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 1611 through 1620 of 4,333.00-
An Extremely Smart Purchase - 2007 Honda CR-V
By MDT - March 22 - 4:30 pmI love my CR-V. I was looking for a sedan that would fit our 5 full size family members and would replace my Audi A6 that was always in the shop (frustrating!). After a lot of research I found this fuel efficient, AWD, roomy, fun to drive car that was loaded with features and just happened to be a small SUV. In fact it was such a total package at an attractive cost I saved myself a bunch of money not buying a Japanese luxury sedan. As a bonus I can bring my two dogs along when the 5 of us go out. After 7 months of ownership I am still thrilled with the CR-V. I also have competition from other family members that want to drive my CR-V instead of our G-35 coupe and old Mercedes ML320 SUV.
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dont buy this garbage - 1997 Honda CR-V
By david - March 22 - 1:49 pmWe bought this car thinking that it would be good (its a Honda) but were in for a big surprise. one year after we bought it, the car died on me on the highway and again when I was turning left onto a big road. we had the transmission replaced three years after purchase then we had an overheating problem. we sold the car five years later.
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Great so far - 2007 Honda CR-V
By frank - March 21 - 1:40 pmImproved ride and handling over my 03 CR-V but I miss the flip up rear window. The maintenance minder is kind of silly and it seems that it will be a pain to use. I prefer a written maintenance schedule which is no longer in the owners manual. The adjustable steering wheel is ok but I usually set it once and leave it alone. The spare sits in the floor well with the valve stem pointed down which means that you have to remove it to check the air.
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great! - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Kulpecz - March 21 - 10:00 amGreat ride, comfprtable, fun
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Great car, great value - 2004 Honda CR-V
By bpeterson27 - March 21 - 9:50 amWe have put on 3000 miles during the past month. 4WD engages seamlessly. Fuel economy in city is 23, at 65 mph is 21, 70 mph is 20 - disappointing only in that Honda estimates are typically spot-on. 26 isnt going to happen. Plenty of power, room, fair visibility. Fog lights, rear deflector, front mud flaps excellent add-ons. Rear wiper is intermittent- only and not adequate in wet climate. Big blind spots left and right rear. Removed center rear headrest, but no place other than well provided to store it. Driver seat hard on back on long highway hauls. Noise level was surprisingly high.
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CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
By tyranitar22 - March 20 - 7:03 pmlove this car, it takes turns beautifully, and its acceleration is amazing for an suv.
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The best CR-V yet! - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Larry Gator - March 20 - 4:30 pmI have owned four Honda CR-Vs before this one. The all performed admirably. This one, however, outperforms the others by a wide margin. The new safety features are outstanding. There is collision avoidance, lane departure warning, and logical cruise control to name a few. I am completely satisfied with this automobile.
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Navigation is worthless - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Nicholas - March 20 - 7:41 amDont pay for navigation. Just use your phone. The system takes you the worst routes and longest routes and does not recognize any county back roads. we paid alot for navigation and cannot trust it.
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Practical Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
By David - March 18 - 7:10 pmBought it for a week, drove in deep snow, it performed very well. I compared CRV to Toyota Rav4, Mazda Tribute, Chev Equinox, Mitsubish Outlander and Nissan Xterra. Factors I used to evaluate them are price, build quality, gas mileage, interior space, safty, resale value and features I like. After months of research and test drive, CRV is the winner. It has a good price with all disired features included, honda quality, best in class interior volume, very good gas mileage and best resale value. CRVs engine is only 160hp, but with 162 ft-lbs of torque at low rpm, acceleration should be enough for most drivers. To get most power out from engine, better select manual transmission.
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Overall a Good Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
By am - March 17 - 10:00 pmI have 100K miles and have had only a few annoying issues. The driver door cant be unlocked and the power outlet is dead, but overall, this has been a good vehicle. Feels sturdy and rides well. Cabin is noisy on the highway, but feels secure on a roadtrip. Biggest annoyance (other than not being able to get in on the drivers side!) is the small fuel tank. Good mileage, but since the tanks small, I live at the gas station.
