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 3601 through 3610 of 4,333.00-
Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pmJust got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!
-
Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pmJust got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!
-
Great buy! - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Angela Jouppi - May 21 - 7:53 pmJust got this car a month ago. I used to own a Subaru Outback, and wanted something that had a similar cargo capacity, but affordable.. this was it!
-
we love it - 2006 Honda CR-V
By allysmom - May 19 - 10:33 amI should have purchased my crv years ago, its the best vehicle Ive owned yet. I have a 20 month old and she loves it because she can see out the windows easily from her car seat. We took it on a road trip and it held as much luggage and etc. as our mountaineer did with A LOT better gas mileage. If I could afford to buy another one, me and my husband would both have one. He has plenty of leg room and he is 6 foot 4 inches. We think its a great investment for the price.
-
I still like it a lot. - 2006 Honda CR-V
By tom - May 18 - 9:00 amThe CRV is fun to drive and has more than enough get up and go with its four cylinder engine. What was important to me was the ability to enter the vehicle without bending like a pretzel.
-
Best Car Ive Owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
By LFPV - May 18 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehicle - reliable, built well, great mileage, no maintenance problems throughout the almost 3 years Ive had it. Not too big, not too small - Just Right!!! Granted it may not be the most powerful, and its not a serious off- road contender, but I must admit these were not important issues for me personally. If you want a little more than a car to drive around in, the CR-V does the job well.
-
1999 Honda CRV - 1999 Honda CR-V
By Steph - May 18 - 2:00 amIve driven this car for 3 years with no maintenance other than oil changes and it has been extremely reliable. I would buy another one.
-
2004 CR-V EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
By James Dart - May 18 - 2:00 amThe CR-V has the same engine as the Accord. It is an I-4, but it is tuned to provide max performance while still getting very good gas mileage. The interior ergonomics are superb. There are multiple storage bins and compartments. Honda got rid of the center console and shifter and opened up the space between the two front seats. Although I have only had the car for a short time, I am confident that the reliability will be above average. The construction of the car is high quality for its price range.
-
Disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Sue - May 13 - 10:36 amI purchased the CR-V EX because of gas prices going up. However, the seats are very uncomfortable. I had a wreck several years ago, so the seat comfort is a big issue with me. After 4 days of owning this suv I traded it in for a Highlander (better seats). Will not buy another Honda.
-
Great little SUV - 2010 Honda CR-V
By Hondaboy - May 13 - 4:46 amLooked at Rogue, Forester, Rav 4 etc. Theyre all very similar. CRV seemed like best choice. Classic Honda, simple, fun to drive. One minor gripe, I wish the steering wheel would tilt down one more click. AWD was excellent in snow. Overall pleased with purchase.