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 1881 through 1890 of 4,333.00-
I love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By lovemycrv - May 22 - 2:00 amLiving in Erie, PA, where the weather changes every two minutes, this car has totally stood up to all my needs!
-
Crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Richard Austin - May 21 - 7:59 amAir bag warning light my be under warranty check with Honda dealer
-
Luv My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
By Don - May 18 - 5:36 pmGreat vehicle. Traded my 03 Accord 6 cyl in for this vehicle and not disappointed. Ease of getting in and out is great. Very roomy. Looks great.
-
CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
By Liss - May 16 - 6:16 amGood reliable car never a problem, will get a same new this year
-
My Little Silver Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Charla - May 16 - 2:00 amI love my new CRV. Love the manual transmission! It has pretty good power. When you look at it from the outside it looks small, but get in it and it has lots & lots of room. I like the style on the outside compared to the old boxy style they used to make. Feels very sturdy to drive, handles great,and runs very smooth. It is a great price for the EX 5 speed and you get more for your money with all the options.
-
CR-V C Me Smile - 2004 Honda CR-V
By x-man - May 16 - 2:00 amA great SUV at a great price, with good milage.
-
Good for the price - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Lovit - May 16 - 2:00 amAfter getting rid of 13 yr old Accord, I did extensive research on small SUVs and decided that CRV was the best for the money. Even though only after a week of owning the car, the trunk had a minor problem, I still think that CRV was a good choice. It drives smooth, comfortable. I agree with many reviewers that CRV is rough on bumpy roads, but I expected that when I bought a SUV. I was buying a SUV, not a car.
-
Really enjoying the CR-V - 2018 Honda CR-V
By DD - May 12 - 10:22 pmI thought it would be a bigger adjustment to downsize from the Odyssey now that I no longer am regularly driving a teen around, but its been fine. The ride is steady and I love the active safety controls.
-
CR-V 2- year review - 2005 Honda CR-V
By MAN22 - May 10 - 8:31 pmWe bought this for the wife, but she soon wanted back into a mini-van. I became the driver. Since new, wind noise on the right side of the windshield has been problematic and the dealer cant fix it. Road noise is another problem that is a historical issue with this model. Economy is good, great miles between oil changes, and really kinda fun to drive. Front wheel torque can cause you problems if you get on it while turning and it is zippy for a 4 cyclinder. Seats are a little firm for the wife, but I like them that way.
-
2 soon 2 tell - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Dal Andrew - May 10 - 1:33 amgood vehicle
