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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  no vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By proten - May 2 - 5:41 pm

  Got the awd ex model. First trip got 34 mpg. Very smooth, very quiet. I am 63, and have plenty of room even in back seats. The cvt works perfectly. It doesnt use fake shift points. We are not experiencing the vibration problem some are complaining of. Much quicker than I expected. Also climbs well, as we live in a high altitude mountain town

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  Rough Rider Idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover41 - May 1 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned my 2015 Honda CRV EX-L for about 3 weeks now. I like a lot of things about it, but I am getting more concerned about the rough idle/vibration/pulsation when I am in the drive mode and stopped in traffic. I look over at the front passenger seat and watch the seat belt buckle vibrate against the leather! At times it gets to be pretty intense. I went into the dealer to ask about it, and they said it was fine. We will see if it will take legal class action case to get the problem resolved. I owned my last Acura for 18+ years and really loved it. I only hope I can say the same about this car in a few years. This car just makes more sense because of all of its practical features.

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  VIBRATION just keeps building on your nerves!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By fzafar0926 - May 1 - 2:41 pm

  Hi, I own a 2015 CR-V Touring on NOV 2014, and am very disappointed by the vibration issue. Honda has acknowledged the issue and posted a video showing why it is causing the vibration. You need to document the issue with the manufacturer by calling them at American Honda Customer Service 1-800-999-1009 Option 7. Provide your VIN# and Contact Information. They will contact you when a fix is ready. As of APR 30, 2015, there is no fix date or whether a fix is possible. If you want to see the video, go to this page and look for the bibration question: https://owners.honda.com/help/faqs

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  New Car Disappointment - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joyce green - April 29 - 8:41 pm

  Only have had CR-V two weeks. Very unhappy with the rough idling and vibration when sitting at a red light or any time I have to slow down or stop in traffic. Purchasing this car was a huge mistake! Do not buy a 2015 Honda CR-V. You will be unhappy with it! Am planning to file Lemon Law if Honda Corporation does not come up with a solution quickly.

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  2015 Honda CR-V vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By viktor45 - April 29 - 7:36 pm

  Bought a new CR-V EX-L about a week ago. Noticed vibration when idle on D and RPM drops below 600. Quite annoying, consider I have owned previous model of CR-V and never noticed vibration. Vibration is gone once RPM bounce back to 700 or you switch to N. Honda should provide a fix to adjust idle RPM.

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  Should have bought RAV 4 - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By coosa43 - April 29 - 9:56 am

  My wife and I bought our 2014 Honda CRV one year ago when we traded in our 2009 Nissan Xterra for what we thought would be an upgrade. We recently took our Honda into the local dealership for routine service and a problem with the air conditioning. The vehicle had 15000 miles so we were not worried with a repair cost due to the BUMBER TO BUMBER Warranty of 36000 miles. I go in and tell the technician the problem and state that the problem should be covered under warranty and his first statement was not so fast that if it was a hole in the condenser for the A/C it would not be covered. Major problem with the whole A/C on the CRVs. Paid 600 for repair on a brand new car.

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  Dissappointed about Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By amy271 - April 28 - 8:03 pm

  I just bought the new Honda CRV EX 2WD 3 days ago, it is only 150 miles. When I stop at the red light, the vibration on the chair are really annoying me. I did read the review about this problem on CRV, but I thought it might have some exception. I was so wrong, the vibration are really aggressive. I regret buying this car, and so disappointed about Honda.

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  I wish i knew about the vibration before i boght it - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Alex Kondovski - April 27 - 6:58 pm

  The issue with the vibration is real. It occurs while you are stopped at a red light. It is really disappointing. I regret buying the car. Please inform people about this before they buy until they fix it. It is very stressful to spend 30k and have to deal with this at every red light stop

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  VIBRATION - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Trevor Leja - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  Bought car new a month ago .2 days after owning noticed a vibration on acceleration, idles ruff and sometimes it hesitates on acceleration brought to dealer Honda is aware of issues but claims it might be normal for that car. if they do not do something about I will be pursuing the lemon law

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  I shutter thinking about the technology that went into my CRV..unfortunately so does my CRV. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By retiredguy4 - April 27 - 1:05 pm

  Bought new CRV EX AWD in March. Was back at dealership almost immediately about drivetrain vibrations at low speeds and 2000rpms. Also idle speed randomly drops to 550 when warm causing annoying shutter. Dealer says they are aware. They are waiting on Honda fix. We like the vehicle but are loosing faith in Honda as there is no acknowledgement from headquarters. This is our second CRV. Our 2005 is still humming right along.