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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  Dead Battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ggage - July 18 - 1:11 am

  i love my CRV except for the battery going dead occasionally for no reason at all. Have had it checked. Dealer did an update , but it still happens. They also checked the battery and it is ok. I am tired of calling friends to jump start my car when I go out and it wont start. COme on Honda, admit you have a problem and fix it.!!!

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  CR V ibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - July 17 - 8:49 am

  With two small children, and living in the country, where winters can get bad I was looking for a practical family car with AWD. I decided to lease the CR V because the lease deal was excellent. Very glad I leased (which I never do) and did not buy the CR V. The vehicle is nice (havent got to test out the AWD in snow yet), but like many others have commented the vibration while at stop with car in drive is maddening. And its not minor! I had a hat sitting on the passenger seat, and the letters literally looked like a blur! Sometimes you can even feel it through the steering wheel. I thought I was making a good decision, getting a well known, reliable car, but I was wrong. I have never written a review before iny life, but buying a vehicle is a huge financial decision and I wanted to make others aware. Please, if you are in the market for a compact SUV, do yourself a favor and look at other options. This vibration thing IS REAL! Luckily Im 3 years I can turn this vehicle back in...just hoping Honda comes out with a fix soon. I will repeat one more time...DO NOT BUY a 2015 CR V.

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  My 3rd CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By KB - July 16 - 8:46 pm

  This is the 3rd CRV I have owned. Jimmy Sears at Autonation Honda in Chandler, AZ was my sales person and the experience was exceptional. Now I am the proud owner of a 2014 CRV. I have owned two others previously and traded them in to drive other vehicle I thought would be THE vehicle for me. Obviously I have come back to the CRV. In my opinion it is tough to beat the convenience and reliability of these vehicles. They give you the comfort of a sedan with the convenience of an SUV and the gas mileage of an economy car. Im done experimenting with other vehicles. I have my CRV and this what I plan to drive from now on.

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  Liking It! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By LC - July 16 - 2:15 pm

  Upgraded from a 10 year old car so enjoying all the new technology! Loving the gas mileage - getting about 30-31 around town, and hit 35mpg on a 1,200 mile trip. Ive had no vibration issues the vehicle is quite, handles well, and Im loving the keyless entry (which surprised me). I do wish for the price it had the automatic lift-gate, but I didnt need a nav system so didnt want to go a model up. Like the sun roof, love the ease of folding down the back seats, and enjoying the back-up camera. Dont love the auto dimming review mirror and wish they also had the blind spot camera on the left side, or at least a blind spot mirror. My biggest issue/complaint is that the inside plastic is a bit cheap - my dog got a few scratches in the plastic by the windows on his 1st first ride, worried how bad this will be in 10+ years, ha! Really it is a great looking, great driving car. For the size (coming from a small car) I am so happy with the mpg, and how well it handles.

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  My 4th and last Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By K Stiefel - July 16 - 8:46 am

  Everything was going well until 89000 miles when the A/C started blowing warm air. Honda, after settling a 40 million dollar class action suit for failed compressor clutches on these A/C units extended the warranty to 7 yrs or 100,000 miles. I never received notification about this. Ive had the vehicle for almost 8 yrs but well under the mileage. Honda service said "oh well". Honda of America may pay "a portion" of the repair but wont tell me how much. Honda has known about this problem and did nothing for owners to remedy it before failure. I guess the good Honda name means nothing now. Honda does not stand behind their product. Google this and you will see complaint after complaint about this problem. Also OEM tires ride horribly and lasted 25000 miles. Highway ride is rough. Inside dome light doesnt work. I am so done with Honda.

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  Finally have some color in my parking area. :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Judy Knox - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  Its not just the color thats great (Got the Copper) but the car is, IMHO, outstanding so far. Have only owned it since June 27 so have only come across a couple of things I dont care for. Have to agree with the other poster that the console compartment is extremely small compared to my Acura RDX which had 2 compartments - one in the dash area and one between the seats in front. Other than that, I dont find any door noise or road noise going on yet. I was concerned about how quiet it would be when the windows were up. In my Acura, there was virtually no road noise. My CR-V is, far as I can tell, is just as quiet. LOVE the MPG!!! Acura - 18 mpg (maybe) in a good week.....CR-V (so far )25 mpg which is 85% city driving. Dont care for the rear view mirrors automatic dimming during night driving. My Acura allowed me to adjust it to whatever "visibility" I wanted, which usually meant Id use the day driving mode most of the time, at night, as I liked seeing lights, whether bright or not. At least I had the choice and control. Other than those 2 things, so far Im a happy camper with my CR-V Touring. The safety features are outstanding!!! The safer the better. Got a great warranty with Honda of Riverside - 8 yr bumper to bumper - no deductible and loaner car while its in the shop. What with all the electronics guiding the cars these days, an 8 yr warranty, at my age, is a must have. Dont want to have to come up with $600 to cover a $6 part in a few years. :) Cost $2500 more but brought the finance charge down from 2.99% to 1.9% and since this is the last car Ill own, it was well worth the extra money. For me, this car is just the right fit!!! Not too small, not too large. And another plus - Ill only have to fill up my gas tank about every 2 months. :)

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  Like my wifes 2007 better - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By TK - July 9 - 10:41 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas for 15 years. Came back from a short stint with a Subaru Outback, because Ive really enjoyed driving my wifes 2007 CRV. Let me tell you, Honda really took a good thing and tried to fix it. The overall space and cargo has decreased by inches, but noticeably so. Its terribly dangerous to control climate, radio, or do anything else on the electronic display while one is driving. The vibrations when driving are maddening. We can fit 2 car seats and one person in the back of the 2007, but in the 2015, the 2 car seats make it impossible for a 3rd person to sit, due to seat belt positioning. Oh yeah, I drive all country roads 40-50 mph with barely any stop lights and I am lucky to get in the high 24 MPG. Sometimes I break to 25 MPG. In this day and age on a 4 cylinder??!?!? Give me a break! Oh yeah, the backup cam does not compensate for all the blind spots either. Sometimes the driver door takes 3 tries to shut. Although the touring looks sharp and the engine is really dependable and its a Honda, Ill probably keep this car until 50K and then dump it. Too many idiosyncracies and life is too short...

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  Bad vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chris D - July 9 - 10:55 am

  Bought a 2015 CR-V new less than a week ago. For the first few days it was a perfect car, then it started vibrating horribly at idle when in drive. Apparently this a known issue (just search the internet, Honda even has a video about it) that the "reputable" car rating websites chose to ignore when giving the car five star ratings. Dont be tricked into buying this car.

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  Nice CRV but has the shakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jose - July 8 - 2:39 pm

  Dont buy it before the shakes/vibration is fixed

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  Shakes and No Fries ? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mario - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  Dont buy it. It shakes while stopped at the red light or stop and go traffic