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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  2013 Honda CrV-Do Not Purchase-Poor Exterior Lighting - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pompom - September 18 - 1:40 pm

  We test drove this car during the day. We were dumbfounded at how the exterior lights on this car are not pointed toward the road. You can night drive at night unless you have your high beams on. Good luck with that. The dealer states nothing is wrong. You have got to be kidding. Only have 3,200 miles on it and this may be the first car that we dump that is less than 6 months old. An accident waiting to happen!

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  Potentially serious issues with a 2003 HONDA CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gzp2013 - July 15 - 12:41 pm

  1. Changed all door lock actuators, including the hatch door 2. Poor to dangerous car stability on two occasions First time on a slightly icy road the car did a 180 degree turn while driving at 40 miles/hour, I landed on the opposite direction of a two way street, fortunately nobody was driving on the other side Second time the car did a 90 degree turn on a slightly wet road, again driving ~ 35-40 miles/hour On both occasions the CR-V had top of the line tires that were in fine condition I have also been driving VW and Hyundai cars and never had this kind of experiences as I had with the CR-V

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  Where is the legroom? - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By kidpolska - May 24 - 9:16 am

  I like all of the features of my CR-V, but does anyone else have a problem with the drivers side legroom? I am 62" and have NEVER had a problem with legroom before I cant drive this car for more than 2 hours without severe cramps.

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  HONDA FAIL - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By fathom73 - May 14 - 9:07 pm

  2009 CRV EX. Out of warranty with less than 100K miles. Front bumper paint on the plastic parts has been peeling the last two years. HONDA FAIL. AC System Stopped working. $1500 fix... oh wait, it was recalled so the paid it, but still, Honda FAil! Rear Door Actuator for power locks went bad. $250. Honda Fail. Steering System (rack and Pinion) needs to be replaced. Over $1100 for just the parts. Labor is another bundle of $. Honda FAIL! Now my service writer told me these are COMMON!! So Common Honda actually went through with a Recall on the AC.. lucky me. NOT THE BRAND THEY ONCE WERE. HONDA FAIL. It seems like Honda is the old Hyundai and Visa Versa... Ugh

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  Electric Shock from the ignition key...I should have known better - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By notrch - November 4 - 2:43 pm

  Has anyone else received an electric shock while inserting their 2012 CRV key in the ignition? I have and my finger is still numb and painful a month later. I thought I was becoming more economical when I traded my 2007 BMW X-3 in for this Honda. I am averaging 17 miles per gallon. The navigation system is a joke, I have been in a Staples parking lot with the navigatin telling me the closest store is 364 miles away!!! Dont even try to find a Radio Shack. The voice operation is sporatic and was designed to cause frustraion and annoyance, which it will do with ease...the only thing it does with ease. Thanks

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  First and Last Honda - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By mrbrown3 - October 16 - 7:31 pm

  Disappointed after 1.5 months of ownership! Traded in a 07 4runner and took a huge step down. The vehicle is quite on smooth roads but try some rougher pavement and the noise is clear. Bought this thing for gas mileage and Im averaging 22.4. Not even close to advertised. Test drive one at night on a dark road out of the city and check out the high beams. Headlights are Horrible! Mine has some issue with the electrical system. My lights almost blink off when I come to an idle. Hope it does decent in the snow! It sounds and feels cheap! I dont have enough room to talk about the dealer. I put up with a bad dealer to buy into a quality, great gas mileage car and man did I get burned!!!

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  poor quality all around - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By georgiae - August 10 - 11:52 am

  I bought a 2011 honda CRV new. I thought i bought a great car. I was totally wrong, what i bought was a generic car. Horrible road noise, dont use the air and try to pull a hill, your lucky if you get up to 40 mph. tires need replaced after 14,500 miles. Moon Twp Honda basically said " You drove the car" . No kidding i didnt buy it to park in the garage. They offered me 2 tires, i said but there are 4 tires on the car. Too bad per Honda. The management at this dealer ship is awful. Do not buy this vehicle you definately will be sorry, if you do do not but at Moon Twp, Pa Honda, very ignorant management.

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  AC is a money pit - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By timjsmith - July 20 - 8:17 am

  2004,2005,2006 AC units are so bad Honda had to settle a lawsuit regarding this piece of junk. Do not buy a used Honda CRV unless the AC unit has been replaced, it will cost you $1400.00 bucks to replace it. Eventually you will have to if you drive it over 50,000 miles that is about how long it will last.

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  Team Honda will not help me - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By dmedica - May 16 - 7:56 am

  TEAM HONDA OF BATON ROUGE,La offered a trade in programs on 12/29/11 I traded my wonderful 2009 in for a 2011 CRV. Starting in Feb 2012 I have been bringing my car in asking them to take the horrible vibartion and noise out of the engine. I have asked to get mey 2009 back, another 2011 or I would pay more for a 2012 ( in the 2012 they FIXED the vibration). Ihave been told this is NORMAL for the 2011 and there is NOTHING they can do. To stop the noise and vibration I have to turn my AC off when I am sitting still in the car. If anyone suggest help I will appreciate it.

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  AC drags this guy down - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By timjsmith - November 30 - 9:31 am

  The AC unit in this SUV is the worst. Who cares if you can drive the car for 200,000 miles if every 50,000 you have to shell out 1500 bucks for a total rebuild of the AC unit. The dorks at Honda designed this this to fail, the compressor blows up right into the cooling radiator for the AC. This adds about 400 bucks to your repair total. Honda just settled a class action lawsuit about these crummy AC units. Beware of 2004-2006 CRVs. You need AC more than you might think. You have to get them fixed or you cant drive the car. The belt system requires that the AC unit be connected, and if it blows you cannot use the car.