Quality Control Department. I had no problems with my 2003 CRV so I purchased another one solely for the reliability even though I liked another car better. It certainly has failed my reliability expectation. This 2011 CRV can not compare to the 2003 CRV build quality/reliability. Honda has issues and I have lost confidence. I seriously regret buying this 2011 CRV and wish I had kept my 2003 CRV.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By pabatang - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Terrible! No pick-up power, poor acceleration, poor gas mileage, dangerous due to poor acceleration on the highway. For safety I have to trade in for a different make.

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  Neglectful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - December 29 - 4:47 pm

  In 2012 I purchased a brand new Honda CR-V. At first, everything seemed great. A year later or so I started to experience a strange sound when I started the truck. When I took it in for regular oil change I mentioned it and they said they would check it out. They told me it was ok and the noise I heard was "normal." I trusted them and their exper mechanics so I continued to drive it. Needless to say it continued and ever time I took it in they told me nothing was wrong. It finally got to be too much and ONLY upon my insistence, they kept the truck overnight to listen to the noise which they repeatedly assured me was "nothing." Today after I finally called to check on my truck because no one called me I was told it is the VTC Actuator and would cost $500, but not to worry they would pay $350 and I would only have to pay $150. I asked why I would have to pay anything at all and was told because now the warranty expired. I asked for the manager who NEVER came to the phone instead I was directed to call Honda customer service. Well I called was given a case # and now wait for the result. Meanwhile, Im without transportation. Omg words cannot express my frustration. There has to be some protection or something for this. HELP,,,,,,,,

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  CRV that cried wolf - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Michael - May 2 - 12:29 pm

  Ive put 200 miles on this vehicle and hate it. It beeps at me all the time and usually I have no idea why. Sensing system goes into error. Dash tells me to BRAKE and more BEEPING when there is nobody near me on the freeway. Fancy iPad mounted to the dash blows. The vehicle is always locked when I think its unlocked and unlocked when I think its locked. The locks are downright infuriating. The fab weighs about 10 pounds in your pocket. Engine is loud and s l o w. Cab is horribly loud in the rain. Thought I needed to bond with her and spent the last two days dolling her up. It made me hate the vehicle even more. Its a detailing nightmare with so many water retaining nooks and crannies. Water gets inside the tail lights. Chrome trim pieces in the headlights grab my wash mit because they are poking out at the ends. Oh, and you have to leave your fab well away from the car when washing otherwise it keeps locking the doors and beeping every time the water hits the door handles. I hate this vehicle!