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 971 through 980 of 4,333.00-
Best SUV for ME - 2008 Honda CR-V
By BluesdaddyBill - August 28 - 7:05 pmWe love Hondas and the CR-V is the best 4 cylinder 5 speed SUV. Almost everything about this vehicle is great. Overall MPG is 25 for mostly city driving. The ride is "car like" and I know it will last for years with proven reliability. You really do get what you pay for with Honda.
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Extremely Uncomfortable - 2017 Honda CR-V
By A R - August 27 - 11:13 pmI loved everything about this car during the test drive. The interior and exterior are amazing. The tech is the best in class and it seemed overall great. Then I took it home and my opinion changed. I tried every seating position and even used cushions, but could not get comfortable. Even worse than that, after 15 minutes in the car my entire foot and leg started to go numb. I made myself take it for a long drive and by the time I got to my destination my entire foot and leg ere completely numb. It took a while to get the feeling completely back and then the pain took over. I was limping the entire next day. So on the way back I tried cushions and other positions and nothing changed. The seats press on my static nerve and cause all of this to happen. I recommend this car for all of its features, but do not recommend it for comfort. If comfort is important to you look at different cars like the Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5. I will be selling this back to the dealer for a big loss because I refuse to keep a car that will hurt me. Just beware before buying.
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140,000 miles and going - 2006 Honda CR-V
By takethisandthat - August 27 - 11:33 amI have no mechanical problems at all with this car. The gas mileage is 26 on the hwy which should be better. The seats are very hard, had to buy a gel seat to sit on. It handles OK but in the wind it gets moved around some. Also, it is loud from road noise. My black paint is like cheap nail polish. But I am sure I will drive this over 200,000 and have no problems.
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Last Honda we will buy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Robert G - August 26 - 8:03 pmWe have had 2 Pilots, Accord, Element, and 3 CRVs. More problems with this one than all the rest put together. This stupid transmission "CVT" sucks! The vibrations! We have had the computer reprogramed three times and although better I would never pull the trigger and buy it. Several times since the week it was new it has, when backing out of the garage, shook hard, engine revs and then settles down. The other day it did that and died. Although all over the web dealer says it was fine and did not duplicate when in for service. Honda needs to quit running so many adds on TV and get back to building good cars. Seems to be run by marking and bean counters these days.
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I love My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
By Bellbrook - August 26 - 9:00 amThis car drives like a nice sedan. You dont feeling you are driving an SUV. I have shopped around for more than a year for small SUV. I considered Toyota RAV4, However the CRV-10 is a clear winner. Smooth ride refine interior, in short Honda is quality. I owned a pilot, civic and accord, I wanted to change to other cars. I came back to Honda. Honda is quality and dealer was professional, I owned a civic for 11 year and selling it now for a decent money. If you want SUV with a smooth ride and peace of mind go CRV and you will be a winner.
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seat comfort - 2002 Honda CR-V
By newhondaowner - August 26 - 2:00 amre: review of John Miller of March 6,2002, have experienced the same problem with the drivers seat. Feet begin to go numb after driving for awhile. I am 62". Also, back aches after driving it for not that long a period
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2005 Honda CR-V LX (AWD) - 2005 Honda CR-V
By kyhonda - August 24 - 10:46 pmHappy with our purchase. Positives include safety features, solid build feel and handling, good ground clearance, roomy interior design. Ride is noiser, stiffer and bouncier than I realized in test drive. Mostly on highway getting 22-23 mpg. Passenger room and cargo room is ample. No deal breaking negatives, but Honda could make a good SUV great by addressing these problems: Reduce the road noise, shifter on dash is easily bumped into neutral reaching for radio, let the drivers seat slide back further, better cloth and interior color choice (black shows every bit of dirt). Stereo is not very good and hard to hear over road noise.
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Great choice - 2010 Honda CR-V
By RRS - August 23 - 11:50 pmI did a lot of research before picking the CR-V. The interior is quite clean, spacious and comfortable. It handles great, and the power is reasonable. While I am not in love with the exterior appearance, I am very happy with my choice. The CR-V feels like it is very well made. I recommend the "door visors" as an accessory.
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A/C Did Me In - 2002 Honda CR-V
By givingup - August 23 - 4:15 pmThe a/c, as others have reported, is the worst part of owning this vehicle. First time it broke was long out of warranty and Honda didnt give a flip this was a common complaint. Second time, still under 1yr warranty from previous work. It took the mechanic three compressors before finding one that worked without failing instantly. Third time, I just gave up and am now looking for a new car. It was my second Honda. My first was a Civic which held up well in a very bad front end collision (I walked away uninjured from a car with no front end left) which led me to stay with Honda. The a/c experience and nearly constant check engine light are why I will leave.
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Roomy Ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
By J. L. Butler - August 22 - 11:10 pmIm enjoying my new CRV SE after upsizing from a ten year old Honda Fit. The CRV is much more roomy than other cars in its class. The similar sized Ford and Toyota seem quite claustrophobic in comparison. I am also impressed with the cargo space in the CRV. I was able to haul a small love seat in the back of the car with plenty of room to spare. The back seats are easy to lower, even for a woman over 55. The CRV is a good height - no climbing up or stooping down to get into the drivers seat. The front seats are a little shallow for tall drivers, but there is plenty of leg room. The car is very responsive and has great brakes. After driving a tiny Fit, Im still getting used to a larger car, but the back-up camera is a big help. Bluetooth, Audio and Aux systems work well. Im counting on Honda dependability.