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 2101 through 2110 of 4,333.00-
Cheap, big, safe - 2006 Honda CR-V
By lahiri - August 29 - 8:59 pmIts inexpensive. Its big inside. Seats are comfortable and roomy, and cargo room is huge too. Its safe - comes standard with seat mounted airbags, curtain airbags, stability assist, ABS.
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Great Little SUV! - 2006 Honda CR-V
By newowner - August 29 - 2:01 pmI have only had my CR-V a short time, but I am very happy with it. I am amazed at how much pep it has. I live in a rural area with many steep, curvy roads and my CR-V handles even the steepest hills with ease. Despite the tough driving conditions, it is still getting 23+ mpg, which I feel is excellent for the roads I travel and this also includes city driving. It handles like a small car, has a very tight turning radius and yet has enough cargo room for hauling gardening and horse supplies and my 100-lb dog! It provides a smooth ride and has plenty of room for passengers. I think its a great little SUV and I feel I made a good choice.
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CReView - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Dr Diane Schaupp - August 29 - 10:04 amGreat handling. Good interior space. Nice interior.
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Nothing compared. - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Suzanne - August 28 - 2:05 pmWe looked at other small suvs and came back to Honda CRV. Bought the model in the showroom. Love it.Rides nice and has lots of room inside. A little noisy....road noise, but then it isnt a Cadillac or BMW or Lincoln or Lexus. Nice style to outside. Happy, happy with purchase. Staff at Holler in Winter Park were as nice as could be.
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Love It! - 2004 Honda CR-V
By ammyjax2 - August 28 - 10:00 amThis is the safest, most fuel effecient SUV and it is so fun to drive! My husband and I were looking for a second vehicle and we loved our Accord, so we looked again at Honda. We just love our CR-V and feel 100% secure knowing that we will bring our new baby home from the hospital in it.
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tjbt - 2004 Honda CR-V
By T.J. Brown-Taylor - August 28 - 10:00 amMy review for the Honda CR-V is nothing less than GREAT. Im glad my daughter talked me into purchasing one. The Honda CR-V is my first SUV. At first, I was really sceptical about purchasing one, especially with the fear of roll- over. But I must admit that the transition from my 2000 Honda Accord to the 2003 CR-V, was a wonderful experience. Its just like drive a car.
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Glad I bought it! - 2004 Honda CR-V
By CarolD. - August 28 - 10:00 amLove this SUV! Traded in my 98 Passport that had all the extras on it, but wanted to get into something newer. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Great pick up and feels good on the road. Only complaints...the armrests in the front seat are skimpy and not very comfortable for the larger adult. The interior roof feels and sounds cheap and the patterned seat fabric leaves a bit to be desired...Otherwise, this gets 5 stars from me!
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Happy So Far, But It Could Be Better - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Larry - August 27 - 6:42 amIm enjoying my new car so far but there are a few things that could be better. Even with the standard 4 cylinder engine the car has enough pickup when needed. The interior is comfortable in the front and back seats but the seats feel very firm so Im not sure how comfortable they will be on a long trip. I still need to do a little more experimenting with the different lumbar settings on the drivers seat. The ride is a little stiff so I do feel bumps in the road when driving but its not any worse than the ride on the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox that I traded for this car. The only minor disappointment so far is that Im getting about 2 miles a gallon less than the combined mileage that Honda says you should get. It could be a combination of doing more city driving than road trips, cold weather where Im using the heater almost all the time, or the fact that that engine is not broken in yet. Hopefully it will get better over time, and Im looking forward to taking the car on a long trip sometime this year.
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The worst vehicle I have ever owned - 2002 Honda CR-V
By blackjack - August 26 - 10:00 amThe road and wind noise is very, very bad.
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Better than Rav4 - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Ronaldo Gonzalez - August 21 - 7:51 pmLooked at Toyota and Honda. Traded our Civic for a CR-V. Traditional Honda Quality. Lots of safety features and love the styling. Perfect amount of room for our family. Very stable and solid at highway speeds. Great safety rating.
