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 1281 through 1290 of 4,333.00
  • Love my CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    We have had our CRV for about 9 months and just love it! I love the gas mileage -- I average in town 23-24 and my best mpg on the highway has been 30! Handles nicely in the snow/ice, and I feel very safe in it. It is a good size for me, and still sporty enough for my husband. And there is plenty of room in the backseat for passengers! I could go on and on! A + rating!

  • Great car for the price - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I just purchased this car and so far I love everything about it. It has an interior that feels roomy and not cheap looking. It drives smoothly and seems to have plenty of power for what my needs are. I love the little extras.

  • Hard to Beat - 1998 Honda CR-V
    By -

    My wife chose this car for her, but I have grown to love it. I told her we HAD to get the 5 spd., as its a little underpowered for my taste. It makes all the difference in the world, I am sure. Ive had three Hondas and they have all been wonderful in ownership. I read a Honda review 20+ years ago and the magazine said that Hondas dont do any one thing exceptionally, but they all things well. I would have to totally agree. This car has never been stuck in the snow, and I have tried. Two feet of snow will get anything stuck, but with a little bit of smart maneuvering, this will go through a fair amount of snow. It gets decent mileage, even with my heavy foot. We bought ours Certified. Nice!

  • Nothing better for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
    By -

    We are verry happy with this SUV. I wouldnt really consider this a mini-SUV as Edmunds likes to clasify it. The interior dimensions compare well to many other "mid-sized" SUVs. The 160HP engine is more than enough to get around town. Acceleration is good. Not really the SUV you want if you need to tow a boat but we have a truck for that purpose.

  • BEST MID SIZE SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I bought this SUV for a 130 mile per day commute.I get a consistent 27 MPG combined hwy and city. The car really moves. I bought the lX model with all the extras but with a stick shift. I had to special order it but the std shift gives excellent control and has great power. Ask for Lud if you buy at Curry Honda in Westchester. He was straight up front no high pressure and was very knowledgable. The car is OK in the snow and the rain. Would Highly Recommend the purchase.

  • BEST Ever - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It just fits. Has everything you need. Easy to drive and move about. Love the way it feels as you tool around town. It is well appointed. Get one!

  • Kents Excelent CRV adventure - 2002 Honda CR-V
    By -

    WOW! I love this thing!!!! Its cool looking, fun to drive and rides and drives like a bigger and more expensive psuedo SUV. After having owned a Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser and an assortment of other 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive cars including a 1991 black Accord EX 4 door with a 5 speed (loved it). Great Interior space for a 6 footer, but lacks more comfortable (adjustable) seats, better bolstering and it lacks a real Dead Peddle

  • Lemon - 2005 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Numerous electrical problems. On slippery and snowy conditions, the AWD does not engage, and got stuck. The shifter also gets stuck frequently, and is awkward to operate. After spending more time in the shop than on the road, my battle with this thing finally came to an end during a snow storm. While doing only about 20 mph, the back end kicked out (again, AWD didnt engage) I lost control and went off the road into a tree. Thanks to the unibody frame and poor impact zones, I came out with a cracked head and some broken ribs. The only saving grace of the ordeal is that the stupid car was totalled.

  • Excellent vehicle, Honda rules - 2008 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I switched from my Audi A6 to an 08 Honda CR-V. The style of the 08 cr/v speaks for itself, it looks great on the road. The Honda no nonsense packages are great. I have been driving German cars for past 12 years and switch to a Honda CR-V was pleasant. The ride quality is good, the driver feedback is always very good. The 166 hp is pretty good, occasionally you do feel a little challenged when passing or while overtaking but overall its very good. Love the fact I can use regular gas and the fuel economy is very good. The real time 4WD sounds good. The interior build quality is very good, there is great attention to detail.

  • CRV Touring - Well Worth The Wait - 2015 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Traded my 2012 CRV EXL Navi for the 2015 AWD Touring. What a huge improvement. Quiet, significantly improved performance, better ride and handling. The electronic "safety" additions work as advertised from Lane Keeping to Adaptive Cruise Control. MPG is improving with each tank full. Expect warmer weather will improve more. Quality is much improved. Seems more rigid and better screwed together. Build quality appears perfect.

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