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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  Happy with the new CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe6699 - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I just bought the EX-L AWD 2015, the car is very nice and confortable, i DONt sense serious vibration like many customers do maybe i am lucky? The vibration is barely noticeable. I recommend this car. -From Québec city, Canada

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  My last Honda - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By fcgllc - June 8 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I recently bought a one-owner. dealer maintained CR-v with just under 100,000 miles on it based on Hondas reputation and Consumer Reports ratings. So far, Ive discovered that it uses about 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles. The AC compressor just died (a typical problem for Hondas that was never mentioned by Consumer Reports), and the squeaks and rattles in this thing drive me nuts. Ive got a Nissan and a Mazda in my driveway with double the miles of the CR-V and I trust either of them more than I will ever trust another Honda. Once I get the AC working again, this car will be out of my driveway and never again will I own a Honda product.

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  Whole lot of shakin going on! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jdtbucks - June 5 - 1:52 pm

  There are a lot of great things about this car, but there is one showstopper that should prevent you from buying it. When you are idling at a red light, the car vibrates like one of those funny exercise machines from the 40s. It also rattles like you wouldnt believe during acceleration. This is my 6th Honda and my last. Honda admits its an issue, but dont really have anything encouraging to say about a fix. My brother opted for the Mazda 5 and he is very happy with it. If I could exchange this car today, I would.

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  All good except vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ctati - June 4 - 3:14 pm

  When people test drive usually its on A/C so you wont feel much vibration, once you drive without ac then its frustrating, as soon as red or stop signal I see I am scared to stop this vehicle. I dont think even diesel engine will make such vibrations.

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  So far so good - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By phenom4 - June 3 - 11:52 am

  Ive driven the CRV for 200+ miles here in SoCal. Ive only come across the vibration while driving once when I was on the freeway at 60+ mph. The outside temp was in the high 50s. The drive felt very rough. All other drives and when idling have been vibration free. I find the infotainment system to be outdated and difficult to use along with the voice features. Lane watch is a distraction. I dont feel comfortable taking my eyes off the road. Move your screens! Otherwise, its got a comfortable interior, a good ride and good looks. Im happy. I purchased my CRV from Internet sales guru, Mike Skierka at Galpin Honda. He was very friendly, laid back and easy to deal with. Thanks Mike!

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  Miss Firing or Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By narotham - June 2 - 8:26 pm

  I purchased this vehicle (CRV - Touring 4WD) on March 31, 2015 I read all the comments, then I want to share my taught Im thinking that there is a misfiring (Spark Plug) Fuel supply is not correct in the vehicle, its in Parking or stopped at red light. In Parking: If you push the gas pedal. vehicle moves forward/backward....(an Inch or so) @ Stop light the vehicle in Vibration.... I want to go to dealer (Millennium Honda) in LI, NY Also I ordered the Remote Start, still now I didnt get that and I called several times and they are saying that you may get a call from the parts, also they are providing non Honda Remote Start and I have to carry 2 remotes/person(4 Total), not original.

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  Love my 2015 CR-V EX AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By justlou - June 1 - 11:08 pm

  My first Honda since I owned a 1995 Civic, and I couldnt be happier with my CR-V EX. I really need AWD for the Winter, and the Cr-V was a great choice. Fun to drive. Runs and rides great. Great gas mileage too.

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  What you expect from Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By briankennedyy - June 1 - 4:48 pm

  Traded in my 2011 CRV EX AWD for a new 2015 LX AWD. After a heads up about vibration problems from reviewers, I took a ten mile test drive of highway and winding country roads. Drove two CRVs and one Odyssey. The CRVs were flawless. The Odyssey was slightly dated. The new CRV is quieter, smoother and handles better than my old CRV. Highly recommend the CRV but test drive before you buy .

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  The Vibration problem is Real - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By emilyv3 - May 31 - 5:21 pm

  Just spent close to 30,000 dollars on my first brand new car and one day into owning it noticed the vibration problem at idle. I am so disappointed and feel Honda and the dealerships are scamming consumers. They dont yet have a fix and are not telling potential buyers about this problem. I would have definitely bought a different car had I read the consumer reviews (not the biased corporate reviews) prior to purchasing. Having owned a reliable and smooth operating Accord for 13 years, I trusted the brand and the dealership. A Honda loyalist no more. Major disappointment.

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  Vibration when in idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By nishd - May 27 - 12:09 pm

  I purchased a 2015 CR-V EX on Memorial Day and only one day after owning it I am now experiencing the infamous vibration issues (here is a link to the problem posted by Honda on their YouTube page - youtu.be/a6K6JPh7zak). Clearly, Honda has known about this problem for a while (the video was posted in April) and yet they continue to sell the car. They say they dont quite know what the problem is but are confident that there is no operational hazard! Unfortunately for me, I didnt know about this problem until after I bought the car or else I wouldnt have purchased it. I spoke to the Sales Manager and Salesperson at the dealership and both say that there is no "cooling off" period in Cal