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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  Worst invention of Honda ever - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vijay - January 8 - 11:37 am

  Alert! Those who want to purchase this car, please test drive it for at least 200 miles :) and go for a decision. Look for videos and blogs reporting vibration problem in this car. You will find a ton of them. Worst part is that, even though Honda is aware of this problem, it is getting rid of its stock with out fixing the problem. Customers have to go to the dealership and beg for the fix. Dealership is not ready to take the car back. Really disappointed with this purchase. Will never trust Honda. They have performed 4 repairs on the car in the first month. Now that they are completely exhausted with their solutions they are pretending that the car is in good condition now and nothing needs to be fixed.

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  Otherwise,Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Wayne - January 8 - 9:13 am

  My new Honda CR-V EX-L is just super to drive in so many ways, and the sound system is by a mile the best I have ever experienced. But like so many other reviews that I have read on line, I am baffled by the unbearable headrests in the front seats. I have read the nonsense about being safer for ones neck in the event of an accident, and if you have progressed beyond the 6th grade you are aware that is simply silly. If one tilts the seat back far enough that the contact point of the headrest is vertical, your seat is sloped backwards so much that you feel like a 16-year-old trying to look cool in his dads car. Further, that amounts to slouching in your seat (just like your teacher Mrs. Wilcox told you to stop doing in 6th grade). You swap neck discomfort for back/lumbar discomfort. So now I have to search aftermarket outlets for decent headrest replacements. Word to Honda- why dont you offer two alternatives to your new car customers- your brilliant improved design, and a standard keep-your-spine-and-neck-comfortably-straight design.

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  Surge and skips/hesitation at 45-50 mph - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nervous Nellie - January 6 - 1:58 pm

  I bought my 2015 Honda CRV in Aug. 2015. It wasnt even 3 mos old (2700 miles on it) when I noticed that it was skipping/hesitating when at a steady speed of about 45-50 mph. The rpm surges from the 1500 mark up to 2000 and right after that there was a momentary hesitation like a skip. It did it about every 10-20 seconds. Only when it is fully warmed up and has been driven at a steady speed. I normally only drive a few miles to work and around town at 30 mph. It is only when I get on a major road and am cruising along. I also noticed a reduction in gas mileage. Dealer could not get any diagnostic codes. They had to get Honda Tech to help. Turned out to be a software malfunction and they had to basically reboot the cars computer. I dont know how this happens with a new car, but I hope it is fixed for good. The dealer staff was excellent and I have no problem with them. They had the car for 3 days. Thankfully I had a loaner. I have NOT noticed the vibration that many people have complained about, but maybe because I rarely am stopped and idling (no streetlights in my town).

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  Transmission Failure - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By MP - December 30 - 3:58 pm

  I purchases this vehicle in August of 2015. I put roughly 3,300 miles on it. While driving it on December 12 the transmission failed and I was stuck on the side of the Hwy waiting 4 hours for a tow truck. The dealer replaced the transmission and I was able to pick up my vehicle yesterday December 29th. On the way home I noticed a couple odd sounds while driving at highway speeds (55-60 mph). I now have about 3,400 miles on the car so it will be interesting to see if the transmission simply needs a break in period or if I will experience this trouble again. I love everything else about the vehicle, I am just hoping that it will be reliable from this point forward.

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  Vibration Makes You Sick - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By J Warner - December 28 - 7:20 am

  We bought our 2015 CRV wanting to keep it for a longtime, but with the vibration issues it doesnt look like thats going to happen. I cant believe that Honda would allow this vehicle to be sold without a notice to the consumer. If they disclosed the vibration issue it wouldnt be the #1 selling SUV. Honda really ruined the brand with me. I have owned 4 Accords, 2 Pilots, we just bought my daughter a HRV and now this piece of junk CRV. This is the last Honda I will buy.

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  2015 CR-V Touring - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Saleem - December 27 - 11:28 am

  Navigation is not voice activated and hard to use as compared to my 2004 EX-L Accord. Electronics could be be more user friendly for an engineer. Car is a little noisy but you get used to it after some time. This is my second Honda CR-V.

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  Very Good SUV except for one thing - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Cliff - December 26 - 5:24 am

  The VTC actuator. During cold winter mornings a loud rattle occurs when first starting the car. Honda says its normal and is the VTC actuator which is not causing any damage. Ive had my CRV for 2 years now and Honda has not made any repairs for this. I consider this a manufacture defect. I dont like an SUV that rattles during the first cold start of the day. If this isnt fixed in the next year, Im getting a Toyota.

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  BEST CAR IVE EVER HAD - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Monica - December 23 - 1:37 pm

  I moved 6 times with this car. Drove all over Florida with it, and it never broke down once. 100k miles on it and I have yet to find a problem with it. The speaks were soooo good, everybody thought I had special speakers put in. 10/10

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  Fully Japanese CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By M. Nesbitt - December 17 - 3:34 pm

  While Ive had several Hondas and Toyotas in the past this is the only one of two fully manufactured in Japan cars Ive had. The ones sourced and assembled elsewhere Ive never had the same bullet proof luck with. This 2007 Honda has never missed a regular scheduled maintenance . The acceleration was never anything to brag about but it has held its own in the pace with highway and stop and go traffic. This was a CRV we purchased new at the time the new model was available. We had to wait 3+ weeks for the car to arrive. As a commuter/school pickup recon vehicle I love the visibility as we live in an area of the country with some of the worst drivers in the United States. While some may balk at the suggestion that a fully made Japanese Honda shouldnt make a difference Ive noticed the interior plastics are more durable than the newer American Accord we also own. The AC in the CRV is superior to the climate control of the former. I appreciate the exterior appearance of this car as it looks like a hybrid between the newer HR-V and the current CRV. I dont feel like Im missing out by not getting a new car.

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  Purchased new 17 years ago - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By multiple Honda owner - December 17 - 2:45 pm

  This is one of the best built vehicles offered from Honda, the motor and durability of the interior are exceptional. We also own a 2009 CR-V since new, but I cant give it the same level of support... the cloth interior on the 2009 rips and stains easily, but the 1998 interior looks nearly new after using the car as a daily driver for 17 years. The B20 motor is one of the most durable and reliable engines on the market, ask any experienced Honda service rep. We have no rust on the vehicle and its been all over the world as part of a military family. Around 200,000 miles we had to replace (or had replaced) suspension bushings, the radiator, a few timing belts, brakes and the muffler. However, for about 250,000 miles of service and counting its a great car. Its visibility is exceptional and all controls are extremely obvious, The entire car is durable and while road noise is higher than the newer CRV, weve never had electronic issues like the newer vehicles and the 98 CRV is very comfortable to drive.