Honda CR-V Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
4,333 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1161 through 1170 of 4,333.00
  • Smooth Operator - 2015 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Some people complain about the steering feel. True; there is slight vibration felt in the steering wheel at times during low CVT ratios, such as idling and slow acceleration. If Honda engineers isolated the driver from the steering feel, some people would complain about the lack of feedback. As the automobile evolves, and safety, reliability, economy and performance (CVT) are improved, the experience of driving necessarily changes. Until I have a self-driving car, I expect some steering feel and other feedback that engages me in the driving experience. The 2015 Honda CR-V hits the sweet spot of the current generation of the CR-V.

  • Poor plastic choice for interior - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    The plastic used in the interior is easily scratched. The luxury model lacks many common feature such as automatic headlights or lumbar support for the passenger. The sun visor does not keep the sun out very well. My wife hates this vehicle. I do not recommend this model.

  • Mission Purpose - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    It was a tough choice. The CR-V met mission requirements in a best value score over the RAV-4 and Hundai Sante Fe. 25mpg ave. 28mpg hwy, excellent ride and cargo and storage room. Dont ignore the other two. Each had something to offer and your mission might be different. Im so very disappointed in the domestics. They are irrelevant, fawning off the worse consumer values on four wheels.

  • Great little truck - 2006 Honda CR-V
    By -

    My wife loves driving an SUV. We got the CRV because it is relatively small (on the outside) and gets acceptable gas mileage while still feeling like an SUV. Has lots of features in the SE trim. Rides great with plenty of pep. Great cargo room inside.

  • Forget the rest - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    If you want a reliable vehicle with loads of utility, good MPG, the handling of a car and the best safety rating in the segment, this is it. While it isnt as frugal as a Civic, its fantastic when you consider cargo volume and its AWD ability. 5 Star crash test rating all the way around. There arent many of those on the road for under $25,000. The CRV is truly an SUV for people that hate the ugly side of SUVs.

  • The best for your money. - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    We have owned many cars, most of which have been Hondas. We always come back for the value and reliability. Our CRV is no exception. Though we have only owned this one a short time, it is our second CRV. We purchased a new one only because we discovered we needed a 4 wheel drive.

  • I love my Honda - 2000 Honda CR-V
    By -

    The car is very reliable. The only downfalls are that it doesnt have much pick-up going up hills. Also, the back door opens a little awkwardly. Have to lift the glass window, and then open the lower part like a passenger seat door, to the side. Gas mileage is supposedly 19 mpg city, 23 highway, but I AVERAGE 26 to 30 mpg by driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden acceleration and deceleration. Car has 180,000, and the only thing wrong is ball bearings or something in the wheels, it makes grinding noises when I turn. We havent had any major work done on the car.

  • CRV that cried wolf - 2018 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Ive put 200 miles on this vehicle and hate it. It beeps at me all the time and usually I have no idea why. Sensing system goes into error. Dash tells me to BRAKE and more BEEPING when there is nobody near me on the freeway. Fancy iPad mounted to the dash blows. The vehicle is always locked when I think its unlocked and unlocked when I think its locked. The locks are downright infuriating. The fab weighs about 10 pounds in your pocket. Engine is loud and s l o w. Cab is horribly loud in the rain. Thought I needed to bond with her and spent the last two days dolling her up. It made me hate the vehicle even more. Its a detailing nightmare with so many water retaining nooks and crannies. Water gets inside the tail lights. Chrome trim pieces in the headlights grab my wash mit because they are poking out at the ends. Oh, and you have to leave your fab well away from the car when washing otherwise it keeps locking the doors and beeping every time the water hits the door handles. I hate this vehicle!

  • Practical but Fun - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    MPG depends. Oregon uses 10% ethanol. Hwy=26-28. In non ethanol states Hwy=29-31 (moderate hills and 70 mph). My combined average after 3,000 is 25mpg with 70/30 mix. No race car but smooth and responsive. Visibility is actually good (I wondered). Im a single man who is very active. It works great: surfboards on top, bikes fit inside, etc. There is really a lot of room for the MPG. For those who think it is too female, get over yourselves - it is a car that does what you want. I was looking for wagon but US has few / SUVs are too big and inefficient (and many have no inside room). The Subaru is better AWD but smaller with same MPG and this was over $1000 less. Works for me.

  • Rough Rider - 2006 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I really like this car because it is inexpensive to buy and operate, and it never breaks down. However, the ride is very rough. Fortunately I have a short commute to work, but it is tiresome to travel long distances because of the pounding you take from road anomalies. Fair amount of road noise as well. The car handles well on straight highways but feels precarious on curves.

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