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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  2014 CR-V EX-L AWD Real World Review - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By gpdpdoo - April 30 - 8:20 pm

  I just bought the car a little over a week ago. Before purchasing I had narrowed down my search to Toyota, Mazda and Honda. I chose the Honda because I really liked the roomy interior and it was fun to drive. The gas mileage was also a deciding factor, although all three car makers were very close in that category. I also chose the Honda for its reliability and resale value.

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  Love My Car!! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By catsmeow5150 - April 25 - 11:29 am

  I have been looking for a car for the past 2 months after my Mazda Protege of 15 years died. I wanted something a bit classy, good on gas, but with bells and whistles. I looked at the Lexus, gorgeous car, but the price was too high. I looked at the Acura MDX and the gas mileage was not all that great. Then I looked at the Honda CR-V, after my first test drive I was hooked. It handles very well, I sit a bit higher so I feel safer and with all the air bags I know I am safe. It gets 28 mpg, which is awesome!! The navigation system and XM radio make me feel a bit spoiled! I also love the fact that when I alert my car that I am arriving at night the headlights come on, just comforting. Luv it

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  Deal-Breaker if I had known - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By dinodriver - March 30 - 8:36 pm

  Had a lease-up on a Rav4, which had the rare 3rd row that I found useful. I was reluctant to give that up but excited to try the Honda with many friends loving their Odysseys, CRVs, etc. I absolutely LOVED the car (had it 3 wks), but I was shocked(and terrified) last night when I was heading home on somewhat rural drive in a pretty bad storm. The headlights are inadequate at best in that sitch. Rain was heavy and roads were dark but it was far from the worst storm I have driven in. Low beam illum. was poor and the brights did nothing but point straight at the rain and reflect back. Never a problem in the Toyota.Researched when I got home and see its widely reported.Much loved otherwise

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  Great SUV!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By tallchris01 - March 25 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our CR-V in 2011 with 115K miles on it for a steal. Since then weve taken half a dozen long trips in it (900 - 2000 miles each) without a single complaint. It is surprisingly comfortable and big enough for our family of 4 (and Im 65") and a trunk full of stuff. Looks great, easy to clean, 27mpg on the hwy. Weve put 53K miles on it in less than 3 years. Maintenance costs are very reasonable.

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  Hipsters Will Be Driving These After All The 240 Wagons Are Used Up - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By haroldingpat - March 16 - 2:22 pm

  Is it cool? No! Is it real and authentic? Absolutely! The 240 Wagon of our times. Cheap, cheerful, reliable, durable, functional, safe, just like the 240 wagons were. Will it impress your neighbors? No, but theres no shame in driving it regardless of your demographics. An upper middle class suburban white person can drive one without shame and have the smug knowledge that they did not fall into the douche bag "luxury" car trap - cue the hipsters in a few years. Averaging 29mpg in mixed suburban / highway driving. I use the "econ" button mainly because it allows better control over the throttle. Very happy overall.

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  2014 CR-V far better than the 2009 model - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By glennon1 - March 3 - 11:04 am

  Just traded in our 2009 CR-V for a new 2014 CR-V. My wife loved the 2009 but I thought it was just OK. Didn’t plan to buy a new car but the trade in was so good I could not pass up the new CR-V. The 2014 is a far better car. I love it. Better body styling, better handling, a lot more quiet on the road, more comfortable, more upscale interior, more standard features, better acceleration and better gas mileage. From a price/quality/performance perspective this is a great car, plus you get Honda’s reliability. I recommend the EX-L model.

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  Love our CRV! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kprairiesun - January 25 - 11:02 am

  We researched vehicles for years and after buying a used 1998 Honda Odyssey and being so impressed by how everything still worked well and was built so well, (unlike our GM vehicles, where everything breaks, ac vents, windows dont work, etc.), we decided we wanted some of that Honda reliability! We wanted a CRV so it would be easier to slip in & out of & still have room for people and my husbands drums when he plays with bands. It accomodates everything and very well! I often look into other suvs in parking lots to see if they have as much room inside as our CRV and they never do, esp. in back. Other owners of CRVs up to 10 yrs old tell me they love it, no problems ever! Its a joy to own!

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  2007 CR-V LX FWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By contrco - January 22 - 11:07 pm

  Just bought 2007 Honda CR-V LX FWD with 88k for $11,800. Super hard vehicles to find. No mechanical problems, comfortable ride, good power for the 4cyl engine. Honda quality.

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  Great car, great value - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By toomuch2do1 - January 4 - 10:34 pm

  I read all of the 2013 reviews before purchasing my 2014. I decided to go with the EX-L without navigation. I couldnt imagine going without a passenger seat arm rest. The dealer got me a CR-V without navigation (since those reviews are terrible) and without the entertainment system, which I dont need. It looks good, runs well, has sufficient pickup even in ECO mode. One reviewer complained about the headrest--but on the EX-L the seat is infinitely adjustable so thats easily corrected. The sound system works sufficiently well for me. Headlights seem to light just fine, but I drive only in well lit suburban areas. Controls are easy to see and operate.

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  Battery and AWD issues - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By sdhanson - January 2 - 12:23 am

  We have two cars - a RAV4 and a CRV. Pretty much identical vehicles except - The AWD handles like rear wheel drive when driving in snow. The rear end wants to come around when cornering on snowy roads. The RAV doesnt do this. I much prefer the RAV when driving on snow. The battery goes dead about twice a month. I had the battery and alternator checked by the dealer and was told everything is "OK." The alternator does not charge at idle and if all your trips are short your battery will go dead. Carry a battery pack and put it on a trickle charger once a month. This is a HUGE shortcoming to me! PS I live in a very cold region where we can go months below 32 degrees.