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:

• 

  Awesome and 100% Better than pre-2002 s - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By sherryi - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I awaited the release of the bigger, more powered 2002 CRV, as our 99 was underpowered and shifted way too poorly for our mountain living. The 2002 shifts like a gem, little if any transmission noise. Interior is much more comfortable and intuite, although the auto shifter takes a bit getting used to. All the Honda reliability, unique features and great mielage for an SUV. We are very happy with this buy.

• 

  Vibrations will drive you crazy - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Laura S. Fitzgerald - February 7 - 10:04 am

  We owned this vehicle for one day when I said to my husband, "this car needs to be tuned." We brought it back to the dealer and they said they could not do anything. Honda did not have a fix. We test drove the car when it was cold out -- it did not vibrate. When the car warms up -- the vibrations are so bad that I do not like driving the car. Dont buy this car until they fix the problem. I have been waiting 4 months ...no fix yet.

• 

  Vibration and shuddering - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Brian Stevenson - February 6 - 10:18 am

  Just picked up my new 2015 CRV EX AWD a couple of weeks ago. Noticed right away that when it warmed up and hit certain speeds, taking foot off gas and then lightly depressing the pedal and there was a shuddering like the car was in the wrong gear. Took to the dealer and service manager came for a test drive and told me that was normal! Crap! No other new vehicle I have had did this. I thought I was buying quality by buying Honda, wrong!

• 

  Bobs Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rnappi7813 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great package for the money. Honda quality, price and value do it for me.

• 

  Excellent, fun driving car - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Cliff - February 3 - 7:44 am

  Now that Honda has fix the VTC actuator (updated part installed), I have only one minor complaint. I cant use the text respond feature with my IPHONE. It may be an IPHONE problem. Car has enough power to keep up with traffic. It handles good. I like the electronic power steering. There is plenty of storage for hauling stuff. The backup camera is very helpful. I prefer the wide angle view. The front seat comfort is satisfactory, but I think it could be improved. You need to remember its not an Accord and will not have the comfort of an Accord.

• 

  Reliable w/ very good gas mileage - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Sillitto - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my first Honda a little over a year ago. It has been very reliable, gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. Power is a little weak with the 4cyl engine even with a manual stick. The interior is roomy for four adults and thats about it. Engine is a bit noisey on the highway. I feel safe operating this vehicle. Its not so high off the ground that you need a ladder but the view does improve operating safety I believe.

• 

  Cupholders - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By mil6 - February 1 - 8:19 am

  There are 2 usable cup holders in the front. There could be more closed storage compartments, as well. But the most serious problems are the vast array of technology controls. These GUIs did not try to use the natural extension of past interfaces which would have made them more intuitive. There is an awful lot of stuff arrayed all over the dash which is a distraction. The icons on many of the controls are too small to quickly scan. The voice commands must be precise and because they are not natural language confusing. The manuals are incomplete and poorly illustrated and indexed. The vehicle handles well and is comfortable.

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Brooke - January 29 - 9:25 pm

  My parents gifted me this lovely SUV the day before homecoming in high-school. I was beyond excited, though slightly bummed that I hadnt received a sedan. (I learned to drive in a mid-sized sedan; anything larger frightened me at the time.) Nevertheless, I had a car that was just for me. I dont know too much about cars, but I can tell you what Ive learned after putting 17k miles on this trooper. Ill start with the cons, since thats probably what youre reading the reviews for. The acceleration isnt anything to get excited over. Ive noticed a slight lag as I try to accelerate with passing/merging. Also, at times when I slow down (like at a red light that turns green the second you stop) there is a sort of click or hiccup as my car shifts back into gear. Not sure if this is a common problem among the models, though. The 20-23mpg wasnt stunning either, but for the size and space within the vehicle, can you really complain that much? Recently, I had to put about 1k in repairs (done through Honda dealership--probably a mistake, couldve gotten it done cheaper) to update some hoses and belts within the engine as I had begun to have issues with power steering. But hey, thats the only repair Ive ever needed. The interior is noisy when driving, but with the radio on, its hard to notice. Also, limited knick-knack storage. Now for the positives. THE A/C, OH, JESUS! That system blew me away. With my car being as old as she is, I was expecting a toot of air every now and then. No. You have a warm, toasty oven as a heater, and a polar ice cap for the cooler. Secondly, the seats are super comfortable. Lots of support and super roomy even for taller passengers. I can fit three friends easily in the back. Thirdly, you have a picnic table as your floor in your trunk! Seriously. Its so great. The drive is smooth without any lag in steering as you turn. You have so much opportunity for cargo space, its not even funny. The seats collapse and fold up behind the driver and passenger seat to expand trunk space. I fit half an apartments worth of junk back there when my boyfriend moved into a house. Also, it takes probably $20-$25 to fill up your tank. Im impressed and I love my little mom-car. I think its a very good investment, personally.

• 

  1000 miles so far, excellent... - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SteveO - January 28 - 5:00 am

  I was wary of the vibration issue for the 2015 so I waited for the 2016 to come out and some indication from Honda that a fix was applied. I can tell you that my car is not vibrating excessively, either at idle or driving, at least its not noticeable to bother me or my passengers. MPG is good, I can get 32 on the highways, 26-28 otherwise. Car handles great, accelerates sufficiently, and just feels good to drive. I came from a 10 year old Accord and I can tell you the resale values on Hondas cant be beat. I dont expect reliability issues, knock on wood! Headroom is good, storage is more than enough for my needs, and I feel safer with AWD. Stereo sounds good with the upgraded subwoofer, climate controls work as expected. Rearview and blindside cameras are very well integrated, I miss them sorely when Im driving a vehicle without them now. Leather seats are comfortable and feel good even with long distance driving. Few nitpicks, sunroof feels small compared to some of the competitors. Also, the navigation system really needs an update, I cant believe they charge 1500 for it, doesnt read out street names and cross streets are sometimes labeled, sometimes not. The touchscreen interface is confusing and takes some time to learn. Road noise is a bit loud at 60-70 mph, but Im used to a sedan. Hope this helps some prospective buyers!