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 3741 through 3750 of 4,333.00-
Medium/Low Mile Maintenance Nightmare - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Tucker W - January 25 - 9:47 amHeres the deal: Im a car guy and die hard Toyota guy, but I respect Hondas and I promise you I am taking all my bias out of this. My father bought this CRV for my mother with 80,000 on the odometer from a HONDA dealership who did a "pre-sale inspection" and said it passed with flying colors. The car currently has 87,000 and has been a maintenance nightmare. Brakes had to be replaced at 83,000, an easy job and only takes an afternoon in the garage, but it was frustrating that the dealership pre-sale inspection missed simple maintenance like that. Then, at 86,000 the alternator died and fried the battery as well. Ive done a lot of alternator jobs before, and this one is the most difficult to get to. I do not recommend doing this at home as you have to pull the power steering pump. An OEM honda alternator was also $425, and a $60 serpentine belt. Not 300 miles later, the clutch on the A/C compressor seized and broke the brand spanking new serpentine belt. I dont mess with A/C systems at all, so we took it to a mechanic friend. $1700 down the drain. At this point Im just expecting the next $3000 repair job. Its slow to accelerate, handles terribly, what more is there to say? So much for Honda Reliability...DO NOT BUY WITHOUT A WARRANTY.
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Outstanding vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
By JJT - January 24 - 10:00 amAfter weeks of shopping and test driving my wife and I decided to buy a Honda CRV. We test drove the Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Durango, Toyota Rav4, Subaru Forrester, Chevy Trailblazer and Chevy Tracker. Each vehicle had pluses and minuses. The Honda is in a class all by itself. It handles superbly, even with its 4 cylinder engine it easily out accelerates the other SUVs in its class. We continue to be impressed with the Honda. Granted we were looking for a daily driver that can handle an occasional off road trip.
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Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
By omarino - January 24 - 10:00 amThis vehicle (03 EX) is a replacement for our 98 model which was totaled by being broad-sided by a vehicle running a red light at 60 MPH. My wife was the driver and only occupant. She walked away from the accident with only minor bruises. Aside from the safety features, we are impressed with all of the improvements made to the 03 EX model. More horsepower (big improvement over the 98), sunroof, 6cd changer, better handling and slightly more room.
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02 crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Don x - January 24 - 10:00 amGreat car, offers awd and a nice little engine. One of the best deals on the market. People are paying for mercedes/bmw/lexus 50-60 thousand and this car is just as good. Agree with everything in the review. The review was positive until the offroad section, but think people, who off roads in a brand new car, no one wiht a brain atleast! Don
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Favorite Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Avsfan26 - January 24 - 10:00 amI love my CR-V and would recommend it to anyone interested in a small SUV!
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I Love My CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
By bettej - January 24 - 10:00 amDrives great; wonderful turning ratio; comfortable; good gas mileage; I feel safe
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Great worthy car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By sabett - January 24 - 10:00 amWe love this car. Its like a little truck. It handles like an accord, but has the space of a station wagon. It perfect for the family that is always on the go. Easy to keep clean, runs smooth, breaks great. Its a smooth transition from a smaller car to a lighter version of an SUV. Gas mileage is good - not as good as an accord, but 25 in the highway is good enough for me. Well worth the wait if you have to order one. A great small family vehicle.
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Love It - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Mark Long - January 24 - 10:00 amI cant believe I dont feel a lack of power from a large 4 cylinder, but I dont. Even pulling a small trailer, the CR-V performs beautifully, plenty of highway speed. It is a very well designed car and has incredible interior space. The back seats are very well designed and can accomodate large adults.
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Great car - 2003 Honda CR-V
By onlyraina - January 24 - 10:00 amI thought that I would be disappointed having to "downsize" from a Pathfinder to a CRV but I am pleasantly surprised at how much I like this car!
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best car i ever owned - 2003 Honda CR-V
By leen - January 24 - 10:00 amits really comfortable, sexy and clean inside and out