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 car. - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By TREY - October 6 - 3:24 pm

  2013 honda crv lx has 40,000 miles Ive had no issues with the car. One dislike was road noise from the factory continental tires so I found some ex l 17 inch wheels and bought a new set of michelin latitude tires. Its amazing what a difference that made. Another dislike is that there is no arm rest for passenger driver. Other than that it gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room for size.

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  Great little ride! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Fran - October 6 - 3:23 pm

  What a great SUV.....handles well, good fuel economy, easy to enter and exit, turning radius is amazing, roomy and great styling. Love the ease of getting in and out of this car. Honda has also done a lot to quiet the road noise since I bought my 2008 Accord. Driving this vehicle is a dream.....no blind spots and the camera for backup and right turns is outstanding. The passenger space is wonderful.....my grandkids love the extra space for their backpacks. Trunk/cargo is wonderful and the auto feature to put the seats down works great. My only issue is working the entertainment system.....Im pretty computer literate but it takes a while to get this system right and the manual is a little short on explanation. I would recommend to anyone to get your price through the internet first and then go in and see if you can get any extras.

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  Vibration Issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By nscalfarotto@hotmail.com - October 6 - 7:53 am

  Just purchased a 2015 CR-V expecting, based on Hondas reputation, a positive experience. Unfortunately, I began noticing a vibration at idle. This vibration becomes much more pronounced between 60 and 70 miles / hour. Assuming that the cause might be a wheel out of balance or an alignment issue, I brought the car to the dealer for service. Alignment and balancing were found to be within specs, however the mechanic confirmed the issue. A service bulletin was discovered regarding the issue indicating that a software update was needed. That was performed with no change to the condition. Honda Technical Service was called and the issue was acknowledged and an investigation has been under way. I am now left with a defective product with no resolution in sight.

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  If you plan to test drive one, do these things - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - October 5 - 10:40 pm

  The 2015 CRV is plagued with vibration problems. Honda admits this but has no solution. If you feel you still want to test drive one make sure you do the following: Turn off the audio, turn off the fan, turn off any a/c, turn off any headlights or wipers. Make sure you drive the car until it is warmed up 10-15 minutes. Windows up. After warm up, stop car in D, foot on brake, car will vibrate. Might do it in reverse as well. If you take along a cup of water and place it on the center armrest, it will be obvious. Next accelerate up to ~ 2200 rpm. Car will vibrate between 1800-2200 rpm. More like a buzz as if something was loose in the back, something metallic. If you maintain the rpm range at around 2000rpm, the vibration will remain constant. The first vibration described is called mode 1 vibration by Honda. The second type described is called mode 3 vibration by Honda. They also reference in their video online a mode 2 vibration which occurs at over idle engine speeds but below the 1800-2000 rpm threshold of the mode 3. Those buyers here who have negatively reviewed the 2015 CRV for excessive vibration are not exaggerating. It does exist. It is admitted by Honda. They have produced two online videos addressing this defect but have not as yet delivered an effective solution. This problem has existed with the 2015 CRV since its introduction. Thats over one model year ago, yet no solution. Like many others, I trusted Honda as I have owned eight in total (3 CRVs). As a result, I did not do these things when I test drove the CRV I bought. I was unaware of the defect. My test drive was with the a/c on, radio on, headlights on, fan on. This will mask the idle mode 1 vibration, these items raise the engine rpm, which mitigates the vibration at idle. The audio and fan noise will, at what I consider to be medium volumes, mask the mode 3 vibration noise as you accelerate through the 1800-2200rpm range. This vehicle isnt ready for prime time at any price let alone what the varying models sticker for. If you buy one you will be stuck with it and likely a significantly reduced resale value for years to come. No new car at any price should sound and vibrate like these things do. Buy something else or just keep what youve got...fair warning.

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  2015 CR-V AWD Touring Potential Death Trap! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By William B. Brigman - October 5 - 3:43 pm

  My (top-of-the-line) 2015 CR-V which I purchase on July 22, 2015 has an engine that is malfunctioning. It frequently and unexpectedly fails to accelerate when the accelerator is depressed. In fact, the vehicle stalls/slows down during these occurrences. Getting through intersections and merging with traffic can get real exciting. These failures have been witnessed by as many as three licensed drivers. A Honda dealership has done two diagnostic test and driving test and can not replicate the condition. The dealership and American Honda Motors express they can not repair a vehicle if they cannot identify the problem. My question is if their technician is riding in the car and the acceleration fails how will they identify the cause especially when their diagnostic equipment does not identify the failure(s). At this time, both the dealership and American Honda Motors tells me there is nothing they can do for the malfunctioning car they made. This leaves me with a $40,000 piece of junk (in my opinion). A car for which I am paying over $40,000 and it is unsafe to drive.

