Yes, Honda did offer a manual transmission CR-V in its early years. In modern generations, the CR-V is CVT-only in most markets.
The question concerns when and where a manual CR-V was available, and how that changed over time. Here is a historical overview and the current status across major markets.
Historical overview
First generation CR-V (1997–2001)
When the CR-V first arrived in 1997, Honda offered a five‑speed manual transmission as an option in several markets, alongside a four‑speed automatic. The manual was commonly paired with the model’s four‑wheel-drive configuration, appealing to buyers seeking greater control in varied conditions. Availability varied by region, but the manual option is widely acknowledged as part of the early CR‑V lineup.
Second generation CR-V (2002–2006)
In the second generation, the manual transmission continued to appear in certain markets, though the United States and several other major markets increasingly leaned toward automatic transmissions. Depending on the region and trim, some markets still offered a five‑speed manual, while others shifted entirely to automatics.
Third generation and beyond (2007–present)
Starting with the third generation, Honda largely discontinued offering a manual CR‑V in the United States and most other large markets. The CR‑V has been sold primarily with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for much of its life in North America, Europe, and many other regions. Some very limited or older imports of manual-spec vehicles exist only in used or niche markets, but they are not part of the current lineup.
Current status
As of 2024–2026, Honda does not offer a manual transmission CR‑V in the United States, Canada, or most major markets. The CR‑V lineup uses a CVT across trim levels, with hybrid variants expanding in some regions. Buyers seeking a manual Honda SUV would need to consider older used CR‑V models or alternative Honda models that are still offered with manual transmissions, such as certain Civic variants.
Summary
In short, Honda did produce a manual CR‑V during its early years, but the modern CR‑V is not offered with a manual transmission in most markets. The shift to CVTs has been the norm since the early 2000s in North America and many other regions, leaving manual options limited to older, used examples in some markets.