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 4031 through 4040 of 4,333.00-
2007 CR-V -Im Liken it. - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Tabitha - February 27 - 2:16 amMy first crossover/SUV, and Im lovin the view! Gas mileage is good, average 22/26-28 city/hwy - of course depends on how you drive. Freeway pickup is noticably lacking (it is a 4 cyl!), but once you get past initial on-ramp speed, CR-V drives awesome even going 70-80+ mph. Smooth, feels sturdy, and the handling is excellent. Stiffer handling of Hondas is great, gives more control of auto. Surprised at the power going uphill. Rear hatch is so easy to open/close. Road/wind noise w/closed windows is becoming apparent. Not sure about the automatic maintenance reminders yet. Overall, fun to drive and love the features.
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What Vibration Issue? - 2015 Honda CR-V
By justsomeguy6 - February 26 - 9:07 amI have read the complainants about vibration at idle with the eco on and off. There is a slight vibration but that is with all cars, even the 2013 Nissan Altima, I bought brand new. If setting the RPMs higher fix the issue has no one asked a Honda Tech to reprogram for a higher idle. Think of a washer, the slower it spins the more vibrations it is going to have. Not nearly enough to give this car less than 4 stars. Some have even admitted that there was an issue during the test drive. Why buy then?. Honda is notorious for being a little more sporty than Nissan or Toyota, hence the road feel. Drive a BMW 5 series supped up, that is some serious vibration at idle.
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I love my car - 2007 Honda CR-V
By ellen downing - February 24 - 11:43 amHad the 2006 crv traded it in for the 2007 i love my car it handles awesomely and it looks great dont want to stop driving it
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2008 Honda CR-V LX 2WD - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Cinglemom - February 22 - 2:20 pmIve had this CR-V for 3 months now. I have not had one disappointing moment. It drive just like a car. I dont have problems passing other cars or trucks. Ive been to NY and it gave me 28 miles to the gallon. Around the city I get 23 miles but the combo is 21/22. I totally love this car. This should have been the first car I purchase instead I went in the opposite direction and purchased a 2007 Dodge Caliber (one of the worst cars on the road).
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Safe and Maintenance free - 2005 Honda CR-V
By raghu - February 18 - 7:46 pmI did an exhaustive research for almost 2 months for a mini-SUV and finally decided on CR-V. Its really sturdy and safe in the snow. The 6-CD changes with stereo/FM, height adjustible drivers seat, ABS, stability and traction control among other features make it really worth for the price. Since, its a honda, i am not really going to talk much about reliability (i guess thats a given).
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We Still Love Our CR-V even after 75,000 miles - 2012 Honda CR-V
By jeff gray - February 18 - 5:14 amMy wife and I still love our Honda CR-V even after 79,490 miles. Safety, reliability, comfort, and style are all features we enjoy with this car not to mention the great visibility this car has. We leased this car new in 2012 and then purchased the car in 2015 which helped avoid $4000 in over mileage fees. Considering we are also a Subaru family (both of our children drive Subarus) , we recently looked into trading in our CR-V for a 2016 Outback. After test driving the Outback, we decided to keep our 2012 CR-V and plan on keeping it well beyond the 100,000 mile mark. Surprisingly......we are still on our original brakes with nearly 40% left on the brake pads which is a good indicator of how many highway miles this car has been driven". Our car has all suggested maintenance as indicated on the Maintenance Minder done at our local Honda garage. WE ARE VERY HAPPY to have the current CONVENTIONAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION rather than the newer CVT transmission on some of the newer Honda CR-V models. Both the Subaru Outback and the Honda CR-V has had issues with CVT transmissions..... with the Outback having a delay of the transmission when placed in reverse. While I believe CVT is or will be great technology in both the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Outback.....I prefer to wait until all the bugs" are worked out before I invest in a new car. For now, my wife and I will be enjoying our comfortable, reliable, safe 2012 Honda CR-V as many others have experienced. High mileage does not concern me on this Honda as it would on many other vehicles....
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Nice Ride - 2002 Honda CR-V
By tee - February 15 - 3:30 amReally enjoy my CRV 2002, the rides pretty good. I like the looks of this years model and felt like I brought a good quality vehicle. Nice Ride.
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Nice so far - 2007 Honda CR-V
By RavenG4 - February 14 - 9:30 pmI bought my CR-V 4 days after its release. So far I love it. Its a good drive, gets good gas mileage And is a HUGE improvement over the older models. I think if they had the older style I wouldnt have bought this.
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I love my second Honda - 2005 Honda CR-V
By annapalooza - February 12 - 7:53 amMy CR-V SE is my second Honda vehicle. I have known that I wanted an CR-V for over two years. But even I was surprised at how absolutely delightful the 2005 is. One should not feel this way about an inanimate object. Oh, there are one or two little things I would change ... slightly wider arm rests; gradient intermittent windshield wipers; standard transmission not available... But the good stuff outweighs these little things, and there is a lot of good stuff! A great driving experience. I expect to have it a long time.
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A fun, zippy ride.... - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Mothers taxi - February 11 - 4:53 amPurchased this car for around town driving for the family, and am very pleased with not only the way it handles and its ability to fit into tight spots, but also its fuel economy as well as its nimble acceleration.The visibility is especially good on all sides, owing to large windows and windshield. Sitting up higher than regular cars also provides a better sight line. The interior design makes for comfortable driving, but I would not plan a long drive (6 hours +) in this car. All in all, a good family car with room for extra gear in both the back and on the optional roof rack