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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  2007 CRV Reliability not what you think - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By crvsbad - September 12 - 11:56 am

  The Honda CRVs have a reputation of high reliability. Actual results from our 2007 model dont back that up. It has an AC Compressor bearing failure at 94,000 that was found by the dealer while it was being looked at for the known AC Compressor clutch problem. Symptom was an unusual noise that came from the engine area that subsided when the AC was engaged. It is quite noticeable during idle. Dealer wants $900 to fix it, plus they charged me $140 just to diagnose it. Way out of whack. It also has a "shudder" which appears to be a transmission failure. You may want to choose a different vehicle.

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  Not what I thought a Honda would be - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By spdy3 - August 24 - 12:13 am

  Bought for my wife used in 2007 with 18k miles. It was a Honda certified. It now has 142k miles. A/C blew up at 60k (absolute dishonesty from Honda on this issue) We complained to dealer and Honda they both played dumb on the issue. I printed off many complaints on this from this site and Honda reluctantly agreed to cover except $800. O2 Sensors went out at 80k. The front strut mounts have gone out several times (we live on a 1/4 long dirt road). Overall decent reliability except the A/C. Honda skimped on everything from the A/C, to the complete lack of sound deadening and suspension travel. Handles well but rides horribly. I didnt see what my wife saw in the test drive.

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  Disappointed in Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By randyhi - August 10 - 8:01 am

  I bought this CRV new and at 50,000 miles I was told by the local service dept that it now needs new tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings. The poor thing has been used on the highway and in town and has rarely been on anything other than a paved road. I just got the quote for these repairs and it is just a little over $800. I have never seen a vehicle have suspension and steering problems arise this soon unless it had been subjected to serious off road use. Mine has not. It has a weak engine that struggles on hills and is best owned and driven in the flatlands. I bought a Honda for their reliability and am very disappointed with the issues at only 50K miles.

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  Noisiest car I have ever owned - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By heli_driver - August 8 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased brand new (14 Months ago) with every option Honda offers. This vehicle is the noisiest car I have ever owned. My Honda convertible S2000 was quieter than this CRV. Road/tire noise, wind noise, engine noise and even noise from passing vehicles are not attenuated. Being mostly mid to higher frequency noise, this gives us both a headache. I question if Honda forgot the soundproofing in my car. The Head Lights are very weak & easy to over drive. At Hwy speeds the steering input is far too sensitive, making it squirrelly and dangerous feeling. Even as a commercial helicopter pilot, the Navigation/stereo is not easy to use and key features do not work with the iPhone.

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  Poor Exterior Lighting - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By pompom - June 7 - 7:09 am

  I was so looking forward to purchasing my new car. I did a lot of research and came to 3 top cars. I chose the CRV and I think I made a big mistake. It did not help that the dealer delivered a very dirty car to me and when I called to complain the salesman would not assist me. The finance guy tried and tried to get me to put almost $2,000 on my loan for an extended warranty. It would have been nice for someone to show me what the so called ten computers do instead of trying to upsell me so hard! Now when I drive at night the exterior lighting is so bad that I almost always have to drive with the high beams on something I have never had to do with other cars. Very bad experience!

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  Lemon? - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By awolowa - April 1 - 12:40 pm

  We got this car in 2008 and were the second owners only. It looked in amazing shape with only 100 000km. However, aside from the amazing craftsmanship, the thing would break every 2 to 3 months for the last 4 years. It was always something, and it often ended costing close to $1000 every time. And every time, I thought "this is probably the last time", but no. So finally, we had to scrap this money pit. Not many people complain about this car, but I guess we had a lemon, or at least, it became one in our hands.

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  First Honda, Seat belt trouble - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By mmc24 - February 23 - 1:43 pm

  So far, Im just getting used to my first Honda after 20 years of driving Pontiac Grand Prix. This vehicle of course does not have the luxury of a Grand Prix but it does have many fine qualities, one of which is the AWD which I really like. However, I have twin 5yr old grandchildren and it is almost impossible to get their car seats buckled in the back seat. The belt will not latch without the most extreme effort as the buckle part extending from the seat recedes when you try to latch it. As I pick them up from school everyday this has become a serious problem as well as the nuisance of getting your clothes dirty from leaning over the door rim to try to reach the buckle.

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  Substandard Tires on CRV LX - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By ohiomarine1 - February 18 - 2:28 pm

  I took delivery of a CRV LX and noticed when I got home that the tires were substandard....Continental. This LX was not on the lot at anytime only other CRVs but not LXs. The other CRVs had Michelins or Goodyear tires so I assumed.. The dealer and Honda America were not interested in trading out the tires even if I paid the difference which is amazing to me.

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  The CRV has Problems - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By ron1949 - January 19 - 5:21 pm

  Well after much research I took the plunge. The water was filled with disappointment. The dealer could not program the hands free phone, delivered the car dirty and not serviced, and tried to sell all kinds of useless add-ons. Not what I remembered from my last Honda. The innovation is just not there. Now for all of you poor souls who looked and looked for the wiper indicator its not there. Honda America has some kind dip stick to let you know if wiper fluid is low. Wont find out until you are in a dangerous situation and no way to clear your windsheild. The car was delivered with an empty tank. Watch out for tranmission surge while in Econ Mode.

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  Do not purchase - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By brendaf123 - January 14 - 6:02 pm

  Cruise control drops up to 8 mph going up a hill and gains that much going down. Dealer says the 15 mph speed variation is "normal and within guidelines". I have been driving with cruise controls since they were introduced and have never seen dramatic fluctuations like this even when the technology was new. It is too bad that Honda finds this acceptable. Side window fogs making it difficult or impossible to see side mirror. Defroster doesnt help. Seems to be a design flaw particularly in humid climates. Heater works great unfortunately I live in the south and the air conditioner is not adequate on hot days. We thought we were buying a car that we could keep for years. So disappointed.