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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  Very Satisfied - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By carverjim@nc.rr.com - September 14 - 8:08 am

  My wife and I love our CRV. We have a AWD Touring model. Very smooth handling/driving. The ride is smooth and appropriately quiet for the type vehicle. Acceleration is smooth. (We have another 8 yr old vehicle with CVT with no problems.) There is no vibration riding or idling. In our 60s and really like ease of entry/exit. We especially like the new tech features of the right turn video of the right side of vehicle, the adaptive cruise control, the lane keep assist, blue tooth pairing of iPhone and three way view of the backup camera! Glad it has adaptive braking, but do not want to test it. Overall very stylish to own.

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  Love Everything But Headrest! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gay Almquist - September 13 - 12:22 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and I love it! Great value and really pleased with the mpg even though it isnt a hybrid. My only complaint is the uncomfortable headrests! Even with the seat tilted back it pushes my head forward and hurts my neck. The solution I found was I purchased a gel foam cushion for the back of the drivers seat. It brings my back forward about 1.5 inches which is enough to make the headrest comfortable. NOW, I love everything about the car.

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  Bluetooth - Voice Command prompt randomly turns on - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JBB - September 12 - 12:44 pm

  Purchased 12/2014. Past couple of months the voice command prompt (that lists the commands you can use) randomly turns on. First time it happened I thought it was because I was using my phone, next time I wasnt touching my phone. The frequency that this happens went from once every few days, to a couple of times a day. I took the car to the Honda dealer, they checked and this is not a software update issue. Taking it back this week to leave it so they can call Honda Tech support to see if this has been reported before. Wondering if this is related to the issues with Apply iPhones and the Honda Bluetooth? Air conditioning takes forever to cool off on a hot day (I think I was spoiled by how good my past two Toyotas cooled off). Have not had any vibration issues. Hate the layout of the fan buttons and temperature control knobs. Wish they had reversed the layout and made the fan speed the knobs and the temperature control the buttons. Sound quality is really bad. Definitely not getting the advertised gas mileage (26 local/33 highway), the only time Ive gotten close to the 33 highway was on a cross-country road trip the month I bought the car where I hit 30mpg. Average highway has been 26, if I do a lot of local driving its under 24mpg (I always leave it in e-con mode). Lane assist, conceptually a great idea, but on long trips, when youre tired, it can actually lead to more fatigue in your arms with the constant correction to stay in the lane where the car thinks you should be. LOVE the blind-spot camera! This should be standard on all vehicles! HUGE safety benefit for highway driving.

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  Hondas Headquarters nor Dealership offer support - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Kiml - September 11 - 8:01 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in October of 2014. It was the only one on the dealers lot. I didnt notice the vibration when I test drove the car but I certainly experienced it within the first week. Ive taken the car back at the least 10 times for either the vibration or the car shutting off for no reason. I received little to no help from the dealership or Hondas Headquarters. I also ask to either buy back or allow me to swap for something else. I was denied any further assistance and met with sarcasm. Im 100% disappointed.

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  Danger awaits unexpected acceleration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ron Walli - September 9 - 4:12 pm

  We bought our sixth -- and last -- new Honda in March 2015. We drove the CRV-EX AWD just 1,600 miles before trading it for a 2015 RAV4 because we experienced unexpected acceleration on several occasions and received no help from Honda. I was stunned. I couldnt believe how a longtime loyal Honda owner could be treated so poorly by Airport Honda in Tennessee and American Honda. I wanted American Honda to buy it back and told the representative that I would gladly pay for the mileage. Heres what happened: I took the car to Airport Honda on Aug. 26 so they could check it out. Since the problem was intermittent, I halfway expected that they wouldnt find a problem, especially given the way they treated me upon arrival. Despite showing them Internet reports of unexpected acceleration in CR-Vs, they said that they had never heard of such a problem. I explained that theres no way I would make this up since it caused me a lot of trouble taking off work and driving 40 miles (round trip) so they could see if they could "replicate" (wink, wink) the problem. The best I could get was a car that functioned properly. After keeping the car for two days, of course they told me the car was fine. So when it became obvious that the service department was of no use, I tried to trade the car for either a 2016 Pilot or another CR-V, although that prospect scared me somewhat because I didnt know if I could trust another CR-V. They said theyd call me with a trade figure, but they never did as they obviously didnt want the absolutely pristine gray CR-V with the added $500 options of a hood deflector, mud flaps and a sunroof visor -- all genuine Honda parts installed by Airport Honda. I called them back and spoke to Bruce Wayne (no kidding), and he wouldnt provide a trade figure many hours after he said theyd have those numbers in a few minutes. In the end, I lost several thousand dollars and all respect I had for American Honda and Airport Honda. Our RAV4 with a conventional six-speed transmission is rock solid and the dealer, Fox Toyota, is perhaps the most honest and best in America. Reports of Hondas decline certainly dont seem to be exaggerated based on my experience. Oh, and I forgot to mention how the CR-Vs engine sent vibrations through the cabin with the car in drive and the brake pedal depressed. Airport Honda acknowledged that problem but said there isnt a fix at this time. Anyway, I just hope no one gets killed in a CR-V when it takes off.

