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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  vibraion at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep123_sr@yahoo.com - October 1 - 12:46 am

  the car vibrates at idle, when stopped at signal light it starts vibrating.

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  Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep - September 29 - 10:46 pm

  My car has less than 7K on odometer and I have vibration problem. It is very annoying and distracts the driver.

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  Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By GK - September 29 - 9:19 am

  5000 miles on the car and Mode 1 Vibration is evident even at cooler temps. Sometimes in reveres the car shudders violently making you think its going to stall. This is a major concern when backing up around sidewalks or busy parking lots as you lose concentration. Starting to get mode 2 vibration also. The techs at Honda are aware and could care less. Guess only recourse it to keep taking it in and the try to fight them with lemon law. The navigation and the whole setup is counterintuitive, someone really has to clean up the logic here. The materials on the doors are very cheap and scuff up easily. The ride is nice and fuel economy has been on track but what a major disappointment with the vibration. Sitting in stop and go traffic and you feel as if youre in an old broken down manual car with a bad engine and trans. Long and probably last time new Honda buyer. I hope Honda gets with it and fixes the issues.

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  I bought my CRV in February 1997 - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CRV Owner - September 27 - 8:54 am

  I bought my CRV with 13 miles on the odometer. Today my vehicle has approximately 264,000 miles. Maintenance costs have been minimal. I completely forgot to change the timing belt until the car had 175k miles on it. The mechanic later showed me the timing belt and said it was in incredibly good shape for having weathered that many miles. The only major repair I have had to speak of is replacing the radiator. I live in a cold weather climate and never have to worry about ice and snow. The AWD kicks in when needed and I just plow on and get to my destination. The car is 18 years old and I can honestly say it drives the same way today as when I first bought it in 97.

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  After 3.5 years, finally realized I like this car - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Michelle - September 26 - 8:41 am

  I had a Mazda CX-7 prior to this purchase and had SO many mechanical issues. They all seemed to happen right after I went over 60k, so they werent covered by the warranty, go figure. I was anxiously waiting for the 2012 Honda CR-V to come out so I could get rid of it and say hello to reliability! I bought the CR-V in January 2012 and have just finally realized that I REALLY like it. Took me long enough! Coming from a turbo-charged engine, it was somewhat disappointing to drive at first. Very little pickup and I felt like I couldnt even get out of the way. Had to adjust driving style, but I just kept reminding myself that I no longer had to worry about it not starting or breaking down on the side of the road...trade-offs. I had Bose speakers in the CX-7, and the sound system was also less than par comparatively, although decent for what it is. The bluetooth was a nice new addition and the back-up camera is awesome. I had the battery issue everyone else seems to have, but it never completely died on me. It took a while to turn over a few times, which worried me because of the CX-7 fiasco, but it always started. We make periodic long drives so maybe the battery was able to get a good charge then? When I took it to the dealership for regular maintenance last winter, they told me I needed to replace the battery because the charge was really low. I didnt replace it b/c I thought they were just trying to upsell me something I didnt need. I mean really, who needs to replace the battery after only 2.5 years and 40k miles?! I wasnt aware of the battery issue 2012 CR-Vs were having at the time... At my last oil change they did a software update to fix the issue. I havent had any problems, but then again, its summer, I guess well what happens as it gets cold again. That brings me to the AWD...or rather, the RWD, since thats what it feels like. I havent gotten stuck in the snow yet, hopefully never will, but when driving in the snow it feels like the rear-end wants to come around and its a little scary having to compensate. And, DO NOT drive it in sand...we DID get stuck in sand, even after letting air out of the tires. We finally had to almost completely deflate them before we got traction and were able to get out. Overall, this is not an AWD vehicle, I tried. :) If you want that, I suggest buying something known for that, just be prepared for the gas mileage to adjust accordingly. The cargo space with the seats folded down is incredible. My family moved this past summer and I was able to do much of the small stuff on short trips. It fit so much stuff that I was more concerned about the weight limits than I was on the space available. Overall, this is perfect for what we need and the gas mileage is pretty good. On long trips we get 30-31 mpg and city I get about 24-25. Just whats advertised. I plan to keep it at least until our 10-year old starts driving...she can take it and then I will probably get something with real AWD capability and low gas mileage. :) Hope this review helps in the decision making!

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  Battery/air conditioner is problematic - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - September 25 - 11:15 pm

  Ive already replaced my battery one at year two. The mechanic said something about my driving, idling, extra usage of phone charging. Ive not changed my driving style in 40 years, and Ive never had to replace a battery before 4-5 years. The air conditioner has gone out every year. They dont say its a normal occurrence, but they dont admit that something may be wrong either. Ive always been a Honda girl, but after this car...I will research other cars.

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  NOT EVEN 5000 Miles and SHAFT DRIVE issues! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ally - September 25 - 9:26 am

  My husband and I bought a 2015 Honda C RV Touring. We wanted the top trim, we thought we will get everything better! WRONG!!! The car besides the vibrations in idle, now is having an steering vibration after 70 miles per hour. Took it to service twice now, and the car keeps vibrating after 70 miles per hour. It had a weird knock noise in the rear axle and they discovered the drive shaft wasnt good anymore!!! My car is not even 5000 miles yet! The had to balance and do the alignment twice. CAR STILLS SHAKING after 70 miles/ hour. Now Im waiting for the drive shaft part to come, so they can "figure it out" again why the car is having this steering vibrations. I think I have a lemon and I will see if I can apply the law, otherwise I might trade it in for a KIA SORENTO. I know we will lose money, but I guess my patience and time are priceless! So disappointed!

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  Is Honda pulling a Volkswagon? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Roger Wright - September 24 - 3:45 pm

  Good news about the rough idle/vibration design flaw---they have acknowledged it exists. Bad news? Everything else. There is no word on when a fix will be available. And of course no clue as to what the constant vibrations mean to the long term stability of the car. No urgency because they arent killing anyone with the car or polluting the planet. They are simply selling a car that vibrates like crazy every time you stop in traffic. Nice huh? Im a lifetime Honda owner. Have never seen anything like this. A car that cant operate without vibrating --and Im talking serious vibrating and a rough idle that feels like you are about 3 seconds from a sputtering stop--a car that does that is a nightmare. Cause there is nothing you can do and no one cares. Stay away from this car!!!

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  Dont buy it. It really does vibrate - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Roberts - September 22 - 9:44 pm

  The car performs fairly well. Ive had it less than one month. The biggest problem is the vibration that occurs when the car is stopped. The radio and navigation controls are not well positioned and Im unclear about the usefulness of the right turn camera. I am having some buyers regrets.

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  Transmission issue at 1000 miles!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By K8 - September 22 - 8:34 pm

  I am already having an issue with my transmission and I havent even gotten my permanent plates yet! Getting it looked at tomorrow but I am seriously upset! And its supposed to be top of the line! I have the touring. When I go down hill it make a crazy winding noise and when I hit the gas it jumps like its gears are getting stuck. Im pretty sure I have a lemon. And I was hoping to have this car for the next 10 years. So much for that.