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 2011 through 2020 of 4,333.00-
What a dog!!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
By Clint - November 26 - 7:16 pmThe CRV is a fairly comfortable car. Not bad to look at. Comfortable interior. Gas mileage is also decent (24-25mph). Thats about where it ends. The all-wheel drive chews up tires, the dinky 4 cylinder engine barely pulls a gentle hill. There is a problem with the stock radiator that caused the engine to run consistently hot (not indicated by the gauge)which led to almost $3000 in repairs. Honda parts are spendy!
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North Country - 2006 Honda CR-V
By North of 55 - November 26 - 12:31 pmI have now owned this car for one full year and used it thru 2 Canadian winters as well as one vacation trip thru the Rocky Mountains. Love this car. Great for snow and ice conditions, and most importantly its gets WARM quickly in the winter (Im talking -30 here). This is my first Japanese car and Im very impressed with the quality.
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I Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By LGale - November 26 - 2:00 amThe vehicle is extremely fun to drive. It has been wonderful in bad weather. The vehicle has a lot of storage room and our family of 4 fits in the vehicle very well.
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Very Satisfied - 2005 Honda CR-V
By DrStick - November 25 - 1:36 pmPurchased the 2005 CRV SE after looking at most of the competition. Had a high mileage trade-in that delayed the sales process but we finally came to an acceptable agreement Went to the Seattle Auto Show and looked at all of the smaller SUVs like the CRV and nothing comes close to the quality at the price I paid. Did the soundproofing for $250 and really cant tell the difference but Im satisfied with the noise level. Not sure about the tire noise that I hear - this is my first SUV so I guess I expect some level of road noise.
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Good little Honda - 1999 Honda CR-V
By nonye - November 24 - 3:49 pmI love everything about my Honda-CRV with the exception of two minor things. I did not like when my antenna broke off, but it was probably broken off by someone. Not Hondas fault. I also grew less in love with the manual transmission by the day. Seven years later, Ill admit it, Im lazy and Ive shifted enough. No more sticks in my life. Of course, this isnt Hondas problem. This car is a GREAT winter car. Even in 10 inch snowfalls, I couldnt get stuck.
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Great New SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Steve - November 24 - 3:36 pmI have had this car a total of 1 day. I previously had a 1999 CRv and have owned 7 Honda/Acura cars/suvs. The build quality is greatly improved over the previous CRv, plenty of fun gadgets, heated leather seats, moonroof, ABS, Tire pressure monitor, mpg gauge, XM radio with MP3 player line in. Lots of Airbags (hopefully will not be used) Overall, Nice design and shape and the fit and finish, like all Hondas, is great.
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A great all around vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Road Warrior - November 22 - 2:05 amI am and outside sales rep and bought the CRV because of the combination of price, visibility & dependability. I worked in Los Angeles and sold to trucking companies so parking was a premium, I could park in the smallest of spots. With all the dead end streets and the front wheels 12 inches behind the bumper I rarely had to back up to complete my turns. The CRV is smooth as silk on the open highway. I have 90k on my two year old CRV and it runs the same as new. I did two things to improve mileage, power & economy. I put platinum 4 plugs in and I always use mid-grade gas. The extra 10 cent per gallon is more than made up for with the benefit of the extra 6 miles per gallon. Very peppy now!!!
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Great towable - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Hondapuller - November 19 - 10:00 amThis is the best available vehicle for RVers that tow a "dingy". Anybody towing anything else did not do their homework. Its a Honda, nothing else needs to be said.
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love my honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
By taya - November 18 - 4:25 pmI owned an Oldsmobile Bravada prior to the Honda. I traded in the Olds for the Honda to gain better gas mileage...and what a difference it made, I was averaging 11 MPH in town and 19 on the highway in the Olds...with the Honda I average 22 in town and 25-29 on the highway depending on conditions.
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Great for its class - 2007 Honda CR-V
By medcat77 - November 18 - 12:13 pmExcellent vehicle! It truly drives better than many cars I test drove. It gets good gas mileage for a 4wd, and its interior is above the class level that its in.
