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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  My first SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By A - January 18 - 2:36 am

  This is my first SUV and I must say I am really impressed. The CR-V is really roomy, has a comfortable ride and is easy to maneuver! Great gas mileage compared to other SRVs in its class. So far it costs me $50 to fill up for the entire week. I look forward to driving my SUV for a long time.

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  Honda Quality has come down - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Basheer - January 12 - 7:20 am

  I have new Honda CRV 2016. Quality of interiors is very poor. The car starts to vibrate within 10 minutes and it is very irritating. Has transmission issues and Electronics is outdated. Noise is very irritating. It has resale value just because of name "HONDA" but is not value for money/comfort what you pay for.

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  Steering Wheel Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jman32 - January 11 - 3:27 pm

  At this point I would not recommend this vehicle. Let me state first this is my third Honda. My first two were a civic and a CRV. Held each from 12-15 years. I couldnt say enough about the quality and service from Honda. Repeatedly recommended them to friends and co-workers. But this 2015 CRV has serious issues with the vibration coming through the steering column. The best description is if the driver side tire is bad. The vibration is very noticeable in the steering wheel. Then somewhat in the seat. Didnt I notice while test driving? I tested the 2014. Ready to buy then I heard the about the improved 2015s coming out. With winter I bought the car too quick. Big mistake.

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  Love the car, not great gas mileage - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bostonbob - January 10 - 9:00 pm

  We purchased this great car to mimic the utility of our huge Mercedes R350 without the high purchase price and to have a more maneuverable car for our around town. The CR-V is really, really fun to drive and has a very high quality feel to it. It is comfortable and quiet at all speeds. Its every bit as solid as the Mercedes vehicles we have been driving for last 15 years. The only negative is the gas mileage. Our overall mileage, which includes 550 miles of straight highway travel, is only 20.5 mpg. Our Mercedes RE350 (a much larger, much heavier and more powerful vehicle)has averaged exactly 20 mpg over the past 10,000 miles. Its hard to understand.

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  Groaning sounds from brakes. - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Rean - January 10 - 2:46 pm

  I have taken my Honda in to have the brakes checked twice for the groaning sounds from both the front and rear brakes.Very bothersome since this has been heard from first few days of ownership. Honda technician indicates brakes build up rust but brakes are performing as they should. I am troubled by this and hope that Honda is researching the problem as the technician indicated would happen.

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  Luv my SE CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Al - January 8 - 11:16 pm

  I love everything about it including the satellite radio. My wife finds it a little hard to sleep but the heated seats are awesome.

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  A big improvement! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kcpy - January 7 - 5:10 pm

  I used to own the 98 CRV EX. Just returned it and got the 2002 verison. I have to say, all of the complains I had for 98 model have been addressed. The car now looks a lot better and drives a lot better. I really like this one. I am also 6 ft tall, but didnt find any problem with the seat.

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  Ummm...WOW!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By solablankito - January 6 - 9:43 pm

  I have only had the car since mid April and already have over 3,000 miles on it. I took a Memorial Day trip from the New York Metro Area to Ocean City, MD. I was astonished that my car averaged over 30 mpg and I only used a little more than half a tank on the 260 mile drive down to Maryland. The entire trip used a tank and a half. Im not your typical CR-V owner, if there is one. I am a 24 yr old male. I owned a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee before this car and couldnt keep up with the 14 mpg. Although I am early in my ownership I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  Not as tight as my VW - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By nightCap - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Althought I do very much like the CRV, its build quality (fit and finish) is not comparable with my 2000 VW golf. The plastic body molding is out of alignment, the tires are not good at all (Ive actaully replaced them already), and the cabin noise seems to be on the loud side. I wish it got better mileage as well.

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  CRV Honda 2003 - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Diane Buckley - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is extremely convenient for family shopping, trips and basic running around. I travel frequently 150 miles each way and it is great on gas mileage. I only wish there were full leather seats available when I purchased the car.