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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  Stop and Shake - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Julia - November 27 - 7:54 pm

  Stop and feel the shakes before you buy this crossover. I did not notice the shakes of the crossover I test drove. I was heart broken and called the dealer right away after my new ride arrived. The Honda dealer is going to fix my car next week.

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  Great Car After Vibration Fix was Made - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bob c - November 27 - 5:15 pm

  I was very happy with the 2015 CRV until I noticed the car had vibration problems at idle, between 20-30mph and when accelerating. The more I drove it, the more I hated it because I was very annoyed that I just spent over $23K for a car I did not like driving. Honda did come up with a software fix that was applied to my car, and Honda nailed it!! All the issues went away and I now enjoy driving the car. Now that I also understand how the CVT transmission works, I realize that the lack of gears shifting makes the drive perfectly smooth. The car has a lot to offer for the money, and I would recommend it as long as you make sure the vibration problems get corrected.

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  10K and holding! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Stowe - November 26 - 9:10 pm

  I never planned to own an suv but after my new Accord Hybrid rode like a tank and had no room for my property management needs I traded for this CRV. For 10K miles I couldnt be happier. It does everything well and without complaint. I am aware of the dreaded vibration everyone talks about but it is generally innocuous. It appears to be that the CV tranny is set to almost lug the engine at lower speeds. I experience some vibration at moderate acceleration but rarely is there any vibration at idle. All of this is overshadowed by otherwise excellent attention to detail and flawless execution. The adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping feature are great. Sometimes the electronics for the nav and the phone are a bit difficult to use but it is primarily a learning curve. I have hauled four guys in the vehicle and had positive responses about rear and front seat comfort. After driving a Prius for 7 years, I was surprised at the fuel economy. My overall mpg has been consistently over 30 mpg and I get up to 34 mpg with the ac on at 70 mph. This suv feels like a keeper so far.

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  Older but practically new - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Robert Hunter - November 25 - 7:43 pm

  This has been a great family car with impressive performance and versatility. I would keep this car if it had some of the latest technology advances that now grace the new cars. I will weep a few tears when she goes.

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  NOT good, good, good.... good vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Sullivan - November 24 - 8:07 pm

  Check for vibration at idle and at 1100-1300 RPM and with light acceleration. My EX AWD started a vibration at about 500 miles and is getting worse. The vibration now has an accompanying rumble up to 1800 RPM. I had taken it back but the FIX did not work. Service dept is aware of this and claims that Honda is working on a fix. Meantime I am getting more irritated with the car. I also have a 2013 Accord with the same engine and CVT with no vibrations. If it is simple harmonic motion then I suspect that engine and CVT mounts might be the culprit. Strangely if you turn on the a/c at idle the vibration stops but not at the higher RPMs. Vibration and sound reminds of how a standard transmission behaves when you are in too high a gear for the speed you are traveling. If Honda can find the FIX I will be very happy with car sans the infotainment system.

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  2015 crv touring - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - November 23 - 1:00 pm

  you always have some things that could be better but Honda puts together a nice package and you get what you pay for in all models. sure their is some shuddering at low rpm usually around 700-1000 rpm but Im sure Honda will come up with a fix. The ride is great and the comfort is nice. The engine is good but a few more horses would be nice. The CVT transmission performs well and the way it is set up you would never know it was CVT. Gas mileage is all it says its and the adaptive cruise control makes my wife more at ease when cruising down the highway. One thing you need to be aware of in a winter climate keep the windshield as clear as you can of snow and ice or you could confuse the radar and end up with a lot of unwanted lights on the dash and some safety features not working as they should. Overall my wife and I have owned Hondas for over 25 years and we both drive the CRV hers is 2012 Ex-L with nav. It is good to drive a reliable and comfortable vehicle and our dealer has been great for the past 15 years. You just cant go wrong with a Honda.

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  Vibration nightmare - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By dan - November 20 - 6:05 am

  This car has a serious vibration problem when at idle when in gear at stop lights which Honda has admitted to but has not been able to fix!!

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  Headrest issue - solved - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By firew0rks - November 16 - 8:43 pm

  I also had issues with the head rest forcing my head awkwardly forward, I am 54. My husband simply turned it around. Problem solved.

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  My CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Customer - November 16 - 4:47 pm

  I was worried buying this car because it had some not great reviews. Most of the other SUVs had the same not great reviews so I took a chance. We have owned other Hondas and have been happy with them so thought this would be a good vehicle for us. I love this car. We have no vibration that is written about, although we only have just over 500 miles on the car now. My only complaints are the electronics on the vehicle are a little confusing and I am usually really good with electronics. Also, the car isnt as quiet as I would like but its ok. Love the car though and am glad we purchased it.

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  No vibration here - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Natalie - November 15 - 7:51 pm

  Man, after reading all these reviews you would think that every single 2015 CRV has this vibration issue. I will say that my brand new Touring has a SLIGHT vibration at idle (usually around 700rpm), almost like a purring cat, but it doesnt bother me at all. Ive got about 1200 miles so far and it is unchanged since I bought it new at the dealer. There is zero vibration during driving even at highway speeds of 70-85mph. This is my 5th Honda and I am still incredibly pleased about my purchase. Between safety features, aesthetics, quality of the interior, and especially the fuel efficiency I see myself keeping this car for a very long time. Compared to my other Hondas this car does idle more roughly, and louder than my other vehicles, but I understand that is a result of the CVT and again, it doesnt bother me. Perhaps I just got lucky, or perhaps those with bad vehicles are a very vocal minority. I have no idea as I bought one of the last available 2015 models at the dealership before the 2016s started rolling in. My only complaint is that the US version of this car does not offer a rain-sensing windshield wiper. Its available in Canada, and when I purchased the Touring I assumed it was an included feature, but it is not. How is it that a top of the line car with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and a blind spot camera doesnt have rain-sensing wipers as an option? Honda dropped the ball on that one.