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 1491 through 1500 of 4,333.00-
Perfect Car for Me - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Saab Girls hubby - July 16 - 3:10 amI wanted to add to the family fleet a car that is designed for utility, reliable, weather worthy, economical, comfy enough for a 300+ mile trip with females aboard, yet can also serve as my mobile man cave. Gas prices scared me off pick up trucks and full size SUVs. Besides, I dont tow, haul or off road. It looked like it was hard to make a really bad choice among compact SUVs, but for my purposes the CR-V is the pick of the litter. I enjoy driving this car. In hilly areas, its interesting to keep an eye on the tach to check out what the smart 5-speed auto is up to. Sometimes I enjoy just examining the clever design solutions and overall quality.
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CR-V small bugs - 2014 Honda CR-V
By Dick in Ohio - July 13 - 3:59 pmIf the TPMS illuminates, either put $1.50 in BP air pump and do it yourself, or, if convenient, drive to dealer and have him equalize pressure. This should be free. Need better sun visors, maybe builtin extensions. Good car
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Vibration also - 2015 Honda CR-V
By bummed10 - July 12 - 1:48 pmReally like the vehicle, except for the vibration issue so many others are noting. Honda, please get a fix out for this as soon as possible. Notice after car has fully warmed up, you stop in "drive" and you are not running accessories like heater. It is much more vibration than a typical 4 cylinder. It does seem like the cause is idling too low. Otherwise, the car is really nice.
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Great Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By MDCLA - July 12 - 10:00 amLove my CR-V. I wouldnt have any other vehicle. I can haul around lots of product for my job, can fit four other adults in the car with me (comfortably), and have had a friend as tall as 6 7" say he was comfortable in the front passenger seat. Its fun to drive, looks great and pretty good on gas (when Im running the AC a lot I get about 20 MPG on average, as high as 28 when I dont need the AC at all.)
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My First Non-Toyota - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Nicky Ritter - July 9 - 2:00 amThis is my first non-Toyota and I love it. My last vehicle was a 97 RAV-4, and while I loved it, I wasnt impressed with the 2002 model. The Honda is bigger, faster and more comfortable, which is why I switched to Honda. I also found the price to be better for the options I wanted.
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Lose the stupid parts! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By BobsHonda - July 9 - 2:00 amGenerally nice vehicle, but far too many unnecessary standard features, while much-needed features (like a door lock switch on front passenger door) are missing.
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The best Honda yet - 2007 Honda CR-V
By BillC - July 8 - 1:32 pmThe new CR-V is a pleasure to own as well as drive. Ive owned it for over a year and still look forward to driving it. I get up to 32 mpg on the highway.
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Traded an Audi! Glad I did. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Carlo - July 8 - 1:10 pmThis has to be the best small SUV on the market. The ride is by far the most comfortable. Looks wise I love the "upscale" look. I got mine in black and its just awesome.
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2005 Honda CR-V owners rating - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Lincoln - July 8 - 4:10 am -
2005 Honda CR-V owners rating - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Lincoln - July 8 - 4:10 am
