There are actually two versions of the CRJ out there: the CRJ-100 and the CRJ-200.
The CRJ-100 (generally operated by ExpressJet) does have extra legroom in the exit rows, and row one.
The CRJ-200 is the one without extra exit row legroom, and has a cramped row one (generally operated by Endeavor).
I've flown on both configurations, and there definitely is a difference. I would avoid the exit row on all CRJ models, since the seats are generally smaller and are rock hard.