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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  Best small SUV on the market - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By alancrv - September 11 - 1:10 am

  I drove all the small SUVs before buying the CR-V. RAV4 handled like an old school bus. Rogue is nice but has the cargo capacity of a sub-compact. Subaru is nice but had dated technology. Mileage on the CR-V is very good for AWD, 22/27 after break-in and I have gotten nearly 30 mpg on flat highway. There is sufficient power for typical maneuvers and auto is smoothest I have experienced. Very solid build quality though Ive had a few rattles come and go. Why can I get factory bluetooth on a crappy Honda Fit but not on my top-of-the-line CR-V?!

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  Excessive Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By ravens2353 - September 9 - 6:31 pm

  Long time Honda owner and i finally decided to get my first SUV. Did my research, saved my Money. Naturally my pick was Honda CRV- I cant believe Honda built this car. It has bad vibrations when stopped and idling, it has bad engine/ transmission shuddering when I accelerate. Even at highway speeds it shudders at random intervals. This is a big problem. Spent almost $ 30,000 for this??? Honda responds " Vibrations are characteristic of the car". Strange, didnt see that description in the brochure at the dealership. Honda needs to acknowledge this problem, find a solution, and apologize to me and all those 2015 CRV Owners.

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  REO - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By lee perry - September 9 - 7:19 am

  Our Honda CR-V has impressive responses, actually took some getting used to, everything is very tight and precise. The speedometer is right on the mark. The engine is peppy and mountain driving has little effect on it. The interior is especially roomy. Love the dual temperatures , including the rear seating area. Disappointed the passenger seat did not have electronic adjustments like the drivers, BIG DISAPPOINTMENT, but we hear that was remedied in the 2017 model. The ride isnt bad at all for the size of the vehicle and being all wheel drive, it is probably the most comfortable in its class. However, our former car was large, Q45 sedan and it had a great ride and amazing seats, so I am having to adjust, a little disappointed but my husband has no problem with the CR-Vs ride. The rear seat room is amazing! The cargo area is perfect and we love the way the rear seats fold down easily with a pull of a lever. We love the look of our 2016, glad we didnt wait to see the 2017 change, while subtle, we prefer the 2016. On a mountainous 400 mile trip we averaged 29 miles per gallon on a new engine. Over all we are 5 star pleased with this vehicle and highly recommend it.

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  Lemon - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Roger - September 8 - 7:43 pm

  Car has several problems, not including a couple of rattles. Car has always had an idle problem that results in hesitation in the mid RPM range. Honda will not fix the problem because they are in denial. Most likely cause is a bad throttle sensor. Very annoying and dangerous (the car can fail to turn off the throttle). In addition, the rear differential is binding.

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  Hot little honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By RMT - September 6 - 1:27 pm

  Its a great well built car, with several levels of options and vehicle. I would recommend one if you are looking for a peppy little turbo!

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  Beware of vibration and harshness - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By g_frieberg - September 5 - 2:01 am

  I bought a new 2015 CRV from an Ohio But, after having driven it several hundred miles, here is what I am finding: 1) Vibrations from the power train are moderate to severe, after the engine is warmed up (actually, I suspect after transmission fluid is warmed up, and is less viscous, and less able to dampen engine vibes); 2) When at a stop, with foot on brake, and idling, in DRIVE, vibrations shake the steering wheel, floor, and both front seats. If you drive this car for more than 5-10 minutes in stop and go traffic, it is indeed fatiguing ! 3) Very prevalent vibes around 2000 RPM under load (feels like a rumble strip). DO NOT buy until Honda has a fix !

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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.

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  Best First Car Ever - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Lover - September 3 - 6:44 am

  My mom bought this car brand new in 2005 and gave it to me for my 16th birthday in December 2015. My Mom struggled giving me this car because she loved it so much. I love the car so much, the gas mileage isnt the best in the whole world but its not bad, especially taking the size into consideration. I can easily fit 4 friends in the car no problem. The car didnt start to have a lot of problems until about a year ago when it hit 80,000 miles. Since then, weve replaced the radiator, the head gasket, control arm bushings, and spark plugs. It totaled about $2,500 but keep in mind that besides tires and brake pads, we havent had to do anything else the entire 11 years weve owned it. This is a great starter car and I would recommend it to anybody. Obviously get a pre purchase inspection anyways because every car is different.

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Kerch - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Great Little SUV. I dont know if the EX is worth the extra cash. I got the LX and made the upgrades myself. I love it, it is fun to drive and you can see great out of it without any real blind spots.

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  Vibration-Free 2015 EXL/Nav - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Eugene Bouchard Harrison - September 1 - 12:07 pm

  Ive only put 200 miles on my Honda. So far, I am delighted with my purchase. Also, so far, Ive not noted ANY vibration issues that MANY others have noted in their reviews. I find this to be a comfortable car to drive, both in short urban trips and hour long highway cruising. I like the way the power steering is very light for low speed operations, but it stiffens up at speed, making for a very stable cruising machine. So far, averaging 31 mpg with mostly highway driving at 65 mph. This is my first CVT car. So far, I see no difference in how it operates compared to a conventional automatic transmission.