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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  OK, but features not up to high price - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jenson23 - December 1 - 3:30 am

  A bit disappointed after reading so many stellar reviews. Lots of blind spots. Doors come up higher than my older cars (cant easily rest my arm on windowsill) probably for better safety, but that makes it very hard to see the 4 corners of the car, or see potholes by front passenger side, or see where the driveway edges are when Im backing up. Also very disappointed at the lack of lights. No light in glove box! No lights anywhere on outside door or mirror. When I open the door on a dark street at night, other cars cant see that its open! Very dangerous. Worst is getting in car at night and cant see button to quickly lock door, and have to feel / fumbling w/ key!

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  CR-V V stands for Vanilla - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By brifi - November 24 - 9:34 pm

  This car is like driving an appliance, its drives OK and gets me where I want to go but has very little character. Fuel economy declines drastically in cold weather. LX seats are not very comfortable after an hour. Rear visibility is very poor, the backup camera is not a solution to this. The stability control catches me by surprise, applying brakes in the middle of a turn when I am not expecting it. The front seat head rests have an aggressive angle that doesnt allow me to stretch and straighten my neck. I wish I had bought the Forester with true AWD. I also wish I could turn off the A/C function that automatically comes on in defrost modes, it is not necessary in my dry winter climate.

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  DISAPPOINTED - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By aky13 - May 19 - 11:23 am

  Compared with my previous vehicle, a 2004 Honda CR-V, the 2013 is VERY disappointing in all aspects EXCEPT fuel economy.

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  Honda slow to resolve issues. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By wadelovell - May 16 - 3:20 pm

  The CRV has been revised since the 2011 model so the rear tire wear problems may have been addressed by now. If not, plan to spend $500 - $1,500 a year on tires depending on your driving habits. The rears cup or scallop just as the did on the CIVIC but HONDA has yet (May 2014) to issue a technical service bulletin to correct the CRV.

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  Great Car, pooly made AC & zero customer support - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By teriyakiboy - April 22 - 8:48 pm

  I love my CR-V, this is true utility minded vehicle, which majority of todays SUV are lacking. Hence I baby my car. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the TSB on AC and class action that Honda settled in 2012 for $40M. It was a true wake up call when the compressor exploded, sending pieces of metals throughout the AC system, causing $4500+ damage. Honda America denied everything about the AC and compressor issues, calling internet info "competitors lie", case action is "untrue", and they even went in extent to tell me that I was first person to report the problem. Im royal to the local dealer, but Im no longer royal to Honda brand.

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  Terrible Full Beam Headlights and Cold in winter - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By nmark - January 22 - 9:56 pm

  I bought the 2013 CR-V because of how much I like my 2010 Odyssey. There is absolutely no comparison because the CR-V is so inferior to the Odyssey (sadly). Problems: 1. Full Beam Headlights are hopeless. The area in the immediate front of the car and at the sides is far too dark. Its almost as if the headlights point straight ahead and are elevated. Its a road hazard driving at night in the country where there are no city lights. Honda dealer replaced bulbs but no difference. Honda and Dealer simply deny there is a problem. 2. Car temperature inside is unbearable when temp drops below 20 degrees F.

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  not what we expected - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rjb1122 - January 20 - 9:01 pm

  We did not notice the road noise while the salesman drove with us and talked during the drive. We are also a disappointed in the lack of options included. We did not realize until after buying the car there is not even a homelink control for a garage door opener. The ride is quite stiff and the car seems to have a vibration above 60mph. We have taken the car back to the dealer for them to evaluate but no luck in solving the problem. We bought the car off the showroom floor and did not drive the specific car before purchase.

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  Not much extra about EX model - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By don0xff - January 3 - 9:23 pm

  CRV EX-L. It has heated leather seats. Weve had hondas, Accords and Odyssey, before, which were very good vehicles: reliable, great value, good performance, comfortable, etc., so thought this would be a good choice. Issues: headlights, tranny, radio, info screen. Seems as though part of the headlights are blocked, and even more so with with the high-beams on. Tranny: test drive seemed very smooth, but later noticed that when decelerating then give it gas there is good amount of delay in the acceleration. Cant you go with 6 speed? Radio: Really? lower grad than what I had in my 1995 Accord. Why put that in top-end model. Info screen: was this project complete?

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  ROLLAWAY! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By unhappywithcrv - December 15 - 10:16 pm

  We parked my 2013 Honda CR-V on a < 30 degree incline, put it in park and turned off the engine. After going behind it, opening the hatch and taking out 2 bags it began to roll backward. I had the car for only 3 months and have had no warning of any problem. I have reported this to NHTSA and am waiting for a resolution but will not drive this car again. As a side note: even though I drive with ECO on, I have never gotten close to 30mpg. The best is around 25.

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  Bad electrical system. - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By shinhoo - November 7 - 6:37 pm

  Car has had a lot of issues with recurrent dead batteries. Strange since the car otherwise works fine, but having to jump start car every 2-3 weeks. Found out that there was a software glitch that affected the way the car was charging the battery, required an update under Honda service bulletin 12-041, this has apparently been a common issue. However, even since the update, have had to jump start 3 times. Have taken to 2 different Honda dealers, they have no idea what to do. They are telling me to drive with the radio, lights, fan, etc. all off. Quite absurd.