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 4231 through 4240 of 4,333.00-
First Honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
By Fred R - June 2 - 4:51 amThis is my wifes car, I drive an electric i3, she was in her second Prius. We had an Avalanche that we just got rid of and needed something with a little hauling capacity. Since we were happy with our 2 Priuses (Prii?) we looked at the Rav4. It was OK, but then I started looking at reviews and everyone rated the CR-V as #1, the RAV4 way down as it hasnt been updated recently, so we checked it out. It was all the reviews said, lots of safety technology and a fun car to drive.
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New car needs new transmission in 1 year! Beware! - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Disappointed Honda Owner in Florida - June 1 - 3:29 amI bought my 2015 CRV last year and immediately had difficulty with the vehicle shuddering and then stalling. Now a year later, the transmission has been replaced, but the experience has been horrible. I had to call Honda corporate and have a case manager because the repairs, even though they were all under warranty, took more than a week to get approved before they could even order parts or begin repairing it. I was without my car for all of that time, and they wouldnt approve a rental because they said the car was drivable. ( I did finally get a rental, but only for the last 2 of 10 days) If the car needs a new transmission, how it that considered drivable and safe? 10 days later I had my CRV back, and I immediately took it to another dealer and traded it in. I have lost confidence in Honda products and in their service department. I have always owned Hondas, but never again.
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Aggressive looking,but boring engineCRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
By stever817 - May 29 - 10:00 amI moved from a 2000 Accord V6 coupe to a manual trans CRV thinking that the this would make road trips, game days easier. Well, its nice for around town shopping, but any long distance trips, camping trips, etc shows off the limitations. Gas mileage is not that great when you consider that most SUVs with V6s are getting about 20- 24mpg. This vehicule after 14 months of driving could not muster any better then 22mpg. Best thing about the CRV is its strong resale value.
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Great light suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
By tihonet - May 27 - 6:50 amThis is a fine ute just the way its set up . adding a 6cyl will make it too heavy. as will wider tires (more rolling resistence).A very nice trim package makes this car near perfect. The space under the cargo area seems to resonate the road noise.
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Honda CRV - Accident Waiting to Happen - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Kent Myers - May 24 - 10:00 amCR-V interior design and mechanical is great but it is an accident waiting to happen. Rear wheels kicking in while turning a corner on ice sends the car into a spin. The same on a wet curvy road w/suggested speed of 30 mph. The car began to skid while slower then suggested speed. When the brakes were used, the car went into a spin. Obviously the rear drive engaged where front-wheel drive alone is the safest. Why design a car without a four-wheel drive override? Why design a car allowing four-wheel drive over 20-35 mph? Insurance companies disallows ABS discounts for "on-demand" all-wheel drive cars. Wonder what they know that the consumers dont?
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A good alternative - 2003 Honda CR-V
By JM - May 24 - 10:00 amThe car completely lives up to the quality I have come to expect in a Honda. Two small complaints, 1)the small back window makes the blind spot bigger then average and 2) the handling in the rain is not as stable as I would have liked.
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Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 amOur CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.
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Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 amOur CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.
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Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 amOur CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.
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Love our 2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Chuck - May 23 - 1:13 amOur CRV is 9 years old and we havent had any mechanical problems with it! The catalytic converter cover recently rusted loose, but that was easily fixed with muffler clamps. The cloth interior is difficult to keep clean. Great handling in winter.
