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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  Whats not to like - a whole new car.... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By cvs18 - July 12 - 1:19 pm

  I was researching the new 2015 CVR and found an interest to examine the car , only examine......I owned a 2010 CRV and was not ever going to depart with it.....After examining the 2015 EX it was a new ballgame.....To me it is a whole new car......Great looking , inside and out , great safety features .. Rear camera , passenger side view camera ... Pick up much better 181 ft lbs of torque vs 163 ..... Quiet smooth new CVT tranny , ALL wheel drive , Electric steering , power driver seat , heated front seats , rear seat a/c - heater vent , fog lights .....Accessories for HDMI input , 2 usb inputs , 2 power outlets..... As for noise tolerable..Great New Car , Great riding , great feel , for me .

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  Another great Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bobs - July 11 - 7:20 am

  We havent had a Honda for a while - last one was a Civic in the 90s. I loved it then and I think the CRV will be even better. We bought the car as a dinghy for our motorhome as it is one of only a few cars that can be towed 4 down without mods. It was recommended by my motorhome friends. I am surprised at how nice and fun it is to drive around the city. I am averaging 27-28 MPG with careful driving - mostly highway on my SoCal commute. Its too new to comment on the AWD but next year we retire back to the land of ice and snow in Canada.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  2015 Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondacrv2015 - July 9 - 1:38 am

  In October 2014, we traded our 2013 CRV EX-L AWD for a 2015 (same model). What a mistake. The CVT is awful. It shifts constantly (up hill, down hill, flat terrain), its loud (can hear it when the radio is on), and it doesnt have any get up and go unless you put the pedal to the metal. The gas pedal is also difficult to regulate due to the constant shifting of the transmission. Before buying a 2015, PLEASE test drive for several miles and take it up some hills. Ask the sales person to remain quiet. Listen to and feel the engine. Id only recommend this car for long commutes/thruway/freeway driving, not for shorter commutes.

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  Dees CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Denise - July 8 - 3:56 am

  This vehicle is eye catching and has outstanding performance. Im proud to drive this car and see the envious glances I get from my neighbors!

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  2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JLHDU - July 4 - 11:06 pm

  This is my third Honda and first CR- V. I am very happy with my V. It has plenty of interior room, except when my 5 y/o son attempts to sit behind me while I am driving. His legs are too short and end up against the back of my seat. Otherwise, I know what to expect with a Honda...excellence! Granted it doesnt ride like my BMW 740i but it is bound to be reliable. The only ride issue Ive noticed is that you definitely feel nearly every bump you drive over. If Honda could just soften the ride, they would have an even better vehicle. Ergonomically, the interior design is very good. Of the vehicles in the Vs class and at the 25k price range, the V is the best buy on the market!

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  An extremly practical little sport UTE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Doug Howse - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at getting a Ford Escape until I test drove the CR-V. Build quality, wind noise, fuel economy, interior layout and price all favored the CR-V. Decent power and better gas mileage than the 3.0L V6 in the Escape. After 3200 miles my mileage in mixed driving is up to 25 MPG. Sound system: The speakers look like paper plates with refrigerator magnets stuck to them. Putting in decent speakers involves fabricating new brakets from scratch. Reccomend hondasuv.com and hondacr-v.org for instructions and hints/tips on adding accessories. This is my first Honda and, based on my impressions so far, it wont be my last.

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  A great choice - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MissPiggy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the Honda CR-V is a great little SUV, it drives comfortable, with a hip sporty look, not to mention plenty of room for family and cargo. I am enjoying it tremendously.