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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Dont buy this bucket of bolts - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Karen - June 19 - 8:57 pmOmg, I thought I was going crazy until I read the reviews. My car and passenger seat vibrate, I was told this was normal. Drive the car and it feels like I am stuck in cruise control. Car engine vibrates violently on first start up, brought back to deal and they told me and I quote"operating as designed". I thought bc I was a female they were giving me this crap, they are but reading these reviews the guys got the same story. Dont waste your money. Car is 9 months old and Ill be trading it in for a Guinean or Toyota. My Santa re was 8 yrs old and had182,000 Plus miles,no one issue.
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Loves it, Loves it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Chantel - June 19 - 12:43 pmI traded in my 1997 Honda Civic for a bigger car. I decided to get the CRV due to my love for Hondas. They run FOREVER! Also I love the low maintenance. My CRV feels like Im driving my civic, the only difference is that I can see so much more due to being up higher. This car gets good Gas mileage, handles like a dream, and just fun to drive in general. The airbags all over the car make you feel extremely safe. Very, very roomy interior, I can drive around my siblings, my friends and my dog all at the same time!
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I love my car!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By donjude - June 19 - 2:00 amWeve had our CR-V since July and thouroughly enjoy it! The pep it has does not feel like a 4 cylinder. No difference in performance with air conditioner/heater running. Much easier to get around town with than the 93 Taurus we had. We are sure it will handle much better than our Suburban when the snow flies. Fun to drive, great gas milage.....smooth and comfortable all the way!
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Good Car a Work Horse - 2013 Honda CR-V
By David Benjamin - June 18 - 2:28 pmIf youre looking for a sporty car look somewhere else. If youre looking for a great all around this is the car.
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CRV Delighted - 2002 Honda CR-V
By boops - June 16 - 4:26 pmExtremely happy with the CRV EX with manual. The ride is comfortable without being Detroit bouncy. Steering feedback is pretty good and it is very quiet. The EX comes with just about every option most people would want, but the remaining options are pricey. Performance is excellent considering it is a 4 banger - the equal of the Escape unless you have to tow 5,000 pounds. You cannot get a stick with the Escape unless you accept Fords lawn mower engine. After 3 months, still zero defects!
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No Vibrations! - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Wendy T - June 12 - 5:15 amI was wary of purchasing the CRV due to the vibration issues noted in the 2015 model and was on the verge of purchasing a Toyota. Im glad I stuck with my initial choice because after more than 1,600miles in my 2016 CRV EX FWD, there are no vibrations at idle or driving. There are some vibration as with any car but nothing like those mentioned in the 2015 models. The ride is excellent with good sound proofing in city driving. Parking is super easy with the rear view camera and the big side mirrors. Sufficient storage areas. I can get the MPG as claimed by Honday, which is excellent. Its very comfortable to get in and out of the vehicle and the features are much greater than other SUVs I have compared, for the price (Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forrester, Ford Escape).
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CRV-Complete Recreational Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
By CeeLee - June 11 - 10:00 amLove my CRV. I waited 5 months before I bought mine. I also looked at the Pilot (too big and expensive).I put 200 miles on it the first day I had it! This is my 3rd Honda. Everyone has a Honda in my family except for my husband who has a Toyota Highlander. The dealership was great! I paid $800 under MSRP.
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My 3rd CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Paul Stockhauser - June 11 - 6:38 amUser friendly controls. Nice transmission CVT
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LX is a great buy!!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Emma1420 - June 7 - 9:36 amI recently bought an LX 2wd, and its a feature packed little SUV for a great price. I looked at several compact SUVs and while I like many of them, I discovered that many of them just didnt feel very solid. The CRV may not be the cheapest, but at this point I think its probably a best buy over the long-haul.
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Great runabout car - 2008 Honda CR-V
By CR-V Owner - June 6 - 11:56 pm2008 Cr-v is a great car. For the money I paid for it, I got much more than I have expected. People say the engine in the Cr-v is not powerful enough - thats simply not true. I find this car to have more than enough power for whatever my needs might be. Besides, it is fast, quiet, has virtually no blind spots, and handles really nice. Plus, it is hard to find an SUV in this price range that looks so good both inside and outside.
