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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  great value and good gas mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By jimo7 - March 21 - 4:39 pm

  Purchased in November 2013 and put almost 2500 miles on it...mileage is improving and last tank was 28.5 with city and freeway miles. This is my third Honda (1980s Accord and previous was 2006 Pilot). All have been extremely reliable and good value for the money, if somewhat bland in driving. The CR-V adds more tech toys with iPod integration, bluetooth connection for my iPhone, and streaming audio which I havent played with yet. Abundant interior room to hold my bikes and surfboards (similar to Pilot although somewhat smaller). Highly recommended but wish I would have test-driven the Suburu Forrester turbo to compare the performance.

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  Excellent Reliability, Great Performance - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By kopper65 - March 18 - 12:07 pm

  Bought this car used two years ago (2012) with about 80k miles on it. It had had the timing belt replaced already, so I felt pretty confident that this car would last a while before any major mechanical failures, and, so far Ive been right. Absolutely no problems in the two years Ive owned it, just normal maintenance costs, including new tires. I really love how it drives... its peppy, handles excellently well, and I love driving it in the snow. I sometimes wish it had a bit more power for acceleration, but not often. I typically just drive it at the speed limit and see gas mileage in the low 20s. Overall Ive been very happy with the car and dont plan on getting rid of it any time soon!

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  Fuel pump fails @60K - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By rss9 - March 16 - 7:15 pm

  I am the first owner of this car. The tires were replaced in 18K. The fuel pump fails at 62K. I am not sure HONDA is maintaining quality. Dealer is trying to sell extended warranty informing me lot things can go wrong.

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  Loosing faith in Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By midav75 - February 19 - 9:56 am

  I dont know whats going on with Honda, but its not as used to be. Build quality is definitely not up to par. Bought a brand new CR-V a year ago. After the first rain, it had a spare tire wheel compartment full of water. It took dealership 3 tries and an external shop to fix leaking problems. Battery died when weather hit below 0. This should not happen on a 10 months old car. Wheel wells have no protective covers. Dealership told me it was done by design and the bare metal is treated for rust corrosion, but rust corrosion doesnt protect from stones chipping at the paint. And to top it off, all lug nuts are rusted. Car is 1 year old!!! Very, very disappointed!

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  Impressions after 5 weeks - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By steven6868 - January 27 - 9:22 pm

  After driving an Integra for 12 years, its quite an adjustment switching to an SUV. The back up camera in en excellent tool, but should not be used exclusively when in reverse - theres still no substitute for looking out that back. The city gas mileage is way lower than I expected: 16 mpg is the highest Ive gotten and this is driving with conserving gas in mind. Highway is more acceptable at 26 mpg. I got this in the winter time and it is colder than usual. The heater in the CR-V takes several minutes to get going and provide heat. Just as I start to feel comfortable, I have arrived at my destination (work commute is less than 15 minutes.)

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  2014 CR-V EX AWD Excellent car but poor mileage - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By photoman148 - January 16 - 4:24 am

  Purchased this late November 2013 and have put a little less than 1,000 miles on it so far. Very happy with it so far, except for the gas mileage is below 20 mpg even with the eco button turned on, although almost all my driving so far have been on distances of less than 5 miles... mostly 2-3 miles. Features I enjoy the most is the USB and Bluetooth connectivity. When you hook your I phone to the USB port, Pandora can be fully controlled with the cars audio system controls, including channel. The backup camera is convenient too!

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  Plain jane - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rwalters1 - January 9 - 6:58 pm

  Nice automobile, but for an EX-L it is a bare bones equipment. Put 5500 miles on so far. Acceleration has gotten better, mileage good but the seats are awful. I have never had such a sore behind in my life. My wife and I are of small build and the seat is firm right in the middle where your tailbone rides. My tailbone feels like its on fire in just ten minutes of driving, hers too, either seat. Its going to the upholstery shop soon. If he cant fix it then it will be sold. Who designed those seats. They must be like the accord seats everybody complains about. Called Honda, they dont seem interested in helping me out, see the dealer.

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  is it too late for 2015 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By miles_in_tx - January 9 - 12:28 pm

  I hope the 2015 CR-V model will put the AC vents like they were in the 2010 model. I also hope they can change the rear view out of the vehicle, if possible at all. Otherwise, perfect vehicle.

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  bad batteries - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By dangthieu - January 6 - 2:15 pm

  Car do not start in -9 degree even the car still 10 months old. (cr-v 2013).

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  Great Car... but - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By polarbear14 - January 3 - 10:12 am

  Our 2014 CRV is a very nice, reliable and economical car. We have had a number of Hondas and find them to be a good value. The CRV has excellent seat comfort and seating position, great visibility, good ride and handles well ... as long as you dont drive aggressively. The sills are low - a good thing for over 60s getting in and out. It has a real key - not a fob and starter button, a good thing. We just did a 1400 mile trip and got great highway mileage (33+). As with all Hondas, there are minor annoyances that mar an otherwise great car. We considered similar Toyota, Mazda and Subaru models and liked the CRV best overall. There are issues (see below), but all cars have issues.