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:
Showing 1311 through 1320 of 4,333.00-
Difficult car not to love - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Robert Schoell - December 30 - 10:11 amAfter owning a 2002 CRV for over 5 problem-free years (and reselling it for 55% of its original value), we decided to go for a new CRV. One year later were very glad we did so. This car shines due to its dependability (absolutely no problems experienced) and the sheer thoughtfulness that went into its design and construction. Whatever aspect you look at, steering, seating, handling, this car performs diligently whether in-city, or on mountain tracks. There are faster, flashier and more powerful SUVs out there, but I dont know of any other that gives you the great peace of mind that comes with CRV combined with the pleasure of driving such a well-designed and thought-through vehicle.
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Great design, terrible gas mileage - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Santa Barbara - December 29 - 4:48 pmLove the car for its utility and versatility. it can carry three mountain bikes in the back and is great for our big dog. But the low gas mileage shocked us - 15 mpg for largely suburban driving (school runs, errands etc.) Has done really well off road when weve needed it to, and handled very well in snow and ice, with and without chains. The super expensive ($500) oxygen sensor went out just after the warranty expired and that was a disappointment.
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Good all around vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Bob H - December 29 - 1:01 pmHave 60k miles and still going strong. Great mileage w/4WD - about 25mpg. This is my 3rd Honda and I am a believer in the quality/workmanship. Only had to use 4WD at work site and it worked great. It is the envy of my truck friends at $4/gal gas. I would highly recommend this car.
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Honda CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Kiel - December 29 - 11:50 amThe CR-V is a great vehicle! Ive driven about 1000 miles (good mix of highway and city) and the gas mileage is the best part thus far (low/mid 20s for city; upper 20s to low 30s highway). A good portion of my driving has been in snow/ice and the car handles great-I literally had to force the vehicle to lose control. Ive seen many complaints about power, but there isnt lack of power (reminder: its not a dragster!). The CR-V is extremely quiet as both engine and road noise are low. Even a 30+ mph wind didnt add much noise in the cabin. The rear cargo area wasnt as big as I thought, but it works for my needs. Lots of small storage places to put stuff, but some are a bit too small.
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A Satisfied Owner - 2003 Honda CR-V
By MikeS - December 29 - 1:57 amIn 5 years and 140k miles, I have had no mechanical problems with this car. In that sense, Im very pleased with its reliability. The exterior design is nothing to go crazy over. I have the roof rack which is not very useful when you need to tie something down to it, but was necessary for installing a roof carrier when camping. As for the interior, I do like the fact that the moonroof does not eat up a bunch of headroom, and the split rear seats allow for a lot of storage in the back. I also like the foldup table. I dont understand how people can get 25 - 27 mpg in their CR-V. I have yet to get over 22, which is my biggest complaint along with the lack of power of the engine.
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Excellent small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Mike - December 27 - 7:26 amIf you consider getting small SUV under 25,000 $ Honda CR-V is definitely worth trying out. Before buying it I checked out Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 and CR-V was much better for me. The only drawaback for me is that 166 HP engine will not allow you to accelerate really fast. Also do not expect dealer to give you much discount from MSRP as they are selling very fast. In all other respects it is an excellent car.
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Noisy Ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Sohan Gupta - December 27 - 12:51 amI purchased a 2016 CR-V EX-L AWD after reading good reviews and seeing so many CR-Vs on the road. I am somewhat disappointed that this brand new CR-V is so noisy to drive. The cabin is so noisy while driving, it has taken the joy out of driving a new vehicle. I took it back to the dealership and their service technician said that the noise is usually road noise because of tires. In fact when the service shop swapped tires and mounted wheels with the tires from a Touring model, the cabin noise was markedly reduced. Reporting the issue to Honda was no help. So I have to live with the noisy ride for next few years until I need to change tires. So, I recommend that if you want a quieter ride, buy a Touring model.
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HONDA IS THE BEST - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Sean Wolford - December 25 - 12:07 amShop around to get best price..Thank You Edmunds...You provided me best price..
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Whats with all the vibration complaints - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Alex K - December 22 - 1:37 pmi guess all the people complaining about vibration are expecting this vehicle to act and sound just like their older cars. I have owned 3 other CR-Vs, 1999, 2004, 2011. I now have a 2015 2wd Touring. Yes, it vibrates a little. It has a different transmission than the old type, and it kind of works like a bicycle derailler. its gonna have some different noises then you are used to. Ive had this one since October 2015 (yes, I did get a great price, the 2016s were out already) Hasnt needed any service, the first oil change will be due soon. None of my CRVs had any major problems and I will stay with CR-Vs in the future. I have had several because the previous job I had required the use of my car and I regularly put between 25000 to 35000 per year on all of them. My current job doesnt require as much driving, so this one should last a lot longer. One last note to all the whiners and boycotters, LEARN ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE the controls, the differences from previous models, the cameras, (I like the rt side cam, use it when changing lanes, exiting tricky ramps from freeways) Great car, will never buy anything else.
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Love my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
By GMH - December 21 - 8:56 pmI decided to downsize for better gas mileage and to afford all the amenities and safety features. Im so glad I did - I love my CR-V! I get about 22-25 mpg in the city, and 30+ highway (even w/4 people and luggage). This car is comfortable, cute, fun to drive, and handles like a car. The interior feels spacious. The cargo shelf doubles the space for groceries, and the folding/rumble back seats are great for carrying mid-size loads. My kids like that they can recline the back seats, as well as adjust the leg room. Theres no a/c vent in the back, but it cools down quickly. Good visibility, and backup camera provide added safety. I highly recommend the CR-V!