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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  Great Vehicle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Great Ride - November 14 - 2:33 pm

  Nice smooth ride handles well off road. Comfortable seats high off the ground.

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  Vibration when you stop - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Donny genao - November 13 - 10:20 pm

  I bought a crv EX-L 2015 las sep 30 2105 and after 2 weeks l start feeling a vibration when im at the light waiting. I went to the dealership and they say its normal for a cvt transmition .

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  Stress, Depression & Sickness Due to Vibration. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By AMarc37 - November 12 - 2:38 pm

  I have a very wonderful family with a typical normal life, and I bought this Honda CRV 2015 a month ago for my family to enjoy their everyday rides. But this car was a nightmare for all of us. It has a multiple Vibration modes such as, Acceleration at 30-40 Mph, 50 to 60 Mph and the worse is, when we stop and in Drive shift gear, its feel like the whole car is vibrating. Every time I get out of this car my hands feels like I use a "Jack Hammer" after a while. This is very unsafe to drive coz I am always getting out of focus on my driving, and it is very annoying and mentally stressful while driving it. This is frustrating, its caused Our Money, Our Safety and Our Health. I am not sure how long can I keep this car, but for sure, I will not recommend this Brand anymore to all my friends and to all people I know.

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  What Vibe? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Walker - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Have had mine for almost a year now. Test drove a number of these and tried to replicate this "vibration" mentioned. This must be either waaaay overstated, or limited to a select few. Have not experienced this phantom "issue" once, though every car Ive ever owned has had some level of vibration (perhaps because they all had engines).

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  Honda sells a name, not quality - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondahater - November 11 - 6:07 pm

  Arrived to dealer from factory with a defective windshield- replaced. Battery leaked acid after 7 months - replaced, stealership tried to charge for battery service - battery leaked acid and it had to be wiped - failed, warranty service. Uncomfortable seats, no arm rest on passenger side, impossible to vacuum debris magnet upholstery, carpet, worst materials ever, plastic is prone to scratches, no hand brake, only parking brake pedal too low, seat height adjustment lever in a bad spot, touch with the thigh every time get in and out, seat lowers and needs to be raised. The more i get in and out the more often it happens. Paint prone to scratches. Radiator is open, no grille, not possible or difficult to custom install, MPG combined stop-and-go bumper to bumper or highway normal conditions low 20s. No maintenance schedule, have to go by the stupid maintenance minder. Nothing like my previous 2004 honda. This one is my last.

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  Should be happy - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By MrUnhappy - November 10 - 8:06 am

  I went from a V8 Sierra, to the Honda CRV Touring. The gas mileage is very good, average around town 25-26. Dont pull out in traffic, it doesnt have the fastest get up and go. Love the heated seats (would be nice to have more temperature control, not just hi and low) Moon roof leaked a little in some car washes, but liked this option. Navigation too hard to set up, Bluetooth worked but sounded bad to callers, and you really had to speak clearly and loudly. Turned off collision braking, not a good option in traffic. It braked, if you had to quickly go around someone in traffic. (almost got rear ended) Drivers seat is on the smaller side for someone with long legs. Touch pad screen hard to navigate when driving, especially fast forwarding a song, or trying to turn the radio down. Albiet you can use the steering wheel button. There are 3 different screens to look at, everything should be more centralized. It rarely understands voice commands. Im pretty good with new technology, but this car is frustrating to use all its gadgets.

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  Suv Cruising - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Sanchez - November 9 - 10:31 am

  Great car that maneuvers very well ha the horse power to pull you through anything even on inclines great car overall

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  The vibrating is a small yet extremely irritating. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Brit - November 5 - 9:45 pm

  I love the way the car drives, until you stop. While idling the car shakes enough to the point when I have got out I can still feel it in my back. Honda claimed to know nothing until I copped an attitude, they have been extremely helpful but can literally do nothing. Im young, first car I have ever purchased, I am not very happy to have a payment sky high when the car is not perfect. Ive had it for three weeks it should not be shaking. Also the vibration causes things in the car to vibrate and make a rattling sound which is also annoying. I have had issues getting out of the car because of where the E-Break is placed, my foot snags on it everyday. Another thing that bothers me is that when I put the car into "drive" it appears as its in drive but is actually in neutral. I was also told that there is a breaking system that wont let the car roll when you park on a hill, yet everyday it still rolls about two inches after putting it in park and putting the E-Break on. I am very annoyed with the car, I will not be buying from honda again. The vibration is what irritates me the most, the other things I mentioned would not bother me as much is those were the only things wrong with it.

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By William Eng - November 5 - 8:52 am

  Two major problems with the 2015 Honda CRV model. I bought the EXL on 9/12/2015 and after one week noticed: (1) while stopped in drive, with A/C off, and rpm at 600, the car was vibrating to the extent I was getting a butt and back massage in my seat. Its annoying to have a new car vibrate so much while stopped at a light. however once I turned the A/C on, the RPM increased to 900 and the rough idle stopped. The service manager stated Honda is aware of this problem and a software fix is pending....but when? (2) When my car reaches 70 or more, you can feel the front end and steering wheel vibrate. After three attempts with the Honda dealership, they performed a "road force balance" on all four tires. This stopped the front end vibration by about 80%. All these issues should not have happened with a new car. Sadly, had I noticed these problems, I would not have bought a Honda CRV. I noticed on the internet, many other owners of the CRV are having the same vibration issues and Honda does not inform customers about it until after purchase. I should have bought a RAV4.

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - November 4 - 11:14 pm

  My 2003 CRV EX with over 242,000 miles has been the absolute BEST car I have ever owned in terms or reliability, minimal repairs and overall performance in all weather conditions. The only complaint I have is the driver side door lock actuator which needed replacement and apparently has been an issue with this year Honda. However, when I decided to buy a new car for business needs, I choose another CRV without hesitation.