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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2006 Special Edition - 2006 Honda CR-V
By Gabe - February 24 - 7:50 amBelieve it or not i traded in my 2005 Lexus LS 430. I love this car fun to drive all day around in New York & Long Island. I love that i do not have to worry anymore to hit the potholes & suffer extensive tire/suspension damages. Enjoy easy loading at the supermarket & of course regular gas instead of premium fuel.
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Great Gas Mileage! Alot for the money!! - 2006 Honda CR-V
By stang100 - February 24 - 5:40 amI just bought my 06 CRV SE and so far its been a great little SUV! Has much more pick up than I thought it would have, faster than the ford escape with v-6! Shopped around alot and nobody could beat the deal that honda would give for a suv with same features. The SE edition is worth the extra money, plus you get it back in resale value. Also very roomy inside, 72 cu. ft! Solid road feel, couldnt be happier!
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First Time Honda Owner - Very Pleased So Far - 2015 Honda CR-V
By John Wilson - February 14 - 2:12 pmCVT Transmission takes getting comfortable with. Once you understand what it is doing you will realize it is nicer than a standard shifting automatic transmission. Read things on the internet as to how CVT works so you understand what is going on with your CRV. As for the vibration issues - there are fixes but I have not had any done. Basically you can eliminate the issue by simply turning on the headlights and keeping your oil changed as required. I additionally only use Top-Tier Gas (Regular) and ---- the big thing in addition to the headlights ---- I do not use the Econ Green Button System. I also see comments regarding seat comfort. I am 6 Tall and have no problems. I use a wooden bead vented driving seat and back and it works great. As for the problems reported at higher speeds. I have had no problems going quite fast - on roads with 70 mph speed limits.
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Love my SE CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Rick - February 12 - 1:06 amI love everything about this vehicle: Leather heated seats, 5 speed Automatic, 160 hp, 6CD/Cassette, superb looks, good mileage, roomy interior, and Honda reliability. I also think it is one of the safest vehicles with a 5 stars crash ratings, Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, side/curtain airbags, and 4WD. Low cost of ownership and excellent resale value ... What do you need more? Yes, I got it for 200$ below invoice. Shop around!
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6th year Anniversary - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Argentum - February 10 - 4:07 pmI bought my CRV new, six years ago and Im even more impressed with it now. The car is simply a masterpiece of reliability, usefulness, economy and comfort. At 88000 miles the a/c compressor blew out. Thats it. No other malfunctions or part failures. Now at 97000 the engine is quiet, the ride is still composed, trans shifts smoothly and everything is A-OK. Even the paint and wheels still look pretty good.
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Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm -
Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm -
Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm -
Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm -
Just because I wanted to.. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ralph Robinson - February 10 - 2:53 pm
