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 4141 through 4150 of 4,333.00-
Honda CR-V - Great SUV!!! - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Karen RN RRT - September 28 - 10:00 amThe Honda SUV is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Of course, it is a Honda... enough said. But, Honda has always been my favorite vehicle and the next car I purchase will be another Honda SUV as well. Not only is it a great vehicle, but it is the most reasonably priced for what you get and the most reliable.
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Just what I was looking for - 2006 Honda CR-V
By Shannon - September 27 - 12:33 pmI found the Honda CR-V easy to handle when driving up hills and around corners. Its got plenty of room for five people, and ample room to store things in the back. I expecially like that the door in the rear opens "out" like a car door verses "up" like most other suvs. This makes it easier on the arms and shoulders of women or smaller people.
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loving the CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Wanita - September 25 - 7:30 pmAfter owning other Honda models, Toyotas, and a Chevy S-10... I found that the Honda CRV is the right combination for me. It offers plenty of passenger room, as well as interior / climate controlled cargo room. There are lots of thoughtful features, plenty of cupholders and power outlets, great A/C. The fuel economy and power are much better than the S-10. The CRV offers excellent visibility... no squinting through tiny back or side windows.
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Its great for what I need. - 2004 Honda CR-V
By buffybay8 - September 22 - 2:00 amJust bought my CRV and Im really enjoying it. Dont like the heastation on shifting from 1st to 2nd and I wish the cruise control buttons, on steering wheel, were lighted. I love my CRV!
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A diamond in the rough - 2004 Honda CR-V
By James F. Greene - September 22 - 2:00 amExtremely smooth ride. The gas mileage is great. I have only had this vehicle for a month and its getting a 26 MPG average in the city. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room in this vehicle. The handling is excellent. It is an SUV but it feels almost the same as driving a sedan or coupe.
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Honda CRV EX - 2004 Honda CR-V
By LinzLugar - September 22 - 2:00 amI just bought this Honda CRV and I am in love with it. It is so comfortable and fun to drive.
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Great Looking - 2016 Honda CR-V
By June Cannon - September 22 - 1:01 amGreat small SUV, I commute 60 miles a day great MPG
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A real stunner - 2016 Honda CR-V
By Louisville driver - September 21 - 1:57 pmThree if us test drove a RAV-4, Rogue and CRV together. Two of us bought the Rogue. The CRV was a big surprise as we were expecting great things. Performance was sluggish, compared to the others, the ride and noise in the rear seat unacceptable and the touch screen which controls everything a nightmare. Our experienced sales person took 5 touch strokes to turn on the radio and select a station! We couldnt live with the integrated touch screen system for music, climate control and navigation. When we asked about a CD player the salesperson touched a button and the entire integrated screen popped out from the dash and rotated 90 degrees exposing the CD slot in the metal work behind the screen. Try managing a CD change while driving....I think not. Looks like a repair nightmare if you buy this vehicle. The reason for the high rating on technology is that it has outstanding features and lots to offer tech minded folks. As far tech functionality its a big looser.
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2002 CRV EX - 2002 Honda CR-V
By oesjc1 - September 21 - 10:00 amOur experience with the 2002 Honda CRV has been amazing. The CRV has a very solid feel about it, build quality is outstanding. It has plenty of power to merge with traffic & can hum right along at 70 mph. The CRV can make turns that are nearly 90 degrees from a stop with a quick turn of the wheel. The interior space of the CRV is cavernous. We hauled a large dryer after folding up the rear seats and a recliner in back WITHOUT folding them up. The front 3 cup holders can all handle McDonalds Supersized sodas. This dependable little bugger fits in perfectly for most families & wont break the bank with a top price under $23k. This is by far the best of the bunch in the Mini-Ute Class.
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great car - 2002 Honda CR-V
By chick - September 20 - 2:00 amsold my 2000 Honda crv and the difference is more then I expected especialy the pickup and the quietness of this car.
