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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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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First Honda - 2009 Honda CR-V
By KK - May 17 - 6:10 pmI am in love with my Honda purchased 2 weeks ago. I feel like Im driving a luxury vehicle compared to the 1999 Rav 4 which I traded in. Sweetheart of a ride. I feel safe and secure - its a sound vehicle, comfortable, quiet, plenty of energy for a 4 cylinder, easy steering, decent radio, love the adjustable height in drivers seat, plus adjustable steering wheel. My first time with tinted windows - theyre fantastic - no bright headlights from rear cars annoying me anymore - the window tint completely takes care of that! A bit of a problem with rear vision during backing up, also I sometimes experience a slight vibration in steering wheel at highway speeds.
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Excellent compact SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
By HOnda_CRV_ACE - May 17 - 1:16 pmI bought my CRV few weeks ago. I havnt drove much yet however I take it for ride on every oppertunity I get. EX-L model packs in all the luxury you get when you high end luxury version. Driver seat is comfortable.
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honda crv - 2007 Honda CR-V
By mike - May 15 - 3:53 pmexcellent craftsmanship, very quiet and smooth ride, seats very comfortable, hatchback design superior to toyota rav4, outstanding audio with satellite radio, 6 cd changer and mp3 adaptor. drawback: no power seats Get em while their still under priced
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Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Ray V - May 13 - 7:56 pmI purchased this vehicle one week ago and think that this is a great vehicle. The ride and quality is superb. No Flaws found thus far. The power is more then adequate knowing that it a 4 cyl. I traded my Accord V6 for this and overall Im pleased. My first tank all around I averaged 26 MPG which is what I attained in the Accord. I would recommend this vehicle to any perspective buyer.
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Sweet Grocery Getter - 2007 Honda CR-V
By Mr. Incognito - May 11 - 10:16 pmTest drove the Acadia, Edge, and Equinox. Liked the CR-V best out of all based on size and value versus price and the fact that it drives just like an Accord. The car has plenty of pick up if you know how to drive a Honda. Fuel economy is great although less than advertised (EPA estimates are off anyway), but only by a mile or two. The wife loves how easy it is to load up the groceries or all the rest of our stuff when we go somewhere. I fit comfortably at 64" and 225 in the front seats and even in the back. Great car for the money and Honda reliability/quality to boot.
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Almost perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
By racerx2k - May 10 - 10:00 amWeve had our CR-V for a few weeks and its been great!! Great fuel economy, good handling (for a mini-ute), solid construction. We had a Grand Vitara as a loaner car while our other car was in the shop, and it was a HUGE difference. Even with the V6 it felt less powerful than the CR-V.
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I am satisfied with everything but... - 2014 Honda CR-V
By Julito Bugayong - May 8 - 7:56 amThe Bluetooth technology is outdated. It is not universal to all devices.
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Lots of problems? - 2002 Honda CR-V
By ron p - May 4 - 10:00 amI had several bad experince on this car. The first problem was theres a burning smell on the engine. Dealer said its normal for new vehicle. The smell went away only after 10K miles (or got used to it). The second problem is the clicking noise whenever I hit the breaks the first time after its park for a few hours. Dealer says thats normal. #$#@!! Anyway, Im stuck with it so Ill mention its a nice drive.
