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 551 through 560 of 4,333.00-
Great car - 2004 Honda CR-V
By starfisher - February 26 - 11:44 pmOur CR-V has been a dream to own. Weve had no problems whatsoever with regular maintenance. We love the layout of the interior and all of the cargo space, not to mention the gas mileage. Id buy this car again and recommend it to friends and family.
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Outstanding Vehicle! - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Summerlin - February 25 - 10:00 amI love my new Honda Crv so much...I have not found one thing wrong with it. It has a lot of power, the design is beautiful inside and out. I looked at the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and the Toyota Rav 4...and the CRV beat them all. I did have to pay sticker price though, they wouldnt come off even $10...and basically said, if I didnt want to pay that, someone else would so they didt care much. They are being sold before they are even on the lot! The wait is about 3 weeks. I think the Crvs are well worth the msrp price. I highly recommend this vehicle!
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After 10,400 miles - 2002 Honda CR-V
By David Elswick - February 25 - 10:00 amWeve waited until after 10,400 miles in about 4 months. The thrill of buying a new vehicle has worn off, and reality has set in. Overall, we still think we got a great vehicle. We had the dealer to install: 1. window visors 2. mudflaps 3. a hard spare wheel cover (This was a major disappointment. The new hard cover for 2002 is nothing more than a "trash can lid". Save your money and go with the standard fabric cover - its not only cheaper - but it looks nicer. Small dings are in the hard plastic used to cover the columns near the doors - caused by unbuckling the seat belt and just letting it fly back on its own speed.
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Life is one compromise after another - 2002 Honda CR-V
By Crotalus - February 25 - 10:00 amI agree with many of the other reviews. After much research, mostly at edmunds.com, I felt the CR-V (LX) was the best vehicle on paper. Finding one for sale at a decent price was almost impossible (I had to pay MSRP, and felt lucky at that). Great ride; very car-like, not as "busy" or choppy as the RAV-4. Engine is quiet, smooth and NO TIMING BELT! Great leg room, especially in back. Plenty of room with fold-up seats
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Great Car! - 2004 Honda CR-V
By Levy - February 22 - 10:00 amI really think I made the best buy of the year. My CRV is great! Every day after work I enjoy driving back home in my new Honda CRV, a very pleasant car to drive.
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Love the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Eightpaws - February 19 - 7:13 pmThis is the first vehicle I have purchased in 24 years, and a lot of research was involved before I bought it. I am so happy - I think I made the right choice. Just got back from a 2000 mile round trip from Oklahoma to Michigan, and the CR-V handled like a dream. Gas mileage was around 27 mpg overall. It was plenty roomy for my two dogs (in the back seat) and I and all our cargo for a week fit nicely in the storage area behind the back seat. LOVE the cargo shelf - it was perfect for lightweight items. I felt very secure in the CR-V; it felt very stable. Plenty of get up and go for passing all the semis!! I imagine that I will have this vehicle for a very long time.
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No better car for the money - 2008 Honda CR-V
By Richard - February 19 - 3:20 amJust purchased our EX-L with Nav in Whistler Silver. Got it for $500 over invoice with 1.9% financing. The dealer had several on the lot and didnt even balk at my offer. Even had them throw in a couple of chrome CR-V license plates to boot. Ive owned several Hondas over the years, and there is NO better car for the money. Fantastic interior, great exterior styling, and Honda reliability. The CR-V is hands down the best value for the money. Looked at a RAV4, and it wasnt even close. The interior wasnt near as nice, and I hate the spare tire on the back.
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Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pmGreat traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.
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Value - 2014 Honda CR-V
By john bartle - February 18 - 5:05 pmGreat traction, simple features, good milage, holds its value.
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Love My CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
By crv_joy - February 17 - 9:43 pmI held out for a CRV with navi because I wanted the backup camera. I didnt really care about navi, but as it turns out I love it! CRV has a lot of pep and is fun to drive. I really like that you can get leather seats, moonroof, xm radio, seat warmers etc for under $30k. Gas mileage is a little less than I expected. 21.6 miles per gallon. I am a city driver and a little heavy footed.