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  Former HONDA employee and brand ambassador. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Gregory Wolf - September 9 - 2:35 pm

  My family have owned Honda accord coupe 2001 that was amazing. Great reliability fantastic on gas and decent leather interior . I purchased this 2007 Honda CRV second hand this time off lease nice trade-in in 2011, havent had any issues until the AC blew out which resulted in costly repairs. Honda knows about this "achilles heel" extended warranty on certain parts of Air Conditioning but sneaky and very technical around this common issue. Would I purchase another crv or recommend anybody buying one??? Most definitely NOT!!! Go with Toyota Rav4

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  Nice SUV ! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Frankie Lee - September 8 - 4:23 pm

  Review Ive the CRV since March this year, its a good size SUV for 5 adult passengers as well as cargo room. Smooth and flexible fold-down rear back. Right lane-change Monitor display is a nice safety feature. Favorite Features: Handsome look with LED headlight. Smooth 60/40 split fold-down rear seat. Right lane-turn watch monitor provides advanced safety measure. Better mileage than last model. Suggested Improvements: Needs more power. Add left lane-turn watch as well. Engine and road noise still need room for improvement. Add front and backup sensors. Better power hydraulic trunk opener for senior driver.

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  Vibration when acceleration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Devendra Sanghavi - September 8 - 12:43 pm

  I just bought the car on 09/06/2015 and got the delivery yesterday. Noticed that the car vibrates when gently accelerating. I am soo disappointed. Have always liked Honda and Accura. This was the third entrant for me after a 2002 Civic (purchased/used) and 2013 Accura ILX (Leased/New). I dont know what to do now.

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  Vehicle stopped/not starting out of no reason - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Cheyyene - September 7 - 9:16 pm

  I dont know whether other 2015 CRV owners are facing similar issue or not. My vehicle once stopped all of a sudden for no reason while I was driving on highway. All the maintenance indicators of my car like Low Engine Oil Pressure, Vehicle Stability, Tire pressure, Battery etc got switched on and my vehicle came to stop. After several attempts to start it, it finally started after 40-45 minutes. Honda on-road support told that it would take around an hour to reach me, even though I was within the city limits. The same issue occurred when once I was starting the car. The car stopped within a few seconds of my starting it. After several attempts to start it, it finally started after 20-25 minutes. This happened twice for my 8 months old car.

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  I like my wifes crv 2010 Better - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Carlos - September 7 - 4:51 pm

  I have to say thanks God I have a lease, cant wait to get rid of this vehicle, My wife has a 2010 and it has better handling, better driving position, captain chairs with a real armrest and the best part no vibrations, I dont understand why they took a perfect suv and screw it up, when I went for a road test no vibration it was a hot day and of course the ac was on, Probably that was the reason I miss the vibration, after a couple of days whenever I got to a stop light with no ac running the shakes are there, believe me the vibrations are real and a real pain in the neck, I will advise everybody in the market for an suv look elsewhere at least until they take care of this problem because is real and thats the only way they might fix it, almost forget poor location for parking brake that thing is there hitting your foot all the time, specially if you wear boots it is almost impossible to find a perfect placement for your foot, I am surprised no one else commented about this.