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 2851 through 2860 of 4,333.00-
CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
By jachap1 - August 26 - 2:00 amThe CRV EX is a pleasure to drive, feels like a car, good power, good visibiility, solid feel to it. Execellent traction on wet or slippery surfaces. Roomy passenger and luggage interior. Picnic table a nice touch.
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2004 CR-V EX Automatic - 2004 Honda CR-V
By binkleyyaz - August 26 - 2:00 amI wanted a small SUV that had decent gas mileage, safety, and reliability, along with a few creature comforts, and the CR-V EX delivers. Smooth ride with car-like handling. Nice stereo, plenty of cargo and passenger space. I really like the all-in-one nature of the EX model - it gave me everything I needed without messing around with extra options.
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Unfixable Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
By John p - August 25 - 12:27 pmIve had my 2015 CRV ex-L for 8 months, 7000 miles. Im ready to drive it into a bottomless pit. The vibration issue mentioned here is Unfixable. Ive had all 3 of the potential "fixes" performed and there is no discernible improvement. At this point the only acceptable fix would be getting rid of it. Steer clear of this model.
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Honda Reliability Has Degraded - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Jim - August 25 - 11:29 amHonda has long known there was design problem with the variable timing chain actuator (VTC Actuator) in a number of vehicles since at least 2008 model year. Honda issued TBA 09-010 in October 2012 about this problem. The problem could occur outside the normal warranty period. Symptoms include a grinding or rattling noise on a cold start after the car has been at rest for approximately 10 hours. The cost of repair will be in excess of $600.00 for the customer. Honda refuses to extend warranty or do a recall. The problem with the recall is this, if they replace the VTC Actuator it will likely fail again. I will never buy another Honda product.
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Honda Reliability Has Degraded - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Jim - August 25 - 11:29 amHonda has long known there was design problem with the variable timing chain actuator (VTC Actuator) in a number of vehicles since at least 2008 model year. Honda issued TBA 09-010 in October 2012 about this problem. The problem could occur outside the normal warranty period. Symptoms include a grinding or rattling noise on a cold start after the car has been at rest for approximately 10 hours. The cost of repair will be in excess of $600.00 for the customer. Honda refuses to extend warranty or do a recall. The problem with the recall is this, if they replace the VTC Actuator it will likely fail again. I will never buy another Honda product.
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Honda Reliability Has Degraded - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Jim - August 25 - 11:29 amHonda has long known there was design problem with the variable timing chain actuator (VTC Actuator) in a number of vehicles since at least 2008 model year. Honda issued TBA 09-010 in October 2012 about this problem. The problem could occur outside the normal warranty period. Symptoms include a grinding or rattling noise on a cold start after the car has been at rest for approximately 10 hours. The cost of repair will be in excess of $600.00 for the customer. Honda refuses to extend warranty or do a recall. The problem with the recall is this, if they replace the VTC Actuator it will likely fail again. I will never buy another Honda product.
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Great Redesigns - 2002 Honda CR-V
By wanderlust24 - August 24 - 10:00 amI would have never bought the old CRV. The NEW CRV, however, is competitive to anything out on the market---and Ive test drove the Forrester, Escape, Tribute, and RAV4. Its got pretty good zip, though youre not going to win any races. Interior has ample room---Im 6, and have plenty of leg and head room. I didnt like paying MSRP, but still I got the EX (top of the line) with trailer hitch and roof rack extras for less than what I would have paid for a car with like features from Ford, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota---plus I love that I have Honda quality. I plan to keep this one for a long time.
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Its Everything It Was Intended tTo Be - 2002 Honda CR-V
By John Stukey - August 21 - 11:50 amMy wife and I tested the 2001 Honda CR-V and we both agreed neither of us wanted it. When we took a ride in the 2002, it was like driving in another car. The ride, handling is superior has p. The ride and handling excells other SUVs we tested. Overall, the CR-V gives you what Honda intended, a fun, comfortable all-wheel SUV with great interior space. Both my wife and I love the car.
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1997 cr-v - 1999 Honda CR-V
By diego - August 21 - 2:00 amthis is my 3rd honda yet and satasfied with the purchase of my lx. critics arent to great on the reviews of the cr-v because of lack of power, but i would not trade for the world. i love my honda!
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CRV Touring - 2018 Honda CR-V
By Chad - August 20 - 8:19 pmDidnt plan on getting the Touring Model but my wife liked the black inserts on the wheels, rear exhaust tips, and headlights better. Coming from a V6 Accord to this was a bit of a let down on power but the addl MPG will be worth it. The safety features also take some getting used to. We were driving the other night and the high beams turned on by themselves, didnt know that would happen, but they turned off when an oncoming car appeared. The wife thinks the motor noise is a bit loud on acceleration. Dont buy from Norm Reeves West Covina Honda, they spin that they will match any price after 5 days of sale but will not honor that price unless you get a full contract from another dealer. They have no written policy stating you need a "contract". The only written policy they have is on their website where nothing is listed as "contract".
