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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  It vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - September 22 - 9:24 am

  This suv should be recalled due to excessive engine vibration at idle. Just imagine what this will be like in 5 years from now! Just test drive one to find out for yourself. Go with a Forester or Rav4 instead.

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  worth the purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mother - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This car has a comfortable ride, and the gas mileage is great. Its built for convenience - theres a mirror that allows you to see in the back row, I can hook my IPHONE up to the car for hands off phone use, the floors are black - showing no scuffs, the air/heat circulates front to rear - there little noise from the outside, the windows are slightly tainted - minimizing glare, the cargo space is great, the clearance is good. The only complaint I have are the small windows in the rear corners. While theres a backup camera (love it), and mirror use, theres definately a blind spot.

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  Repeat buyer - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By DDC - September 21 - 6:15 pm

  Great vehicle this is my third one. Nice levels of comfort, reliability, fuel economy and power.

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  crv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By mack - September 20 - 1:40 pm

  It was a great SUV. Enjoying going fishing,hunting,camping, and road trips with it. But any crv from year 1996 to 2000 has recall on ignition/electrical problem. My 99 crv die on me a few times when i was driving, everything shut down, hard to steer the wheel, brake padel was hard to press on. Any automatic AWD transmission has problem . AWD transmission cost from $750 to $1200. FWS transmission is about half the price. Most older model 4WD crv being sold on craigslist had transmission problem.

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  Very Disappointed Honda should be ashamed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nicole Franks - September 20 - 8:45 am

  As with other people. Wish never purchased this car. Dealer covers up the issue with vibration just to get them off the lot. Then will not acknowledge or make an attempt to help. It has gotten to the point that asked them to buy back the car. There offer a 5k loss. They admitted do not want to take the loss themselves nothing they could do. Sales manager showed me the door. Now car sitting in driveway with 59 payments to go.

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  Buyer Beware - Vibration & Poor Tire Performance - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Unhappy - September 19 - 7:16 pm

  Pointed after buying first Honda 1 week ago. Took a 300 mile one way trip and the tire warning light came on after only 700 miles on the car. Check the manual and check the tires and adjusted inflation got on the road and the rear tire went flat. Before stopping at a tire company as an emergency stop we called the dealer - Scott Robinson Honda of Torrance, California - where we purchased the car and the general manager advised that the tires were not covered under the 7 year warranty all maintenance paid contract. Say what? This is not normal wear and tear you would expect a brand new car to be able to take a simple 300 mi trip (one way) and return home safely. We also noticed the car vibrating at 65 70 miles per hour speed which isnt the main concern but it definitely doesnt make for a happy customer. When we purchased the car we thought we were getting the navigation with it our fault we didnt test it and come to find out no navigation so - live and learn - do not leave any dealership without thoroughly checking every feature of your car!

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  MUST READ- SERIOUS VIBRATION PROBLEM - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ashok - September 18 - 11:17 am

  I recently bought a Honda CR-V EX-L W/Navigation. I did test drive a CR-V and it was ok but, I changed my mind for another color and bought a same car with different color assuming both performs the same. Honda CR-V has a serious problem of VIBRATION. When the car drives at some particular speed (like 20-30 and 50-60 mph) or if the vehicle is stopped at a signal or a stop sign, the car vibrates like anything. HONDA KNOW THIS ISSUE but selling cars without fixing the issue. When I noticed the problem just after a couple of days and took my car to the dealer, they said " THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. HONDA KNOW THIS PROBLEM. WE CANT DO ANYTHING AS THIS HAS NO FIX YET. WE DONT KNOW HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW ONCE WE HAVE ANY FIX. THIS HAPPENED TO ACCORD 2 YEARS BACK AND FIXED AFTER A WHILE. EXCEPT THIS ISSUE, YOU GOT A NICE CAR". I dont know what they mean by NICE car if it has a serious problem in the core, and the NICE car they said costs $32000. So, please make as many test drives as possible. Dont get disappointed after buying the car. Dont just trust the car by its brand image (as I did). i assume that my warranty period would be completed by the time they got a fix for this and I may have to pay again for the fix. VERY DISAPPOINTED.

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  Best Ive had in 50 years of driving - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - September 17 - 9:47 am

  Not enough superlatives. At 140k original brake still good. Replaced battery at 120k. Oil change every 5 with synthetic.

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  Extremely Disappointed in the Interior - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Carolyn Martin - September 14 - 2:37 pm

  Interior is ALWAY BLACK and therefore highlights any dust or dirt. That would be OK, EXCEPT do NOT us a cleaner to wash the doors etc. I have faded interior. It looks AWFUL. I was washing the windows and used the same rag to wash the inside of the door. It took the color completely off! After having this car for only 3 months, it looks older than my 12 year old other car! Cheap interior materials. The seats show everything from a drop of water can create a stain! And Ive never seen a paint job that chips so easily. Its so sad, because I love this car and it rides well, but looks like a piece of crap. The dealership response was to say it was not their responsibility.

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  Rack abd Pinion and rotor nightmare - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kelly - September 14 - 1:41 pm

  I have a 2010 Honda cr-v. All was fine until about 105,000 miles. Sine then we are now putting in our 5th Rack and pinion steering in less then 2 years and 4th set of rotors in 8 months. These parts are horrible. Thank goodness I dont need to pay ( after initial replacement) to replace them but seriously think I need to sell car which sucks cause I do really like it.