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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  Honda is the Best! Get a CRV! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Kayla Holler - October 27 - 11:03 am

  It is beautiful, fun to drive, had good traction in rain and highway speeds+ and always looked beautiful. The seats and interior were easy to clean and always looked great on my 2013 CRV. The back seat is super spacious and so is the rear cargo area. I looked at all other small suvs and they never had as much room inside, especially in the back seat and cargo area. The only complaint I have is the road noise was louder than in a car. I was told that smaller SUVs are like that. Im not sure I believe that, but in spite of the noise which is worse if the road is rough and at highway speeds and if your car needs an alignment, I could still enjoy my music from the fabulous USB plugins. I just loaded up a flash drive and plugged it in. Sounded great. I looked at newer models though, and we bought a new Civic and the newer models have a touch screen for music controls which I hate. The knob you could turn to quickly scroll through songs and albums worked much easier. The touch screen is a pain for finding anything and not getting sidetracked by accidentally touching the wrong spot. My CRV was a gorgeous blue called Mountain Air. I dont know why Honda doesnt make more cars in this color and make the Acura SUVs in that color. The newer CRV has a redesigned front which I do not like as well as the 2013 model and possibly the 2014. It is more of a snub-nosed look I find ugly. The interior is uglier, too, with more of a very dark charcoal kind of color with beige. I know that color is harder to keep clean because we have it on our new Civic. All dust shows all the time. The touch screen is more of a pain on the Civic to clean, too. Our 2013 CRV was easy to clean and always looked great. We got a super trade-in value for it because it still looked like new. Ive never missed a car so much or regretted trading one more. Id buy it back in a second. I have always owned American-made brands and always had problems with them, windows quit working, air conditioners quit, handles fall off, the vent louvres break, quit working, they just are not that dependable. Then, we bought an older, 1998 Honda Odyssey with high miles and to my surprise, everything worked! I could immediately see the difference in quality materials and design. Everything was quality built, no thin, cheap plastic like on my GM or Ford cars. I loved it. It drove and rode like a smooth-riding car, unlike a previous Pontiac van we owned which was more like a truck and soon had no working AC or windows. Fun in our 100+ summers. After owning the Odyssey, I decided the next vehicles would be Hondas. They are so ridiculously dependable. All reviews agree. Never go back to American made crap. Our friends work for a dealership that has GM and Ford and Chrysler. They get new vehicles every couple of years and we watch as they always have to have their new vehicles in the shop for ridiculous little things that dont work or quit working within weeks of getting their brand new vehicle. That doesnt happen with Honda. I value the five-star crash test rating (youd be horrified if you knew what the other makers ratings are....try one star front crash rating on Nissan Rogue for instance...and I value the dependability of Honda most of all. I hate breakdowns. With all the other old cars I have owned, I am practically an expert on what car noises, symptoms usually mean, but dont have to worry with a Honda. My other car, a 2003 Buick LeSabre Custome Celebration model with alll the bells and whistles for that year, has had problems with AC quitting, then mysteriously working again and lights not working, lots of fuse replacements, etc. Not fun. Get a Honda.

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  Steering wheel is a vibrator - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mike McDaniel - October 26 - 5:43 pm

  Loved the CRV (EXL with Nav) until we took it on interstate. Really bad vibration in steering wheel and dashboard at 70+MPH. Have had it back 4 times, they re-balanced everything and it still has bad vibration....hands go numb on interstate. Dealer on last visit said it is a software problem and Honda is doing a recall and would get us a fix, but nothing yet. Now at 4,600 miles. Have 4 cars, so I know this is not normal. You must drive one at 75 MPH before you take delivery. If they dont get this fixed, am gonna do the lemon thing!

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  Saved My Life - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By a nn - October 25 - 9:55 pm

  This car was smashed by a truck and totalled. And I lived.

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  Quivering in anticipation - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Al - October 23 - 6:19 pm

  Its a rolling vibrator, they seem to have lessened the at idle in D shaking but when you get to Road speed its darn disappointing. Had I known about this on going problem I would not have purchased this CRV. After 30 years of Honda products this one is a downer.

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By J.Booker - October 20 - 4:18 pm

  Do your research - search 2015 CRV vibration problems! It is terrible! When you are in drive and stopped in traffic or at a stoplight, the front seats vibrate so badly it is terrible. This is an issue Honda knows about and yet they keep selling these. The dealers "seem" to be in the dark because they dont want you to know. Do yourself a favor and if you still want one of these cars, take it on a good long test drive so it warms up. This starts once it is warm because the rpms drop so low. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.

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  Great SUV for a growing Family - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - October 20 - 2:54 pm

  My wife and i bought a 2015 CRV back in May 2015 and it has been a great SUV. My wife at the time was pregnant and could not get in and out of our midsize Mercury Milan. We looked at the Toyota Rav4 and Volvo XC60 as well. When we looked at the Honda my wife drove and we both loved the seating position of the front seats and the rear seat room. The CRV had more room then the other 2 in rear and frontal room. It as well overall scored higher in the crash tests then the Toyota. I love how the seats fold flat easily and how easy a stroller and car seat go into this vehicle. My wife as well is beyond pleased and very much enjoys this car. Definitely worth the money

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  Vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Murphy - October 19 - 9:41 pm

  We have just under a thousand miles and just noticed the vibrations well stopped, RPMs go up and down, while down car vibrates. Really surprised to see how many reviews with the same problem. I havent had the car back to dealer yet but when I do, they will hear about it. If they knew this problem existed before I bought the car I should have been informed of the fact.

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  When a five year old asks what wrong - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy D - October 19 - 1:09 am

  2015 CRV had it sense May 2015 Took to get checked twice nothing wrong but u do need to change the brake fuild what! Is a new car but to get back to the shaking my five year saids my teeth is shaking Iam sick of it this is the 2nd CRV I have had the 2013 had a starter noise it was loud! I will do something different when getting the next car but u know the Honda repair saids. Oh theres no anything wrong ! Wow u drive it then .

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  Not as good as the 08 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Th Chandos - October 18 - 7:05 am

  Interior cubbies, storage, are lacking. Rear-view camera & guides are totally useless, I only use mirrors. Radio with single optical disc far too big, poorly laid out, long long learning curve. Bluetooth for phone okay functionally, hard to program. CVT was not an issue, but just as noisy inside as ever. Very bad carpet-plastics matching: brown with black? baby caca. Aggressive up-selling of bs options at finalization, no deals on financing. Stuck with this turkey for 3~5 years, depreciated one-third within first year. Last one of these, ever.

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  Repeated CR-V Purchaser! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By UET - October 17 - 8:18 pm

  I had purchased a 2009 Honda CRV in November 2008 and loved everything about this affordable and low maintenance SUV. Thus, when it was totaled in May 2015 with 113000 miles on it, I decided to purchase the same SUV. Improvements are: Fuel efficiency is amazing (25mpg/city and up to 29 mpg/highway), rear seat space is bigger, touch screen with blue tooth, back up camera etc is nice and it has a sporty and improved exterior (front and rear). Downside: Significant vibration while idling in gear - I had read the reviews but was familiar with this issue from my previous vehicle but if anything, it is more pronounced with this newer version. However, since it is not a maintenance concern, I can live with this only flaw. I am also missing the hard shelf for the cargo storage and the AUX cord plug. Overall, it remains a great SUV with sufficient space,top notch safety features, and easy handling. This vehicle definitely holds its value and remains a great purchase!