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 Car for Long term Purchase - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By zhenchok - December 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this car off lease when it had 18k it now has 150k with no issues. I keep saying to myself Ill buy a new car when my current car breaks, but it still works perfectly. Sure itt not as smooth as it was when I first got it, but at 150k this is the best vehicle purchase Ive ever made. I recently bought 90k warranty tires because I know that it will last another 100k without any issues. I basically did my oil changes, regular maintenance, break replacement, and tire replacements. Two years ago my a/c went out and I had to replace a rear door lock sensor, but other than that I have not had any mechanical issues at all. If you want a reliable car for long term purchase, get a CRV!

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  Still going strong! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By greensuv - October 21 - 4:57 pm

  This is my second Honda CR-V and I dont have any major complaints. Ive never broken down, and have only had to replace a few parts. The added features on the Special Edition like heated seats make me feel like Im driving a luxury car.

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  Fred 2005 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pahunter - October 14 - 9:39 pm

  Great design. Mediocre power. Bought with 119,000 miles on it. A/C started acting up within a week of buying it but a complete emptying of the system fixed the problem. A/C is now ice cold at 135,000 miles. At about 132,000 I developed a problem with the right axle which will have to be replaced shortly as the shaking is getting worse.

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  Sound System Is Fraudulently Advertised - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By radioarchivist - September 8 - 3:18 pm

  I purchased from a dealer with whom I had over 30 good years of experience with Volvos. As I thought their service was excellent and they were very close, I purchased the car albeit via a high pressure salesman. The CR-V gets better millage in average driving than my old 2000 RAV4 did on the highway. It is also quieter, bigger, more comfortable and more powerful. The OEM radio has very poor AM sound. Being formerly heavily involved in auto radio design. I measured the power, and found it to to be 40 Watts, not 160. Complaints got nothing but lies. They even refused to put their reply in writing, only verbally via telephone. The refused to reveal how they arrive at 160 Watts.

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  Warped spare tire cover (interior) - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bytor100 - September 1 - 7:01 pm

  Like the car but had to go back to the stealership because the spare tire cover over the iner well is warped after 1 month. It happened in the summer, I think it is the humidity. They gave me a new cover no problem but its the same thing another month later. So, its back to the stealership again.

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  2014 CRV LX AWD - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By guest2011 - August 31 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought one today, less than 30 miles, computer reports 21.1mpg mostly highway driving with ECON button on. Maybe needs to be calibrated. I absolutely hate sunroofs and didnt want the more overpriced EX. My previous honda SUV was EX and it had both armrests in the front. This one doesnt have it on passenger side. What bothers me is drivers side armrest. Compared to EX its positioned higher, which makes driving very uncomfortable. The left arm cant reach the door arm rest and the right side is too high. When i tried the EX after i already paid for LX, EX seems to have both the door and right side arm rest at the same lever so i can rest both arms and still hold the steering wheel

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  Excellent First Impression - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By ptl3wis - August 22 - 8:41 am

  I began my journey reviewing the GMC Terrain, Chevy Equinox, Toyota RAV4, and of course the Honda CR-V. Although many of these vehicles are great and capable vehicles for my needs, I found that the Honda CR-V beat them all in comfort, build quality, and value. My biggest liking is the gas mileage and the storage capacity. Both of these are outstanding for a AWD vehicle such as the CR-V. Also, the price point is great considering what you get in the EX-L package (Leather, Sunroof, Heated Seats/Mirrors, Etc...) After 3 years of ownership, I have over 60K miles and average 25MPG (30% city, 70% highway). Definitely consider the CR-V when looking for your next SUV.

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  ABS VSA Lights are on @ ~110K - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By noahred - August 19 - 12:48 pm

  I had a PTTR (pull to the right) problem when I first got it - brand new. Dealer agreed to fix it after a few trips. Make sure youre driving the actual car youre going to buy - when youre buying a brand new car. ABS & VSA lights came on around 110K miles. Dealer asked $2000 to fix! These being said its a reliable car. I would buy it again.

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  First Honda Owned. 16 Months of ownership. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tmo1976 - July 15 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Honda (have owned two Toyotas, three Volvos) product. Purchased as a CPO vehicle and had one issue, A/C clutch was on its way out after 10k miles of my ownership. Covered under warranty. Ride is firm but that is ok with me as I like a firm ride. Buttons on steering wheel are OK. Wish there was a scan feature for radio like one of my other vehicles has. CRV handles well in rain, light snow. AWD is allright for what is. Kids like the sliding rear seats so they can adjust as they like (believe that is no longer available on new ones). Rear seat recline feature is good also. Decent cargo capacity for travel.

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  11 years later - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By preble - July 5 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in 2002. After 11 years, we have had so few problems. I live in constant fear of the A/C compressor exploding, but that is about it. Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle for our Golden Retrievers.Recently looked at the new Crvs, and they seem much less spacious. Wont ever trade this in. Ever