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 1861 through 1870 of 4,333.00-
Best All Around SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
By JBrown - June 24 - 5:30 pmNice sized interior for a small SUV. Theres plenty of headroom to spare for an averaged sized 6 guy even with the moonroof. Lots of cargo carrying capacity. Car like handling. Good power from the small quiet and smooth running engine. Smooth shifting transmission thats idealy suited to the engine and vehicle. Good fuel economy thats equal to or better than most small cars. I replaced my 99 CRV with this one and I plan to keep it for a long time.
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very good car and value - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Coco - June 20 - 5:40 pmI liked this SUV a lot. The cons I found are: 1) there is no much space in the front seats (for a 5 11" person) my knees hit the steering wheel and I cant move it to avoid that and 2) it has too many blind spots when looking back or through the mirrors, we had to remove the headrests from the back to see better. The rest is very good. It does not burn a lot of gas, it is reasonable fast in highway, it is well equiped and it is reliable. In new england the 4wd help even when such a narrow tires.
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Winner - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Bobby - June 17 - 7:06 pmThird CR-V. All have been excellent especially fuel consumption. Excellent acceleration from on-ramps to merge into faster traffic. No difficulty with rear view, as this was a suggested shortcoming with current design.
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Only an eight - 2005 Honda CR-V
By scott likes the AWD - June 16 - 10:05 pmI bought this CRV to replace a Chevrolet Tahoe, not much of a trade off. I liked the size of the the crv and the pep. I really got to appreciate the AWD, when we got caught in a Montana snow storm and kept on trucking when all the big 4 wheelers were having to chain there rigs up. We went right on through without a issue and about 22 mpg, try to tell my old Tahoe that.
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Fifth CR-V (2002/2006/2012/2014/2016) - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Don Montalvo - June 15 - 10:31 pmSold my 2002 LS at 175K miles. Sold my 2006 SE at 80K miles. Traded my 2012 EX-L AWD (hated the color) for a 2014 EX-L 2WD (big mistake). Finally got a 2016 Touring CVT. I would have never thought the 2016, a 4th Gen model, would be such a huge improvement over the other two 4th Gen models I owned. The NAV system takes getting used to, but works well once you learn how to use it. The acceleration was a significant improvement (thanks to CVT and Drive-By-Line) over the other 4th Gen models. The biggest surprise was all the safety features. Lane assist, assisted cruise control, video side view mirror, etc. The power latch is to kill for. Very happy. Now I just have to resist buying a 2017. :)
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The seats are stiff and uncomfortable - 2006 Honda CR-V
By Sus - June 15 - 12:21 amI traded down from a Honda Pilot with leather seats. I rode in the back seat of the CRV for the first time after owning the car for 8 months. Not enough leg room, horrible head rests, stiff seats- we cancelled our vacation plans.
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Great car - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Susan - June 14 - 3:08 pmIt is compact SUV. Bigger space than car but not as big as mini van. Back seats are not that wide to hold three adults. I wish the front camera can show how close the car is to the sides of garage door frame and how close to the curb when parking
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For the money, a solid, tight, and comfortable car - 2016 Honda CR-V
By G Ford - June 13 - 12:59 amPros: - The doors close reliably with a nice thunk. - Steering is tight and comfortable at high and low speed. Visibility is excellent (I also like the two-part drivers side mirror). - Gas mileage is good so far, and acceleration has been there when I wanted it. MPG feedback has been very helpful in increasing average gas mileage. I like how the car can reset MPG statistics automatically when you refill with gas. - I LOVE the keyless systems: being able to touch either front door handle (with the fob in your pocket) to automatically unlock the door(s), and being able to start the car with the push of a button (no need to fumble for keys). Cons: - Tire road noise is a bit loud on the highway. But engine noise is low. - There is not quite as much room for stuff in the front cabin as we were used to in our Odyssey minivan, or Subaru Outback. Not a big deal, but noticeable. - The CD player is hidden behind the display screen, which has a motor that angles it out revealing the CD player slot... it works, and has not broken yet, but looks like it could be prone to breaking easily. - The touch-screen based controls for the audio system and phone are odd at times... they work, but I just feel as though they could have been made more intuitive in places. - Why do they have two screens in the dash? Its great to have the clock and compass heading on the top one, but I cant help but feel that it could display more information than it does. The lower touch-screen gets a lot of attention for audio station selection, MPG monitoring, etc. but the menus behave in ways that feel awkward in a number of situations (as a Windows/Android user). - The rear-view camera is great for safety reasons, but note that it is not reliable for driving in reverse: I have to turn my head or use mirrors to ensure I am backing at an appropriate distance from cars/objects on either side, but I do like having the camera to judge when my rear bumper is at the right spot (when to stop). - Had no choice about $399 security marking system add-on. Price listed below includes sales tax, delivery, security markings, and all fees. We did NOT receive a reasonable trade-in value on our old car. We chose a different dealer for our next car.
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Whats not to like? - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Freetrog - June 11 - 5:26 pmI dont think Im your typical buyer - I drive a special edition Porsche 911 and I wanted some utility to carry stuff - dog, golf clubs, and occasionally people. My options going in were Lexus GX470, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, or the CR-V. I know - a crazy mix. I looked at BMW, Mazda, Subaru, etc. I bought the CR-V as I felt it had the quality of the BMW, solid structure (good handling), spaciousness, and fuel economy (light carbon footprint). I couldnt be happier - it has everything an more that I need and want in a vehicle of this type. Engine is sufficient for my tasks, handling is nimble, brakes great. Visibility is good, comfortable and economical - can it get any better. Very pleased.
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Switched from a RAV to a CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Toto - June 10 - 3:10 amI am happily surprised with all the standard equipment that comes with the SE. It does not compare to the RAV 4 in this regard. I also find the CRV to have much better pick up than the Toyota. I am glad I made the switch