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 3581 through 3590 of 4,333.00-
Buy One! - 1997 Honda CR-V
By Ruby - June 12 - 2:00 amLove it! Will buy another soon!
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Love love this cR - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Nancy Cole - June 9 - 8:20 amLove the new safety navigation extras.
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Great AWD multipurpose wagon - 2001 Honda CR-V
By grhoward - June 6 - 2:00 amGot a great deal on my 2001 Honda CRV- EX last summer (its still worth more than I paid). Almost had it a year and simply love this vehicle for trips around town or to my favorite outdoor get aways. Ive added several upgrades i.e. better stereo components, retractable cargo cover, cargo mat, bike racks, etc. Even looked into adding a supercharger or VTEC kit to add some extra horsepower but refrained because the CRV has enough horses to suit my purposes. Now that the 2002 CRV has been introduced, a 1998-2001 model makes for a great used car bargain.
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Fabulous - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Cheryl - June 5 - 12:40 pmThis is honestly the first automobile Ive owned that I can truly say "I Love." I highly recommend this vehicle for its comfort and how well it handles on the road. I new I wanted a small SUV and I did my homework for over a year. I studied all small SUVs and it was between this one and a RAV4. Boy am I glad I chose this one. Just the interior alone makes it worth my selection. Theres more room in every area. Also, gas mileage. I made my first trip from Las Vegas to Anaheim on one tank. All this and an excellent follow up from Honda. They follow through to make sure youre happy. Life is great!!
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Incredible Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By HappyHonda - June 5 - 10:00 amI test drove the RAV4, Escape, and Tribute and the CR-V was the best of the lot. Great mileage for an SUV, very reliable, looks good, smooth ride, and fun to drive. Go for the manual over the automatic if possible.
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My Honda CRV Experience - 1998 Honda CR-V
By Dawgfan1 - June 4 - 2:00 amThis has been a good car for camping and skiing trips. I have had no problems with it. The only draw back would be, as with all SUVs, the gas mileage which averages about 21mpg.
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ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY NEW CR-V EXL AWD - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Tim Eberly - June 3 - 12:32 amIve had my new 2017 CR-V EXL AWD for one month now. Absolutely love it. I love the new design of the CRV. Very sporty and edgy. Previously Ive owned two Honda Pilots since 04 and decided to down size and get better mpg. Recently got 33 mpg on a trip and averaging 25 mpg, with a lot of city driving. Really enjoy driving this vehicle, handles very well. Not going to win any drag races with this CRV, a little sluggish from the start but I knew this going in. Going from my Pilots V6 to this 1.5 four cylinder. Interior is very roomy and luxurious. Considered the RAV4 and Mazda CX5. After a lot of research and reading/video a lot of reviews I went with the CRV. I know I made the right choice. Im looking forward to owning this vehicle for many years. You cant go wrong with the CRV, it is definitely at the top of its class.
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i love my cr-v! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By melissad - May 31 - 10:00 ami love the way the cr-v feels almost as if i am driving a car, not an suv. the vehicle has a very roomy interior.
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Cannot be beat for the bucks - 2003 Honda CR-V
By tag24 - May 31 - 10:00 amI bought this for my son. I now feel like driving my 11-MPG, overpriced, and already highly depreciated Escalade into a lake and getting a V for myself. Actuallly, I wish I had just bought two CRVs in the first place. Pound for pound, its pretty tough to find a better value.
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Love it, Love it, Love it!! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Christina - May 30 - 10:03 amI love driving this car! It is very classy, yet practical. The exterior is very sleek and attractive. I have the royal blue pearl exterior with black leather interior. It has a lot of kick for a 4 cylinder. I have gotten a lot of compliments, especially from a current 2002 CR-V owner who now wants to upgrade. I was contemplating buying the RAV-4, but the features available on the CR-V, along with the appearance far outway any other SUV in its class. The safety features are amazing and got me a low insurance rate. I previously owned a Civic and I now only pay $60 more a year, which is quite reasonable. Overall, I highly recommend this car to anyone considering buying a mid-size SUV!
