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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  Free vibrator with purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By det97 - April 27 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than a horse and carriage. The seating position is good. The ride is good considering what it is. The is heated seats in my model. I swapped a mustang for this one. I miss Ford Sync. The 2015 CRV Ex isnt a fan of Android.... yet. As for the vibration yes there is one. Not a huge deal breaker but you will normally feel it at a stop while in drive. I think its really more like a Mercedes comfort accessory.

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  Faulty A/C and Electronics - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jlmedina - April 22 - 12:43 am

  Bought a new 2013 from Whittier Community Honda. 14 months later a/c goes out & battery dies. After doing some research, both are known defects. Honda even lost a class-action lawsuit in 2013 for the a/c but never corrected the problem for newer models. Honda refused to repair a/c saying its my problem. Honda shouldve at least warned me about the design flaw & problems so I could make an informed decision whether to buy or not. I had 2 previous Hondas. One had a recall that they never told me about & the other had a class action lawsuit regarding brakes that Honda again lost but they forgot to tell me. I dont trust Honda anymore especially Whittier Community Honda.

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  Headrest problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wtd01 - April 21 - 10:18 am

  The headrest forces your head too far forward causing neck pain. The instructions indicate to set the headrest so the back of your head is aligned to the middle of the headrest. the headrest doesnt extend high enough to meet that requirement. I am 6 tall. Honda USA refuses to acknowledge that a problem exists or that anyone else has complained (contact# N12015-04-210-0282). I would nor buy this vehicle if you are 6 or taller.

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  Most bad car I have owned - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tearsbuyer222 - April 18 - 6:29 pm

  I just bought car in March, and one week late I found the car has vibration problem, and felt a slight jump on the freeway if the car in high speed. I reported this problem to dealership and Honda Headquarter, they said it is under investigation, but without time frame. This problem not only happened on my car. Honda knows this, but they dont want to solve this. They keep saying no safety issue. From Hondas attitude to this problem, who will believe them, and how we can trust them!!! Why we should buy a NEW car with problems! Why should we be suffered by the vibration while driving on the freeway?! Why should we pay a NEW car price to get a defeat car?! It is not fair to customers! I have

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  CRV Vibration is Real Dont buy one now! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bruce DeWerth - April 16 - 3:47 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in November as a change from my Ford Escape. Bad idea. From day one there has been a vibration when the brake is depressed at stop lights. The vibration is severe and carries throughout the vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealership an was told that "this is normal and wont harm the car" How crazy is that? I called Honda and they told me that they are aware of the problem. When I asked why they dont fix it. I was told that there was a video on You tube explaining the vibration problem. Unbelievable. I never expected a response like that from Honda. Beware they are still shipping them problem and all. Big Recall coming. This is really shameful.

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  No vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tsonce - April 13 - 12:38 am

  My Honda is 800 miles and I havent felt any vibration. I am so happy that I decided to buy the car, even though I was hesitant after reading all the reviews about the vibration. It drives very smoothly and I actually really like the CVT. So far I am getting about 29 miles/gallon when I drive to work. This is surface streets + highways. My other car is Honda CRV 2006. AT 140K miles, the only issue Ive ever had was a light bulb that needed to be replaced. Ive decided to keep both cars because the 2006 is higher and better for off-roading. Knowing how reliable Hondas are, I decided to go with my gut. The 2015 CRV is great to drive - quiet, smooth and, of course, reliable.

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  The best small SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By george fritkin - April 12 - 11:41 pm

  What can I say. The Touring model is almost a luxury car. Vibrations.......not mine. I have been a car guy all my life, this CRV is high on my list. I enjoy driving this car as much as any of my 7 fancy cars

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  Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware"[ - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tom A - April 10 - 1:11 pm

  What a mistake buying this SUV. The vibration problem is real. Stay away form the CRV until Honda fixes the problem.

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  Worth every penny - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By perek75 - April 10 - 8:25 am

  I drive the Honda LX trim level. 152500 miles and the only none scheduled repair was replacing the blower motor which was 5000 miles ago. Reliable, dependable and good economy car , gas mileage 22-26 or so with AWD. Got the car new. I am 6 ft 2 in tall and 300 lbs + and I am very comfortable driving and riding in this car. Plenty of head space and easy to get in and out of. My wife is around 5 ft and she can easily adjust seat for her. If anything there is some road noice especially when comparing with newer 2015 model cars and the stereo is not the best but it works fine. Great winter car as well (Chicago area Michelin hydroedge tires). Comfortable seats, good visibility.

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  Honda Canada video acknowledges vibration issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - April 8 - 10:53 am

  Today I received from my dealer a new Honda video (You Tube) acknowledging the vibration issue. Contrary to what the video mentions (vibrations mostly in the seats), I get them in the steering wheel as well. Video says: . happens at 2200 rpm and under . They are investigating the issue and will advise when and if a product upgrade is available. I am glad they are working on this but disappointed they released a model which to me is seriously flawed. Weve had ours since November and the vibration issue has gradually worsened. I do not enjoy driving the vehicle.