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 3101 through 3110 of 4,333.00-
CRV Performance - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Hondadriver - December 2 - 10:00 amHonda packs a lot in this package at a nice price. Good handling, nice pick up and size. Perhaps my one complaint is that the ride could be slightly quieter and less stiff.
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My seventh and final Honda. - 2015 Honda CR-V
By David. - December 2 - 4:07 am1. Navigation. Resets at toll booths. Continually recalculates. Requires three different shots on two screens to show a turn. Cannot adjust frequency, so you will be told 4 times in the last mile before approaching a toll booth. 2. Vibration. I have now had the car in 5 times. I have had all of the parts replaced, the software fixes. It still vibrates. It gives me a headache. I have driven seven Hondas. I will never drive another. It is, to be perfectly honest, an awful car.
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A Great Mini SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By SGP - December 1 - 2:00 amLove it! First SUV. Also looked at Forester and Rav. Has more space than either. Took one-day road trip of 170 miles in hard rain and driving wind (from the side)on interstate (speeds 65- 70mph). Tracked extremely well and much less wind buffeting than our sedan. Not as quiet as a sedan - wind and tire noise is noticable, but probably not as loud as a mid- or full-size SUV. Seats are firm (a bit on the hard side, even), but during our 170 mile trip we were not uncomfortable. Impressed with the rear seats - lots of rear seat legroom, rear seats slide forward and back, seat backs can be adjusted, rear seats fold up and forward to add more cargo space.
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Great, Cheap, Safe Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Jedrankin - December 1 - 2:00 amThis is an all around great car. My wife crashed hers last week, and we loved the vehicle so much, we bought another one identical. My only complaint is that in a 5-speed, there is no armrests.... other than that, I wouldnt change a thing!
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good car - 2004 Honda CR-V
By grace - December 1 - 2:00 ami was always stuck with compact cars...wanted a change...it was either the used s2000 or this brand new 2004 cr-v.....I like it so far...had for alittle over a week....good change...I like it...seems pretty smooth...compared to my friends rx330...hahahaha
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crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
By jul26 - November 30 - 10:00 amthe crv is fun to drive . I love it . My husband is 6" 2 so it is a little tight for him. For me it is perfect. I m 5" 2
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not what I expected form Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
By alfaron - November 30 - 10:00 amI just bought the crv for 2 days. Already therere defective noises in the rear (right) whenever I press the brakes. Moreover, I have found out that the front passengers door handle is missing an internal plastic part. Does Honda really build cars so good that they command higher prices when compared to their peers? I dont think so.
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Great new car - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Don - November 30 - 7:04 amGot a good deal on a great new car
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Great CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Zippy21 - November 23 - 2:00 amI love this car. The 4 cylinder has great power up the hills in Colorado. Plenty of room for the family and cargo. Many nice features like cup holders, reclining back seats and a picnic table built into the back cargo area. What else will they think of ?
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Excellent Vehicle for the price - 2004 Honda CR-V
By I love the Hondas - November 21 - 10:00 amThis is my third honda purchase. I first bought a honda civic, then a honda accord, and now a honda cr-v. I wanted a suv without the extreme price and that is what I have with the CRV. The only suggestion I have is the center head rest needs to be removed because it blocks the rear view. However, the gas mileage is good, the vehicle is very comfortable and fun to drive, and overall I feel it is a good vehicle.
