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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  "Cry wolf" tire light and redundant warning screen - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jyoti Naik - September 7 - 10:33 am

  I bought the 2014 model because I needed an AWD in central NY snow. I like to wait a year to post reviews because I want to really get to know my car. PROs - Reliable, comfortable, functional, gas mileage CONS - After starting the car, it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? FIrst a screen about the satellite for 60 seconds. What is stupid warnings like "Driver is responsible for operation of vehicle" warning? Really? The DMV thinks so. When will you Honda? Duh! WHy dont you have me sign a release when I buy the car so I dont have to look at this every single time I start my car. Takes 30 seconds AFTER you hit OK for the next screen.T hen comes a screen saying your phone is connected for another 30 seconds. Malfunctioning tire pressure light since the day I bought it. Dealership cannot fix it. This is so stressful when you are driving in bad weather because I cant tell if this time the light is for real or just faking it. Poor radio reception. I get 2 stations while all my neighbors get 6 or 8 stations GPS navigation is not intuitive like other cars. Needs too many clicks to get your destination or to find your address book. Screen is invisible when sun shines on it. Need anti glare screen. it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? Salem dealership is not knowledgeable. Did not fix my shuddering brakes. Just told me to keep driving and it would go away which it has not. Cruise control has 5 - 10 miles/hr variance on hills after I have set it. This could result in a speeding ticket! Motor is very loud while driving

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  Great Car, Horrible Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bolt - September 5 - 9:59 am

  I checked out this car last night at a local dealership and loved everything about it before I test drove it. However, I was totally turned off by the vibration that I read in other reviews. I can certainly confirm that the vibration from the CVT is certainly there. I felt it in the seats, steering wheel, and my wife even felt the vibration by simply touching the center console. Please stay away from this 2015 model until Honda gets their act together and fixes this issue.

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  Grinding Noise/VTC Actuator Problem - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By J. Hamby - September 4 - 11:49 am

  Beware! I have a 2013 CR-V that has been making a terrible grinding noise since about 6 months after purchase. Honda Service has diagnosed it as the VTC Actuator. Noise has become much worse over time and this noise occurs almost every time I start my vehicle. Very annoying!! Ive been told Honda Motors Tech Division has been working on coming up with a fix but there is NO FIX at this time. I was basically told by the Honda Service Dept to drive it till it breaks. Not what I wanted to hear. This problem has been occurring in various Honda vehicles since model year 2008 and they still dont have a fix. Why? Why keep producing something with the same problems?? Honda wont even attempt to replace the part to see if it will remedy the problem, because they say the new part wont fix it. If you cant fix it, then you need to replace the car!

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  Not what Honda said it would do - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vicki Maness - September 3 - 4:36 pm

  Bought 2015 Honda CRV LX February 28, 2015. Started out using ECON, but the bogging down and vibration was just too much for me, so I switched it off. I only get 23 MPG city, 25 MPG highway. The sticker says it will get 34 MPG highway. I had a 2006 Honda Civic 9 yrs. and it got 40 MPG highway, so I am extremely disappointed in the gas mileage of the new CRV. I needed more room for traveling. I also noticed there is a lawsuit to Honda for the vibration in the motor of the CRV. I hope there will be a recall in the near future for the motor.

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  CR-V 2015 Vibrates badly! My body is shaking. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lana - August 31 - 12:31 pm

  This is my third Honda. Vibrations started from the beginning and got worst. It is difficult to drive Honda CR-V 2015. My body vibrates, a couple of times I was very close to be in accident. I was waiting on the Red signal and car started acting very loudly. Car also vibrates on "P" and when I push gas pedal. In the beginning I though it was my imagination, I trusted HONDA so much. Dealership knew that those cars have significant issue and they keep selling to make profit.

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  Vibration Problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Judy Nelson - August 29 - 12:57 pm

  Please.please...before you buy one do your research on the vibration problem that Honda is saying is a characteristic of the new Honda 2015 CRV. Met with a Honda America guy 2 weeks ago and he is saying All the 2015 Honda CRV have a characteristic of vibration. It comes with all the new cars. Honda not willing to do anything about it. Driven Hondas all my life. Never agin. Even if you do not know it your car will vibrate. My car started vibration problem.. 2 months after I bought it. Please do not buy one. You will be sorry.

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  Bluetooth Problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Yozwiak - August 28 - 4:07 pm

  They hands-free capability to place a call using voice recognition does not work. The system does not recognize a phone number that has been tagged with a voice command. Check this feature out if it is important to you.

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  Nice ride, great MPG, and no engine vibration :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JAH - August 27 - 8:35 pm

  I have not experienced the vibration issue that others have mentioned after owning this car for 2 months. I looked at the all of competitors in this class, but Honda was the best overall value. I preferred the CRV interior over the others...the others seemed cheap (imo). I do mixed driving, but mostly highway, and Im getting 32 mpg currently. I couldnt be happier. The only thing I would change are the EX wheels (not the most attractive). Other than that, this is a great car!

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  Vibrations in a new 2015 CRV - Really!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dan Steimle - August 27 - 4:42 pm

  I Purchased a new 2015 Honda CRV about 3 weeks ago. It had only 4 miles on it. When I started driving it I noticed a vibration at stop lights. I thought maybe it was a beak in issue or maybe something was wrong with the gas in the vehicle. Well now I have around 1,500 miles on the car and the problem only seems to be getting worse. Whenever the vehicle is at a stop and idling in drive the car has an excessive amount of vibration. At times it seems as if it is going to stall out. I have a scheduled appointment with the dealership. Disappointed to see others are having the same issue with no real solution from Honda.

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  Disappointed :-( - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Veronica - August 26 - 11:50 am

  Vibrations worsening. Purchased my cr-v 2015 at the end of May this year. I started noticing Vibrations not long after purchase. I purchased this vehicle because I had been in a car accident and my 2006 Toyota RAV4 V6 unlimited (which I Miss) was totaled. I owned a Honda Prelude as a kid in The 80s (LOVED that car) and I thought Id give Honda another look expecting the quality I was familiar with. I cant begin to describe my disappointment. Every thing else in the Crv 2015 is up to par, but lets face it, the most important is how it DRIVES. I wanted to ignore the initial vibrations. After all the crap I went to due to the accident, I stuck my head in the sand. I thought perhaps it was because of the cvt transmission which is something Ive never driven before. Now I know this is NOT NORMAL. The vibrations have worsened. I sometime feel like the car is going to cut out on me and now Im feeling vibrations in the steering wheel. I noticed that there was a recall back in March of this year after I did some digging. I called my dealership and according to my PIN number, my vehicle is not part of that recall. [non-permissible content removed]. Bringing it in this Saturday to be analyzed. Lets see what happens. Car has about 3700 miles on it. Im pretty sure the dealership was aware of this problem BEFORE I purchased it. I am PISSED!