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 321 through 330 of 4,333.00-
Comfortable ride - 2004 Honda CR-V
By nurseellen - November 22 - 2:00 amGreat car. First non-American car I have owned. Using the shift takes some getting used to, I have turned on the windshield wipers often instead of putting it in reverse! Seats are comfortable, roomy interior, smooth ride.
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C R Very Cool - 2004 Honda CR-V
By PWR - November 22 - 2:00 amLove it! A small SUV that feels big with great gas milage.
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Quality, Fun, Reliability - 2009 Honda CR-V
By Frank Mars - November 21 - 2:12 pmMy second Honda car, 2009 CR-V oozes quality and good taste. I love it! The MPH is not great though for a 4 cyl, 2.4 L engine.
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Nice little SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
By steverk - November 9 - 8:20 pmWe purchased our new 2008 Honda SUV after the old Grand Marquis bit the dust. Its a great vehicle! Although rougher than a sedan, the ride is decent and the gas mileage has been good (23 mpg in town). The navigation leaves a lot to be desired. It comes up with the worst routings! The voice recognition is more pain than gain. However, the built in back up camera is helpful. Interior is comfortable a good quality. This is the fully loaded model, so I expected a few more bells and whistles (lighted vanity mirrors, automatic headlights, automatic day/night mirrors) but most of what is has works well and is well thought out.
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Now thats an SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
By markus81 - November 9 - 12:46 pmThis is our first SUV. My wife test drove the Acura RDX but could not justify the $37k price tag. Then went to Honda dealer and the gave us a great trade in for her 2007 Civic. The car was loaded for $30k. The LED lights on the CRV look awesome. The front end is restyled nicely and not as bland. The back is almost the same except the chrome bar across. It rides like a pillow and corners great too. Gas mileage is amazing with the new fuel injected engine. New multifunction touchscreen radio is great. Also the additional display on top makes the car look high class. Leather seats are perforated and look of high quality. This is a very solid car, and I have owned VWs.
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Second CR-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
By chdehb - November 4 - 1:41 pmThis is my second CR-V. I traded my 2008 in for a 2016 CR-V Touring. I love the upgrade. This model is must quieter than my previous CR-V. The cargo area is larger and there is more leg room in the backseat. I love this car and am very pleased with my purchase. Honda is a quality, dependable vehicle.
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Great Reliability and Safe Too - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Chad - November 3 - 9:14 pmThis car was a fantastic buy for my family. After 140,000 miles and nothing more than oil changes, brakes and tires it was tragically destroyed in a pretty serious car accident. $15k in damage later and on one was seriously injured. Never had any issues with A/C... We liked this car so much, we found the exact same car and bought it with the insurance money.
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100k and No problems! - 2005 Honda CR-V
By crazyhazydazy - November 1 - 6:58 amIve had my CRV for over 4 years now, over 100k miles, no problems except for changing the oil, the tires, the brakes and the rear differential fluid, and I drive aggressively. The CRV is fun to drive, looks attractive even though not new, and I dont feel as if Im being "overconsumptive" even though Im driving a SUV.
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I am Loving It - 2009 Honda CR-V
By Missy - October 27 - 1:03 pmGreat purchase decision. Love the car in totality. Lovely exterior and luxurious interiors makes Honda CRV the best buy of 2009 making it a value for money car. No complaints and fun to drive.
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Happy Honda Owner - 2009 Honda CR-V
By klaut - October 26 - 6:52 pmJust bought my CRV last week and so far so good, I am thrilled with it! Downsized from a Dodge Caravan and not missing the extra room at all. Drives great, looks great (Tango Red) and best of all Im loving the better gas mileage. Handles so well and the moon roof and GPS are added bonuses!
