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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  Excellent Small SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By davidgarzon98 - February 10 - 1:33 pm

  My car has close to 10.000 miles and Ive not had a single problem with it. After cleaning it it still looks 100% new outside and inside. The average fuel consumption has been around 24 miles per gallon (including city driving in Atlanta and highway driving) which is similar to what I was getting with my previous car (civic 2009). Ive done a few long trips (12 hours) and is a comfortable ride. Ive only visited the dealership for oil changes. The only issue is that I didnt have a good experience buying from Curry Honda.

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  LOVE this car! (But IMID clock is insulting) - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By prowler_mq5qm_ - November 4 - 12:03 pm

  Local dealer needed more used Oddys. Traded in the 2010 I bought from them and they credited me 100% what was left owing on it towards leasing a 13 CR-V. Couldnt be happier! Increased my fuel economy 75% and lowered my monthly payment by 50%. Albeit I wont own it after 36 months, but usually I buy a new car every 3 years anyway. So far, it has been a wonderful vehicle. Standard features that one used to have to buy a Cadillac to get! The only complaint I have is the analog clock display on the center IMID. I love the looks of it center-dash like it is, but I find the inclusive digital time display insulting. I can read a clock, I dont nee the digital display along with it!

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  15000 mile review - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By mcm0455 - October 7 - 1:02 am

  I bought this car for my wife to replace her aging 03 Honda Pilot. Overall it has been a very good car. Easy to drive, plenty of interior room, very comfortable on long trips, and excellent highway mpgs. Last month, saw over 35 mpg at 70 mph. City mileage, running errands mpg drops to low 20s. I have changed the oil twice, replaced the cabin and air filter and the wipers. Has been dead reliable, uses no oil between oil changes. Very solid car!

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  Nice CR-V - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By christian20 - September 26 - 9:16 am

  This nice car, I have bought this in 2013

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  Honda CRV makes a good truck subsitute. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By utahcrver - August 25 - 7:47 pm

  I was originally looking for a small truck to replace my 2000 Xterra. But the gas mileage was not to my liking. I them started looking at some of the smaller SUV s I settled on the Honda CRV for my needs. I pull a small utility trailer for my business and never pull more than 1000 lbs. The 2.4 liter engine is powerful enough for my needs, I still can get over 30 mpg pulling my small trailer. I just finished taking a 1200 mile road trip. And using the ecomode got 34.9 mpg. Ride quality, handling and comfort were great.

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  Our Favorite Honda Yet - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rtaz - July 27 - 7:48 pm

  After three Accords, dating back to 1994, my wife and I purchased our 2014 CRV. My wife is the primary driver, and she loves the higher seating position. Also, both of us find the vehicle to be very comfortable on long trips. Weve put on 4K miles in the first 2 months weve owned it. The mileage isnt great as far as what is available in vehicles today, but for a new AWD vehicle, it gets in the high 20s. Our best mileage was on a trip returning to Phoenix from Show Low, Arizona where we got 32.5 mpg, but it is mostly downhill. Some reviewers find the 5 speed automatic to be outdated, but we have found that the unit works just fine in this application. We love our CRV.

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  2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD with Navigation Review - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ncreviewer - July 7 - 10:21 pm

  The 2014 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD with navigation is a very nice SUV. I can see why it is ranking 4 to 5 stars. I bought this one about a month or so ago and my wife and I both like it very much. We traded in a 2012 Toyota Rav4 4x4 Limited. We enjoyed the Rav4 and it served us well. No complaints. But the one we had did not have built-in navigation like this Honda and what you get when you get the Honda navigation is voice command capability for many things, like your heat & A/C, phone, and supposedly navigation (but like most guys, I havent read the manual, so I need to learn how to do that). Lots technology. Very smooth ride. 23.1 avg mpg to date. Hoped for more. But like the car.

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  Economical and Fun to drive! EX-L With Navi - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaloverma - July 5 - 3:36 pm

  I went to a Honda dealership initially to look at a Crosstour, but to get one with Navigation was just a little beyond my financial reach. So I looked at the CR-V EX-L With Navigation and was pleasantly surprised. Ive now owned it for 8 days and just shy of 1000 miles on it and Im hooked! I Love it! Cargo space is nice and large, fit a huge box for a carpet steam cleaner with ease. And so far Im getting high 20s low 30s for gas mileage. I admit I was a bit hesitant to buy the vehicle when I saw a couple reviews that people had complained about visibility at night with the 2013 model, but I have no trouble seeing at night what so ever with mine. Stereo, Navi & leather seats are great!

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  A really great vehicle to own - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By britqueen - May 18 - 11:15 am

  I had this mini suv for six years and never had one mechanical problem with it at all. Overall a really great vehicle to own especially for reliability. It was a bit loud on the highway but never enough to be annoying. I wouldnt call it "fun" to drive but it was a great suv for zipping around town and transporting my dog to the park. I would buy another one but I feel Honda needs to really put a power liftgate in this vehicle. Also the navigation is a bit subpar with other vehicles.

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  Love My Honda - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover31 - May 9 - 3:56 pm

  I purchased my 1999 Honda CRV in Feb. 2008. It had 98,000 miles on it. Other than the timing belt and regular ware and tear it has been an excellent car. I now have 267,000 miles on it!!!! I recommend honda to anyone who asks..both my kids drive a honda and my dad just bought his first honda a year ago!