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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  Oh, the Joy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By warex - April 5 - 11:15 am

  Driving Experience: It has given us the best experience we have ever had with a family car, especially on road trips. Above the Class: Before buying, we looked at other cars in that class especially the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. with the CRV, it feels like we are in a car above that class. MPG: We have been getting high 20s with mixed driving and low 30s with road trips. Handling (AWD): It has been smooth and secure with plenty of power in all situations, for an SUV. CVT: It runs and transitions smoothly in all traffic conditions. Vibration: We have not experienced the vibration issue reported by some owners.

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  WORST CRV EVER MADE - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Muhammed Rayeez - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  I bought CRV only because of the trust in Honda. My CRV is vibrating very bad which reminds my worst decision ever made. Please do not buy this car.

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  Vibration at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie Bath - April 2 - 9:09 pm

  Drove both 2014 and 2015 cr-vs. Bought the 15 since it seemed much quieter and smoother than the 14. What a mistake. This thing shakes like crazy when in drive while braking at a stop. At times the rpms jump from 2000 to 1500 for no reason when just cruising at normal speeds. I still own a much maligned Jeep Compass with 118000 miles and a CVT with no such problems-still runs as smooth as ever. Was going to trade it for the Honda but glad I kept it! Honda better do something soon. I only put 700 miles on it since new in November--I may end up trading it for my first choice a Nissan Rogue or a used Lexus R350!

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  Vibration issues that passengers notice - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda Marie - April 2 - 9:32 am

  I, like many others, have major issues with vibrations (mostly at idle). I was told by my dealership that I "was the only one" that complained of this. However, I went online and see it is indeed a problem with the 2015s in general, not my vehicle. I hope Honda does a recall soon to fix this or I will never buy a Honda again (and neither will my family and friends who experienced the vibrations in my car). In addition, I drive the highway and accelerate slowly with the eco button on, and cant get above 25.7 mpg on the highway.

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  Lot of Vibration in Idle is a serious issue! Dont purchase 2015 CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jaff Sammuel - April 1 - 10:47 am

  I bought 2015 CRV LX AWD in mid of Jan, 2015. I started feeling the vibration from the beginning. I reported the same to Honda Technical Support and the dealer. But couldnt get any attention from them. Finally I took the vehicle to Honda Service and they confirmed it is a known technical issue in 2015 CRV for which Honda has no fix yet. I complained Honda again but didnt get any solution. They dont bother once the car is sold. I will never by any Honda car in future. Dont by Honda CRV 2015 CVT model. This is a defective car and no support from Honda.

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  Great car but needs work - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By emaui07 - March 31 - 11:03 pm

  The overall interior of the car is good. The back seats give more room than the older models. The middle counsel arm rest is comfortable and there is a lot of room. But there are some issues. There is a hard vibration to the car when you are at a complete stop, so hard that the front seats shake hard and it is very noticeable. Also the a/c does not work well on hot days. Hardly anything comes out of the main vents when you have the feet and top on at the same time. I think I would trade it in if I could but Im in a lease.

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  Also having the vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - March 31 - 2:16 pm

  At idle, with my foot on the brake, there is noticeable vibration from the steering wheel and the drivers seat. In motion, when engine rpms are a constant 1500 or lower, the engine has a lugging feel and droning sound. No lugging or droning while braking or accelerating (except when accelerating very hard). My wife, kind to all moving creatures, says dont worry about it--just be grateful for the free back massage. An old-school guy like me, however, hungers for a smooth transmission and engine combo.

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  Almost 100,000 and still going good - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mario Matias - March 15 - 3:04 pm

  Im at 90,000 miles and havent really had any major problems with the vehicle. Only thing Ive had to replace is my tires. The only unscheduled issues Ive had is problems with the trucks trim. It is a little cheap and not secured very well. A piece of the windshield trim flew off and I have a few other pieces of trim that are coming loose. Thats not too big of a deal though. Its a nice family suv, its very reliable and easy to work on. The pull-out table in the trunk is a nice little added feature also. I do recommend getting better tires if you want to take full advantage of the AWD. I definitely recommend this vehicle though.

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  Long Term Review of 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By asuchemist - March 11 - 1:02 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd is nearing 110K miles. Paid $17K brand new in 2008. The vehicle is a no thrill people mover. Interior material is average for the time and holding up. Oil and Transmission fluid changes are easy. Oil change interval 5K miles and transmission change intervals done every 15K miles. After a couple of years the interior has developed a rattle and at stops in drive the motor has some vibration (motor mount design). The CRV has enough power for on freeway acceleration. Kept everything standard, no upgrades. Normal things I have done: -Front and rear brakes (finally after 100K miles on them) -New rotors -New Shocks and struts (front back)

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  Safe, comfortable and easy to drive and like - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaconvert29 - March 6 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased our CR-V new on 8/2014 after donating our 2002 Mazda MPV minivan which we purchased new and had over 170,000 miles on. The big jump in technology and efficiency has been great. The airy feel of the CR-V interior is an easy transition from our old minivan. Even the armrests built into the seats is reminiscent (though I think the 2015 doesnt have that feature anymore.) Gas mileage has ranged in the upper 20s on mixed driving. The engine is very smooth and relatively quiet and road noise seems reasonable. (More quiet than our old car.) We really looked at and wanted to like the Mazda CX-5 to stay in the Mazda family, but we found the interior to be cramped and dark.