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 2361 through 2370 of 4,333.00-
My CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Virgil Kee - January 3 - 5:32 pmWe shopped extensively and found the Honda CR-V to be the obvious choice in this class to fit our particular needs.
-
Best SUV yet! - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Karen Newstrom-Peitso - January 2 - 6:52 pmThis new CRV is really fantastic to drive! We love everything except: No auto adjust on front passenger seat. That means there are probably 40 things about it we love like the cameras and blue tooth. And there are so many small things that they paid attention to like the connection to signal on the dash panel. We just keep discovering more as well! Like this one even better than our RAV 4 which we also still drive.
-
Dont buy from Honda Carland in Roswell - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Helen Slater - January 1 - 12:19 pmDont buy from Honda Carland in Roswell.
-
Excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
By dmorgan - January 1 - 10:00 amExcellent vehicle, fun to drive Limiting seating space in rear
-
2005 Honda CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
By RALPH1827 - December 31 - 2:07 pmIve owned this vehicle for a little over five months and all i can say is that ive fallen in love with it..I prevously owned the 2000 crv and passed it on with 80,000 miles and never a problem to speak of...This 2005 model seems to being heading in the same direction...Just love everything about it except the rear middle seat safety strap with comes down from the rear ceiling near the back door. I feel its unsightly and awkwardly placed.
-
Enjoying my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Jasmine - December 30 - 1:23 amIve had my CR-V for 2 weeks now, and so far I am enjoying it. It has all the features that I was looking for, and for the price its a great value. Its a great car for anyone whos looking for a small SUV with good gas mileage.
-
Would give it a 5 but Software Update ruined every - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Shelly Marshall - December 28 - 4:05 pmI bought this SUV (2015) new especially for the MPG--it was rated at 26-33. The 2016 were 25-31. So I went with the 2015 model because I travel a lot. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this vehicle--MPG were more than rated--handled great, Interior was perfect for me. What happened???? A software update ruined everything and I hate Honda now. I did the update as recommended and picked my vehicle up. As I was leaving dealership, I thought the break was on--No--so I checked the gear. It was noticeably dragging. I immediately saw that my MPG went down by 5 per gallon. FIVE! I took it back to the dealer and the techs told me (alternately) there was nothing wrong with the car or software, it was: 1. uneven tread on my tires, 2. out of alignment 3. my imagination 4. the fact I carried dogs (a 4-pound Pom and 8-pound Russell), 5. that i had books in back, 6. I had to watch my RPMs, or 7. I pulled a small 300 lb trailer. Finally one of the repair guys admitted it was the software update. He found out (Honda didnt have the integrity to let their dealerships know the problem) from his tech friend in California. In Cal they have to file a new registration for mileage if anything changes and this software update does lower the MPG--so it is filed in California--DO YOUR RESEARCH--whatever the MPG rating, it goes down by 4 or 5--they are no longer valid and Honda doesnt have the integrity to change their ads. I am surprised that most people are complaining about vibration. I hadnt noticed that. I bought the car for the gas milage and now they took that away with an update and then lied by omission. I hated listening to the techs tell me it was me...I havent talked to the dealership about it yet but I will and I am very frustrated. On the Canadian CRV forum they talked about the update a lot and most owners saw the reduction in gas milage just like me.
-
My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pmIf youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.
-
My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pmIf youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.
-
Very Recommendable Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Justin - December 27 - 1:10 pmgood ride, very smooth although the pilot is a way much better ride but hey, its still a Honda!
