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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  For how everyone seems to love these Hondas, we do not love ours - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By delta125 - January 14 - 11:06 pm

  Bought brand new in 2007. Top of the line CR-V. A major disappointment, three weeks after puddles started dripping under car. We take it back to the dealership and for ten days we had a base Nissan Altima model loaner as they had to wait for a part to come in and Honda wouldnt allow us to take it unless fixed. Highest model and does not even have power seats, very uncomfortable on long trips, fuel efficency could be obtained on a V6 and the engine is very weak. Steering wheel shakes like crazy at 73 MPH and above. Pathetic. I will be sure to stick with a GM or Ford product from now on.

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  My last Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This review is not to bash the Honda, but let people be aware of potential problems with this vehicle. At about 70k km. the power steering pump had to be replaced, no a big deal since it was under warranty. At around 80k km. both rear wheel bearings had to be replaced – under warranty. Once the vehicle was off warranty the following items had to be replaced – all wheel bearings, the whole struts assembly (over $1200), ABS sensor, catalytic converter (over $1000), recently my u-joints “went” but they cannot be replace – the whole drive-shaft has to be replaced (over $1000). Currently some bushings should be replaced but I am putting this off, and seat belt sensor is not working ($300).

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  Mistake - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this for my wife with all of the options... This was our 4th CR-V and nothing but issues. Picked up from dealership took on road trip. Around 400 miles rack and pinion broke, hit rain storm no wipers, cant get more than 21 mpg on hwy, pieces coming off of dash, I have had it in the dealer for 5 weeks and they cant figure how to fix it. Keep getting run around. Will not buy another Honda and is a real shame as I have had about 10 over the past 20 years. I had also contacted Honda Corporate and they never returned a call or sent a note. They always want a good survey guess they cant take the bad and stick behind product.

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  Very Disappointed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By RR - August 24 - 12:55 pm

  Took this on lease just this month- maybe I still need to figure out features and vehicle still in breaking in period, but overall very disappointed with it. Noisy engine/ ac compressor, very poor pickup, difficult accelerating into a highway, fuel consumption around 17 mpg, stiff suspension transmits bumps straight through to passengers. Cheap interior design- driver seat arm rest needs getting used to, Bluetooth device linked to nav system does not display incoming call number, nav system configured to show roads as us# rather than road names. Wouldnt recommend- test drive RAV4 (comes with either bluetooth/nav but not both), or Subaru Forester (might have to wait-not readily available)

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  Poor Acceleration - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By honda owner - August 24 - 12:44 pm

  I have owned the car for 4 months now. My main complaint is the sluggish acceleration. When I start moving, I can push the acceleration pedal to the floor and its acceleration is pathetic! I am not sure whether it has to do with the engine size or other problem, but even the service at the dealer was surprised how little acceleration this car has. yet, he could not find anything mechanically wrong with it. I would definitely not have bought it, if I knew about this problem. And its a safety problem too - when you need to clear an intersection fast upon traffic light change, the car just slowly rolls through the intersection. Very disappointing!

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  2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kencom - August 2 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased a CR-V due to reading the high ratings of this vehicle and liked its looks. Very disappointed with the road noise, and the door misalignment. I was willing to trade in the vehicle at a loss for one without trim and door misalignment. Every car the dealer located had similar issues. The dealership scheduled me an appointment with a Honda customer service rep who stated that this door misalignment was "within tolerance". I took it to a body shop and they said that to correct it the front fender would need to be removed, and the door may not seal correctly. I traded it in with 900 miles on it for a loss.

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  Honda CR-V Air Conditioner Issue Cover Up - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mac PSP - July 12 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased my Honda CR-V new, it now has just over 70,000 miles, last week the air conditioning system failed and wiped out the entire system. The dealer wanted $2000 to replace the system. I refused and checked out the issue on line. As it turns out there are multiple year air conditioning failures on the CR-V. Hondas USA Corporate office is refusing to acknowledge to there is an issue. I am contacting the California State Attorney General and an attorney. Hondas Corporate Customer Service Rep would not let me make a point on the phone and told me, "I might want to be quiet before I stuck my foot in my mouth!" This is typical of how Honda has handled this problem. Stay tuned!

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  AC blows up - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By dave - July 12 - 3:07 pm

  I had a Honda accord hatchback in the 80s that was great. I bought my wife an 04 c-rv and it held up pretty well until this weekend . At 59,000 miles the ac locked up and the clutch assembly violently was ejected from the car. We limped home from Iowa to Oklahoma,and lo and behold there are at least a thousand other people online that have had similar experiences. Honda, shame on you for not fixing this. Hello Ford, we will be in contact shortly.

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  Honda is not keeping up - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bb - June 26 - 6:05 pm

  The CR-V drives nice when tires have less than 15k miles. After that road noise continues to increase to the point of major disillusionment. Its not the tires fault. Its the design. Honda relies on very soft, low mileage, tires on the CR-V to smooth out the harsh suspension. Do not put high mileage or fuel efficient tires on this vehicle! The suspension, or lack thereof, turns the CR-V with high Mileage or fuel efficient tires into a giant tuning fork. Steering feel is disconnected from the road but does react quickly to driver input. Makes me think of a video game. Lower end models with steel wheels do a little better. Already had to replace the AC compressor.

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  CR-V doesnt run upto its fame - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Zakir Faruquee - May 31 - 11:27 am

  I bought my CR-V from Peoria, IL on December 4, 2008. In summer, I found the AC was not cooling properly I took to the same dealer, they tested and said I should run the AC at Max, CR-V AC performance as it is. This summer, AC was not cooling I took a different dealer, they filled up with gas and they couldnt found the leakage. - When I start the CR-V it makes buzzing noise, it started at beginning of last winter, I took it to a Honda dealer, and they said its not a safety problem and they are not going to fix it. Besides, I have problems with door lock too. My CR-V is 1.5 years old with a mileage of 18,000 miles and should be covered under warranty?