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 2941 through 2950 of 4,333.00-
HONDA CR-V FEEDBACK - 2002 Honda CR-V
By littlering2223 - May 30 - 2:00 amI compared the CR-V to everything in its class and couldnt find anything worth a look. The 160 hp 4 cyl. motor has plenty of power and feels more like a V6 than a 4. Most of the major reviews on the CR-V listed "No available V6" under "CONS." Yes they are correct but I dont see need for a V6. Lets face it, your not intending to do a lot of hauling or pulling if your in the market for a MINI SUV? The All Wheel Drive is also a perfect fit for a vehicle of this type since regular 4 wheel drive is only used a small percentage of the time unless you live in a pretty nasty part of the country. So why pay all that $$$$$$ and not be able to use it?
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Great SUV for the price - 2009 Honda CR-V
By Scotty Kross - May 26 - 4:23 amMy Wife and I finally sold our 1993 Honda Civic. My wife and I both have had spine surgery, The seats are very comfortable, the shift is placed towards the top, you dont have to lean over to shift gears. Car has a very smooth ride even over the pothole streets of Brooklyn. Good acceleration for a 4 cylinder. We paid cash for the car, we got a great deal.
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Best Car Ive had - 2000 Honda CR-V
By bvc - May 25 - 2:00 amYes. Its my Honda CRV.
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I love my CR-V - 2000 Honda CR-V
By Joyce Kleinholz - May 25 - 2:00 amIt has been many years since I had a car that has been this much fun to drive. The manual transmission gives me control, it is responsive, easy to park, fits in the garage just fine and is comfortable and useful.
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Not Honda Quailty! - 2002 Honda CR-V
By haasymon - May 25 - 2:00 amI owned one of these beasts of burdens,it was a horrible vechicle.First of all first day i had it pulled to the right,never could get it corrected.Pig on gas.Stalled on me while driving it on busy city street with my newborn baby son with me,the main computer had to be reprogrammed.Hard to handle in windy conditions,ever have a caes of white knucles.Aswell as 2 other recalls ,all this in less than one year.I owned a 93 Civic Si which went 300000 miles problem free other than regular maitence,Hondas quailty has slipped .Abs brakes aswell were terrible,its like they chattered and jumpy in wet or snowy weather!
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CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
By jle - May 24 - 10:00 amGreat small versatile SUV. Seconds generation is much better then first.
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Unbelievable - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Joe F - May 20 - 3:09 pmI was shopping around for the best mid size SUV for months but when I sat inane test drive the all new 2017 CRV I fell in love. It truly can be summed up in a single word ... Perfection! If your in the market for a family SUV dont hesitate or take my word or anyone elses word for it, just go drive one at your local Honda dealership and the SUV will sell itself. I have had mine for 2 weeks now and I am loving it more then any other car I have ever owned.
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Honda 2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Jane W. Evans - May 19 - 10:00 amI have owned the 97 CRV the 98 CRV a 2001 CRV and now the 2002 CRV. This new model is a pleasure to drive and handles beautifully but to be honest I miss my old design. I would be interested to know if others feel the same. I do not seem to be able to haul as much in the luggage area since the back seats fold upright and cannot be adjusted forward.
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The Honda CRV AWD 2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Omar G. - May 18 - 2:29 pmGas mileage is not what expected. Mostly hwy and 29 average not 31. Had higher expectations for mpg especially with the eco button. Other than that car drives great, handles good, and very responsive. Wish they had a 2.0 Turbo version.
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My 2002 Honda Crv Ex - 2002 Honda CR-V
By sherlee - May 16 - 2:00 amMy experiences have all been satisfactory. This is a well made car.
