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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  Rattles lots of cheap plastic lousy mileage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sbw2 - July 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months & 2000 miles of mixed driving. Its been getting 23.9 mpg, & Ive been babying it w/eco mode on. If you drive it "normally", it drops to 22 in eco mode, & 21 w/o eco mode. The interior of the doors is all cheap plastic, and theres very little in the way of support behind the door panels. I tend to lean my left leg against the door when I drive, and its already starting to "give". The door panels rattle and the dealer says its "normal". Really? The console box is small compared to my Camry & the USB/HDMI connections are in there if you keep stuff wired up, there isnt much usable storage in there. Little pickup but handles well.

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  The Best CR-V Yet - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mary949 - June 30 - 10:46 pm

  My husband and I turned in our 3 year CR-V for the 2015 CR-V EX, and we love it. Just about everything has been improved. Although the styling hasnt changed too much, it feels like a much improved vehicle. I look forward to many years of enjoying the new CR-V.

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  Shake Rattle and Roll - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sadcrvowner - June 30 - 8:01 am

  I cannot believe some of these reviewers who just accept that their CRV has a vibration to it. I have owned a lot of new cars in my life and do not accept a vehicle that vibrates as a "characteristic". I have taken my issue to CAMVAP (Canadian auto mobile vehicle arbitration) as my wife gets ill from the vibration on long trips. Do not buy this vehicle!

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  An honest review - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mmbfamily5 - June 25 - 11:31 am

  I wanted to give an honest opinion on the Honda CRV after hesitating due to the vibration issue. I didnt want to spend more than 30k, I wanted AWD, room for 4 adults with space for cargo. I looked at the Rav 4, Forrester, Rogue,Escape and the CX5. None of them were perfect but the Honda was either as good or better in every area. As for the vibration issue, Ive noticed at a red light, the engine goes into a very low RPM that does provide a slight vibration. I honestly would not have even noticed it, if not for the negative reviews. This small CUV is roomy,safe,comfortable, good gas mileage and really holds its value. After 1 month and 1,000 miles, I would highly recommend it.

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  Vibrations and Shuddering is real! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rainyday5 - June 24 - 10:25 pm

  3rd CRV in 10 years. Always had LX AWD. Disappointed in the loss of all interior storage space. All thats left is awkwardly sized door pockets and a tiny console. Starting with a 2004 the loss is significant. The interior fabric and plastic is less durable as well. Vibrates after warm up in Drive and idling. This will then continue to 2000 rpm. Subtle but noticed especially by my motion sickness prone passengers. Shuddering happens sporadically when braking and near stopped. It feels like a manual about to stall out and is very prominent. Honda tells me its all inherent to the CVT and safe, but agree its annoying.

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  Fantastic riding EX-L I love this car ! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sinnerii - June 23 - 10:43 pm

  Do not be alarmed by the same 12 unhappy people writing about vibration woes, there are none. I do thank them though, I only had to wait a month for Honda to make my car in Ohio due to demand is far exceeding supply. Beige leather interior on white exterior a large shortage of. On behalf of 200,000 happy 2015 CRV owners, you cant go wrong buying the 2015 CRV. I cannot find one thing wrong with my CRV and I am finicky. Everyone who gets in my CRV just loves it. Very comfortable front seats. I am 6 foot tall.

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  MY BENTO BOX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By iflymaui - June 23 - 6:21 pm

  I really like this car... While its certainly not a BMW, there are some positive features to it especially when compared to Toyotas RAV and the Nissan Rogue. PROS: Brakes Visibility Economy CONS: Noisy! Wind leaks into cabin. Made In Mexico Stability/poorly sized tires I wouldnt take the CR-V over 65 MPH because I dont trust it. The very cheap tires, tire size and sub-par stability are of concern to me. Thus, I am looking for better tires. I bought the LX. The EX price factor starts to climb to a entry-level BMW and wouldnt you rather be driving one of those anyhow? The car is loud. Vehicle shakes at 65 MPH and the engine shakes while idle.

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  Very Nice SUV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jolly1999 - June 22 - 12:44 pm

  Ive the CRV since March this year, its a good size SUV for 5 adult passengers as well as cargo room. Smooth and flexible fold-down rear back. Right lane-change Monitor display is a nice safety feature.

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-L AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By farmgirl51 - June 19 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased my 2015 CRV less than 30 days ago and am well-pleased with just 2 exceptions: First, parking brake is located so close to the left "footrest" that you have to be careful that your foot isnt hit when placing it on the rest plate. Secondly, although my "average mpg" usually reads "31.4mpg" it seems that I am filling the gas tank more often than usual. Perhaps it is that the gas tank is smaller than my 2009 Accord?

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-FWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv3 - June 18 - 8:13 am

  I debated for a long time after reading reviews detailing problems with vibration during operation of this vehicle. Ive owned two Honda vehicles and I still drive one with 295,000 virtually trouble free miles. Since Ive had good experiences with Honda I went ahead and purchased a 2015 CRV. I love this vehicle and have had no problems with vibration. It drives as smooth as silk. Ive driven it on a long trip and also short in town errands. I am so happy I didnt let issues some customers are having sway me. I couldnt be happier with it.