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:
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Amazing! - 2008 Honda CR-V
By LMF716 - January 3 - 10:13 pmI traded my 01 Nissan Altima in for an 08 Honda cr-v. I started my car search at Honda, and five months later, finished it at Honda. This car is excellent to drive. It is my first new car (Ive had 3 used ones in the past), and am completely sure I made the right decision.
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Needs POWER - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Bob Venner - January 3 - 10:00 amMy CRV has performed well in city driving and on the super highways. I like the storage room in it and it is a good size for my needs. The AC works well and it gets good mileage when travelling on the interstates. There is however a loud humm that comes at about 37 MPH-40 MPH. The dealer does not seem to be able to figure out the problem. I also would like more leg room for the driver. My major concern is merging into traffic on the interstate. The car does not have enough power so that I feel like I am going to create an accident or be in one myself.
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Lack of Hole in Steering Wheel equals comfort issu - 2016 Honda CR-V
By HondaLove - January 3 - 2:21 amI did not notice when test driving, and I drive the SE CRV over 100 a miles a day. I do not like that the CRV does not have a hole in the bottom of the steering wheel, it creates a very uncomfortable ride for me because that is where I am use to grabbing the wheel. The CRV drives nice, and really offers alot for the price. I just the believe the hole would add so much to the comfort of the drive and handling. The steering wheel is really hard too. So far I am averaging around 25 MPG mostly country side driving/ HWY. Great Visibility too
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Great crossover suv - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Dana Edwards - January 1 - 9:59 pmI love my cr-v!! Has great gas mileage, runs safely and smoothly, nice interior, great storage space (love the double access of automatic fold down of the back row of seats), awesome three-view backup camer and side mirror camera, and overall great quality for the price.
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Love my CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Michael Rodriguez - December 29 - 1:40 amIve had the crv for 13 months now its great. Incredible power out of a 4 cylinder very impressed.Wife says it rides like a car unlike minivan she drove before. would recomend to others.
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10k miles and still great - 2015 Honda CR-V
By antony66 - December 27 - 1:05 pm2015 CRV EX-L 4WD. No problem so far. Gas mileage depends on who is driving it. Wife: 21 mpg, When I drive it: 28 mpg. Air conditioning not so great, my 2001 Honda Accord is much more efficient. I dont feel the vibration too much or we probably got used to it, it jitters when going from 0 to 40 m/h. I called Honda company and complained, and they suggested to take it to dealer to apply some software patch, and then they asked me "when are you planning to go to the dealer ?". I said "Never", they asked "why", I said if I dont trust Honda itself (who knew about the vibration problem for 2 years now and they did not act), then how can I trust a dealer. I still love the car
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Fun to Drive 2016 CR-V AWD - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Minouchie - December 26 - 10:38 pmFun to drive, and a cinch to park. Cargo area is well-thought out. Exterior is beautiful. Interior is not as luxurious and well-appointed as the Accord. Although this is a SUV, for the price points I think more could be done with the interior design. Having to manually open the hatch is annoying, but I think they took care of that with the 2017 models.
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Great for Kids - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Leah - December 25 - 10:20 amThis is a great car for a young person we got our daughter one and she loves it and we do too alot of room for her she is in college and she loves the car great on the road and very very safe care
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A Fun Car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Bill Holly - December 23 - 9:40 amI have only had this car for a week, but I truly do enjoy driving it. The interior is beautiful and comfortable, and the exterior is sharp Im getting a lot of great comments on it! The display is easy to read and appealing to the eye. I find myself volunteering to go to the store, pick up the dry cleaning, etc. ... any excuse to get in my CRV and drive.
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CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Pierre Plourde - December 23 - 2:00 amI really enjoy owning and driving my fully loaded CRV 2002.
