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 3381 through 3390 of 4,333.00-
as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pmnice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!
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Nearly perfect - 2007 Honda CR-V
By SSHENHEIT - December 31 - 9:56 pmBest all around SUV made at any price. Makes so-called luxury SUVs from Europe look like fools gold!
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Happy with my Honda :) - 2005 Honda CR-V
By JMM - December 31 - 12:36 pmAfter driving a 98 Envoy that was getting 16mpg and getting fed up with paying for expensive repairs, I decided it was time to update our family vehicle. Researched for months, decided pretty much on the CR-V and after reading an aritcle in Consumer Reports and how they rated it, I was convinced. Have had it for 2 months I am still happy with my choice. I didnt sacrifice much room, our yellow Labrador still fits great in cargo area, and am getting much better gas mileage. Our 2 teenage sons love this SUV, our 16 year old enjoys driving it, our 13 year old loves the reclining back seats. I love the roominess in it and how it handles. A great SUV so far!
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BEST I EVER OWNED - 1999 Honda CR-V
By DBINGHAM - December 31 - 2:00 amCOMPLETE TROUBLE FREE DRIVING.
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Just Bought 03 CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By mitch60 - December 30 - 10:00 amI just purchased a new CRV - 2003 EX model. I love the acceleration, build quality, expected reliability from Honda, and the quality interior. It is a small vehicle (I also have a Pilot), but it has nice handling, great turning radius, and relatively smooth ride. First tank of gas (around town) delivered 23+ mpg. Dealer was excellent to deal with - very professional (my wife actually did the deal and they treated her as the smart person that she is).
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Buy it - 1998 Honda CR-V
By garyl - December 30 - 2:00 amThis is a perfect vechicle for small loads, lots of mileage, and dependibility. Rides like a car great around town and Ok on highway. Not an off road vehicle.
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Honda CRV first 6 months - 2005 Honda CR-V
By mrdad1 - December 26 - 3:06 amPurchase in March of 05 have 10089 miles break down 70% interstate 30% city. A few reviews have mentioned a pulling to the right I did take it back to dealer twice. There still seems to be a tendency to pull to the right but this is over a long strech of road. It offers comfortable ride minor road noise and excellent fit and finish. As to performance it is 160 HP with a five speed automatic fwd. When I need to get moving the design of vehicle drops you down from 5th to 3rd gear and you increase about 1200RPM if you are runnig the A/C that is design to go off for time your demanding the HP to accelerate. When done A/C comes back on go back to 5th gear. MPG high 27.24 low 20.41 average 23.38
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Cool Road Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Bunches - December 24 - 2:00 amCompact looking on the outside but considerable room on the inside. Rides well and is comfortable for short trips. The lumbar support can get a little hard after a couple of hours. Good sound system. Could have a quieter interior. Easy to get in and out. Easy to park.
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I love my new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Amanda - December 22 - 3:13 pmI recently purchased a 2007 black on black EX-L AWD model with navigation. I picked it up on the day of a recent snowstorm and driving home from work I knew I had made the right decision. I felt extremely safe. I owned a VW Golf previously and was worried Id miss driving a manual. Thats not the case as the CRV has great pick up for a 4cyl. The handling is great as well. A good guy friend drove it on the highway the other evening and was amazed at how it hugged the turns going at speeds of 75. The navigation system is user friendly and I like the voice recognition, though its been a little quirky so far. It can take two tries for it to hear your voice correctly.
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Street Wise Reviewer - 2017 Honda CR-V
By JUDITH SCHELL - December 21 - 8:53 pmThe interior trim is not wood as I was told on the brown paneled part of the trim. Make sure you get into a class for new buyers. I bought my CR-V in June and still trying to get in a class in now mid August. Not happy about this at all.
