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 451 through 460 of 4,333.00-
Enjoyment! - 2010 Honda CR-V
By DER - July 6 - 5:03 pmI did quite a lot of test driving and research before my purchase. I had several Honda drivers give their positive reports. This was the last test drive I took, and brought the car home the same night! I am very happy with the interior room. I am 53" and my husband is 62". We are equally comfortable driving. There does seem to be a lot of plastic in the interior, but thats no different than the others I drove. Was expecting poor gas mileage to begin with, but am already averaging 24. Lots better than my Pacifica that averaged 19.
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Honda SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By ARomano895 - July 6 - 10:00 amThis is a FUN to drive vehicle - engine performance is very exceptional.Ability to open the rear window made me decide to purchase the CRV over the RAV. (Great feature when buying a christmas tree - you can stick the excess right out the back window).Getting accustomed to having auto control and emergency brake on the dash took time and patience. Center console betweent front seats coud use IMPROVEMENT- Not much use for anything other than holding drinks . Cargo space is very adaquite . NO use for picknic table- this feature should be discontinued. OVERALL its the best vehicle I ever owned.
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MY WHEELS - 2004 Honda CR-V
By JAMES W. CASEY - July 6 - 10:00 amWIND WIND NOISE CAN BE HEARD ON THE HIGHWAY. OVERALL THE CRV. IS OK, THIRD ONE I HAVE OWNED WITHIN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. CRV IS COMFORTABLE, MILEAGE IS DECENT.
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My 2003 Honda CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
By MARGIE41 - July 6 - 10:00 amI had a 1999 Honda CRV LX and traded it on for the 2003 Honda CRV EX. I love the 2003. The 1999 did not feel as safe or have as much power as the 2003. I highly recommend this SUV.
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I Like My 09 CRV LX - 2009 Honda CR-V
By Bill - July 4 - 10:15 amWe have four Hondas (one an 08 CRV) in the family, so sold on reliability. It came down between the CRV and Hyundai Santa Fe. I really liked the Santa Fe for the money, but I drive cars 10-15 years, and felt better about Hondas long term reliability. I have not noticed the road noise problem I have read about. The CRV is fun to drive, and does very well on the interstate. I like the maintenance minder, mpg display, etc. The ride and seats are a little firmer than I like (67 yrs old), but not that uncomfortable. My only problem was "rail rust" in the paint on top. I used a clay bar to help remove it. I do not understand why the top cant be covered in transit. So far, very satisfied.
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happy owner - 2002 Honda CR-V
By alleygirl - July 4 - 10:00 amLove the ease of the size for in and out of traffic. Once removed the middle headrest, external viewing is fine. Bad weather handling great. Like the sleek look and have had many people comment on the interior size. So roomy. Love the freedom on space up front with the fold down center console. Feel comfortable traveling long trips. Gas mileage is normal range.
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CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Ronbo - July 4 - 10:00 amAwesome vehicle. Well designed and excellent engine. Not a single problem the first 1000 miles. Perfect SUV for my wife. Easy to drive and very safe.
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CR new family car! - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Elizabeth Essman - July 3 - 1:11 amYou have to be ok with the range of view. First SUV for me and Im getting used to relying on back up camera and knowing my blind spots. Easier to adapt to than I previously thought.
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CR new family car! - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Elizabeth Essman - July 3 - 1:11 amYou have to be ok with the range of view. First SUV for me and Im getting used to relying on back up camera and knowing my blind spots. Easier to adapt to than I previously thought.
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CR new family car! - 2012 Honda CR-V
By Elizabeth Essman - July 3 - 1:11 amYou have to be ok with the range of view. First SUV for me and Im getting used to relying on back up camera and knowing my blind spots. Easier to adapt to than I previously thought.
