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 3001 through 3010 of 4,333.00-
2003-EX CRV-Almost There! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Coudie - March 19 - 2:00 amI too looked around and narrowed it down to the Tribute and the CR-V. Since I had owned previous Hondas, I went with the known entity. The 4 cylinder is very peppy, more so than most V-6s I have driven. Its pretty economical, though I felt gas mileage would be better, averaging about 21-22 mpg local. Interior design needs work, the gear shift needs to be on the floor as one can knockout of gear by trying to change radio stations! Heated exterior mirrors would also be beneficial as well as intermittent wipers. All in all, for the price, its a very tidy package. Service needs to be more responsive...
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Toms New 2007 CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Tommy boy - March 17 - 5:06 amIt looks great; inside & out and is very comfortable. Its a great car for those of us who have saftey in mind. In the city the MPG has been 18-19, lower then expected. On the Hwy its better at 28-30 mpg. The pick up leaves room to be desired. It would of been nice if they had the 6 cylinder option. Overall its style, comfort and fuel ecomomy makes it. Although a little better pick up would of given it higher praises...
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Almost perfect. - 2003 Honda CR-V
By jrt - March 14 - 10:00 amResearched many small SUVs and chose the EX above all others. Outstanding performance, fit & finish and well thought out interior...with two small exceptions. The drivers arm rest needs to be larger to make it useful and Id like to see automatic headlight shutoff and daytime running lights made standard on the EX (and would gladly pay extra for the option). Even if the dealer has a CRV on the floor that sports 17" rims (an option) do not buy them. The only tires you can get are low riders...which limit your winter driving options.
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a great little SUV - 1998 Honda CR-V
By MAW - March 14 - 2:00 amNot a luxury car, of course, but nice if youre looking for great reliability and some additional cargo room... without guzzling tons of gas.
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Joels 2016 CRV EXL - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Joel Sellers - March 13 - 7:59 amThis is my second CR-V with the previous being a 2009 EX-L. This is my fifth Honda. The 2016 rides and performs significantly smoother, more quiet and is more economical on fuel than the 2009. I am very pleased with the comfort, ride/handling and how much more quiet the cabin is than the 2009. I am very pleased with the CR-V thus far. The dealer that I purchased the vehicle from is top notch and made the buying process very easy.
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god - 2016 Honda CR-V
By mi to - March 11 - 2:43 am -
Great purchase! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Edugatorlk - March 8 - 2:00 amI bought my CR-V in July after having a Saturn for 6 years. The CR-V kicks the Saturn out of this world ... I love it! Its sporty and lots of fun to drive. I recommend the EX, though, because I test drove the LX and found a big different in the two. I LOVE my CR- V!!
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2008 CR-V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
By jeb - March 7 - 5:06 pmWe average 30 mpg on the highway at 60 mph around town 23 mpg. Great Ride and handling. The vehicle is well built inside and out.
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From RX-7 to CR-V and not disappointed - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Rober - March 4 - 6:50 pmI replaced my 94 RX-7 sports car with a CR-V SE because I was having trouble with my knee and getting in and out of it every day was not fun at all, even though driving the RX-7 was. So I went looking at all the different small SUVs (Escape, RAV4, Subie, Equinox...)I had test-driven other SUVs in the past and they all felt too boaty. When I found the CR-V and drove the SE model, I thought "This could be it .. I could tolerate it". Well, I not only tolerating it, but actually enjoying it. It is quick, nimble and uses much less gas than the RX-7. The other day on the freeway at about 80mph, a delivery truck decided it wanted the same lane I was changing to. The evasive manouver was no sweat.
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Great Little SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
By Kell - March 3 - 2:00 amI purchased my CRV used and with an extended warranty. Last week was the first time I have used the warranty. Its really a great car for my use. Its more comfortable now that I had a passenger arm rest installed. Older passengers always complain that the rear seat is not comfortable.