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  Vibration and denials - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By vjones - October 4 - 9:14 am

  I purchased this car in April, and notified the dealership within the first week that there was a vibration. They acted like I was crazy, theyd never heard of such a thing. My car now has 5800 miles on it, and the vibration has gotten worse. You can feel the vibration through the steering wheel, the passenger seat and the drivers seat usually at 2000 RPM and at 1000 RPM. It also vibrates at idle, but not consistently. The vibration at 2000 RPM becomes very pronounced at highway speeds around 70-75 MPH. It feels like driving on rumble strips. Ive had the car back into the dealership 3 times. Ive even tried a different dealer to see if they would be more honest about acknowledging the problem. My experience has been the same each time: The service manager tells me that the "slight" vibration is a normal characteristic of the CRV. They say that Im the only customer out of the thousands that theyve sold this car to who has complained about the vibration. They say that they havent even heard of the 2 Youtube videos released by Honda Corp. acknowledging the vibration and claiming that its their top priority to fix it. They say they know nothing about a software update from August addressing the mode 3 vibration. (which doesnt work) They say that there is nothing wrong with my car and that the performance falls within normal specs. They say that the "normal" vibration is not a safety issue. They tell me that what Im feeling is feedback from the road conditions. If it wasnt such a huge financial fiasco for me, this would be funny. Apparently I know more about the 2015 CRV issues and Hondas response than any sales person or service tech in my area. They drive the car and tell me they cant feel anything except road feedback. Its beyond frustrating. Of course they offer to sell me a different car, but Ill have to take a hit on my trade in. If this is the new normal for Honda, then this 25 year Honda customer will be moving to a different manufacturer. DONT BUY THIS CAR. Dont you think that if Honda believed the vibration was normal they would have already had the 2016s on the lot? Whens the last time they released the new year model AFTER the 1st of the year? Theres a reason Honda has delayed the release of the 2016s. Its a serious problem, NOT a normal characteristic.

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  not happy owner - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By m carter - October 2 - 8:58 pm

  This is our 4th CRV. None of the others had a vibration problem. When backing sometimes it is so bad it feels like it is going to stall. Had the something happen while pulling into a parking spot and at a stop sign. Also has an issue with it not slowing when you take your foot off the gas. Didnt keep my 2012 because no arm rest for passenger side but now wish I had. Center console has no room.

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  Vibration and Idle problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Margaret - October 2 - 2:11 pm

  I bought a 2015 Honda Crv. A few days after i had it i relized that it has a vibration and idle problem when stopping at red lights. I very seldom drive the car because it vibrates so bad.So i am paying on this car and Honda hasnt did anything about the problem. Honda knew back in March that they had a problem and kept manufacting these car and selling them like nothing was wrong. Honda needs to make it right with these car owners with a buy back becsuse these cars are JUNK

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  Serious Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nagesh - October 2 - 11:41 am

  Dont buy the Honda CRV vehicle unless the fix is applied, There is serious vibration issue when the vehicle is idle, I paid $27000 for the new 2015 Honda CRV EX AWD thought I would be lucky to not have the vibration issue, but after 400 miles I have started seeing the vibration issue when ever you stop the vehicle at red light or the car is in idle mode, the front seats starts vibrating. I registered complaint but they say they are still working on the issue. Very frustrated on the Honda Brand...More over the mileage is also low, I got only 23 miles per gallon which is much less that what they mention.

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  High Speed Vibration Annoying - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jay R - October 1 - 6:54 pm

  I have driven many CRVs over the past half dozen years while making dealer trades and really liked all of the ones I drove. I never drove one that had a vibration problem at speed. I purchased my wife a new 2015 CRV Touring model in July and quickly discovered that there was a vibration in the steering wheel beginning about 70 mph. I took it back to the dealer and the dealer tried rotating tires and even tried different wheels to no avail. The problem remained. I asked to drive another new CRV Touring and found the condition on that vehicle as well. Our CRV now has about 2600 miles on it and the problem remains. It is more an annoyance than anything and certainly doesnt belong on a brand new $34,000vehicle. I have been waiting for a fix from Honda and am very disappointed that I have heard nothing to date.