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 2291 through 2300 of 4,333.00-
Excellent - 2004 Honda CR-V
By 04 CR-V - March 11 - 3:49 amEverything about this vehicle is great. I have not had one problem with it. I am in the Military and in Germany, I average 100 mph on the autobahn. It handles great. Gas mileage is outstanding. It is a little noisy but nothing that is annoying. The vehicle is roomy, quick and comfortable. Traded in a gas hog (Chevy Tahoe) in for it. My wife and I are glad we did. I recommend this vehicle to anyone
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Love my CRV but not the gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
By PdxRose - March 9 - 6:40 pmDid not like previous CRV models so thought about a Rav4. After a few trips with a friend, chose the CRV; inside feels more upscale and spacious and the area is bigger. My only addition is something only Ford seems to use now; keyless number pad on the door. Only complaint is gas mileage. I avg 22 mpg at best when I combine 50% short trips (2 to 5) and a 50% hwy trips (20 each way). Even when I drove 120 miles each way on a trip, I barely got 25mpg (is it my luggage rack or me?) My last car, a Toyota Avalon V6, averaged 22 and 27. As for complaints about accelerating on to hwys and or passing; even w/5 adults the car was quick. Maybe other reviewers had > 850 lbs in car (weight max).
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lucky me! - 2004 Honda CR-V
By ron9002 - March 8 - 2:00 amAfter years and years of many boring Accords, I can finally say I love my car. The CRV is such fun to drive. Its so responsive, not "trucky." And its a whole lot more peppy than any Accord Ive ever driven. The gas mileage is just bit less than the Accord.
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Pretty blue machine.. - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Barbara - March 7 - 12:54 amThis is a very nice small SUV. I really cant answer everything as I only have 300 miles on it. But so far, very nice.
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Happy CR-V owner - 2000 Honda CR-V
By tapgypsy - March 6 - 11:34 amMy CR-V is now 6 years old and I have been very satisfied with its performance. Routine maintenance is all that has been required, except when I was rear-ended. Thankfully, after a rear bumper and the crumpled exhaust system was replaced, it was fine.
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Still vibrates - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Jorge R - March 3 - 10:41 amI bought the new Honda CVR 2016 EXL, thousands on dollars. But it still have the vibration issue. Take care when buying this car.
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WILL FOREVER OWN A CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
By CRV LOVER 4EVR - March 1 - 8:51 pmThis car had endured two different jobs, both with one-hour-each-way commutes. It is roomy, has great pick-up, decent gas mileage for an all-wheel drive vehicle and has a five-star safety rating. Its cute, sporty and comfortable to drive. Once I broke this car in, it fits like a shoe. Ive had zero maintenance problems with it and dealing with Honda has never been a problem. This car is well worth the money and you will NOT be disappointed. HONDA HAS MADE A LOYAL, LIFE-LONG CUSTOMER OUT OF ME!!
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Another Great Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Jabraza - February 26 - 10:00 amI have only had the car for a couple of weeks but the more I drive it the more I love it. The ride is so quiet and smooth. My wife is very short but she has no problem with the pedals or controls. We live in Las Vegas and the air is fantastic. I absolutely love the car. I would buy it all over again.
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Great Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Loyal Honda Owner - February 25 - 2:50 pmGreat SUV! I did a tremendous amount of research before purchasing. For the price this vehicle had the best standard features (interior). Further, this vehicle even cornered better than a 2007 Camary. I have no regrets with my purchase and recommend it highly.
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Good choice for me. - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Mr K. - February 24 - 2:00 amGood car over all, but its not something that will knock your socks of (unless you are upgrading from Yugo.) Its a good choice for my needs, but its overpriced and overrated.