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 71 through 80 of 4,333.00-
enjoy this car - 2014 Honda CR-V
By Jamie Bailey - October 16 - 7:45 pmI really enjoy this car, and here is why. 1) the transmission shifts like I think a transmission should. Nice clean shifts, no hesitation, quick to downshift. Ive had GMs version (Equinox/Terrain/every other 2.4L GM car) and I hate the way their tranny shifts. 2) the seats have fold down armrests - they are perfect for me. 3) the center console with the sliding door - so easy to open and access from the drivers seat. 4) the controls for heat/ac and radio are so simple and straightforward. 5) the mileage - i regularly get 28mpg on my 65 mile roundtrip to work and back through mixed hwy/city. If I had to complain about anything there are two things. 1) on startup in colder weather, the engine makes a quick rattle that sounds like metal on metal. Many Honda 2.4s have this, apparently, but the dealer says its nothing to worry about. So i dont worry, but it sounds bad in the morning. 2) wind noise is more noticeable than in my wifes Ford Focus. Its not bad, but could be quieter. All that being said, I cant really say for sure what I like best, just that I really enjoy driving this car. And Ive had a lot of cars. This is one of my faves. Got about 15,000 miles on it so far.
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CR-V - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Ken - October 15 - 3:17 pmMake sure you check all dealerships for the best deal.
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Solution to vibration issues.. - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Mark - October 15 - 2:20 pmI bought this "truck" for the wife despite having an 06 Tacoma that I would like to keep the rest of my life if it lets me. So I have Toyota bias. This being the first Honda I felt a little nervous, but the reviews were great and the test drive convinced me this car was a good choice. The first one I got vibrated which was very disappointing. I brought it back to the dealer and they let me test drive as many as I wanted until I found the one I liked best. Unfortunately it was an eggplant color but Im not big on aesthetics so no worry there.. IF you are going to buy this car test drive a bunch and make sure the one you choose is not vibrating before you buy. Please dont test drive one and let them give you another. Your dealer might not be as kind as mine.I felt what people are complaining about and it sucks.. Had I known about the vibration issues before I bought I simply wouldnt have bothered but it sure is a nice truck when you get a good one..
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CR-V Vibration Issue Continues - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Nic - October 15 - 8:04 amPurchased our CR-V two weeks ago and immediately noticed significant vibrations both at idle as well as under way (typically under 2200 RPM). Trips to two different dealers with recommended software updates, rebalancing of wheels and alignment checks have not resolved the issue. A Web search shows that the issue seems to be fairly common with this years model with no solution in sight. Honda has actually issued the following Youtube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEJ45wX9ycI) acknowledging the problem. We are now stuck with a defective product with no accommodation from the dealer. Recommend not purchasing this vehicle given a number of better options (i.e. Mazda, Hiyundai, Ford, etc.)
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love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Emilie - October 14 - 3:48 pmI love this car!
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Good car Except for expensive A/C repair - 2003 Honda CR-V
By Mark - October 13 - 1:54 pmBought this w/ 94K miles and overall its an OK vehicle but very weak and slow. However, I expected that, as long as it got good gas mileage. Well this car is both slow and thirsty! I only get 20-22mpg mixed and for a 4cylinder this is unacceptable. Ive gotten better gas mileage w/ V-6s. Also, the A/C compressor problem is not a rumor or a joke. I knew about this problem after reading reviews but I did not thing it was common enough to be a risk, so bought the car anyway. I was wrong and 3 months after purchasing it the A/C compressor broke. Seems like not a big deal since its not engine/trans related but guess again. From the dealer, the A/C repair was quoted at $4000! because they need to replace the entire system. Thats more than an engine or transmission. Luckily I found an indy mechanic that fixed it for $1800. Still alot of $ to spend especially when comparable RAV4s dont have any of these costs.
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Best car ever - 2002 Honda CR-V
By teresa - October 12 - 6:37 pmThis has been the best car ever. I bought mine new many years ago, and have always loved this car. It has needed extraordinarily little maintenance over all these years, and still runs beautifully - I am even on the original clutch. Great Car!!!!!
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Vibration!... Everywhere inside. - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Amarc37 - October 12 - 2:14 pmI just bought my CR-V 2015 EX two days ago, and start to feel vibration everywhere inside the car (seatings, Steering Wheel, Side Doors, Arm rest) and more severe when I am on stop and on D-shift after a 30 miles of driving. I was so upset when I realized that there is no fix yet to this issue. I brought it back to the dealership two days after to ask for exchange or any option I may have but they refused to deal with anything except to cut-off you a 3K for buy back. I hate those dealership people in San Diego, they are totally liar, they hiding something just to sell their junk to consumers, they are the worst people I ever met. I tell you, you can not feel this problem during the test drive coz they will direct you on where to go for just one mile approx. and not enough to warm-up the vehicle. Now, every time I go out from this car, I feel my hands shaking and with headache and mentally affecting your driving concentration. This issue is a total recall, American Honda should do something so soon about this issue (or fix it) before anything happen to the consumer who experiencing this problems.
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Very Disappointed.... - 2015 Honda CR-V
By P. Martin - October 11 - 7:51 amThis 2015 CRV has a serious problem with vibration while idling in gear. It took a while for me to notice how pronounced the vibration is because I had the A/C on all summer and for some reason having the A/C on masks the vibration. Honda is aware and so are the dealerships. I am appalled that they are still selling this car with a known defect and no fix for the problem. And no, the update does not correct the issue. I think that the pursuit of a lemon law complaint is in order!
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$$$ if your transmission goes out - 2011 Honda CR-V
By Chris H - October 6 - 4:52 pmBeware if you need a new transmission. Mine went out at 125,000 ( my Honda Civic made it to 300,00 without issues). The bill to put in a new one $3,600. The is much higher than many other models of SUV
