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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  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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  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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  vibraion at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep123_sr@yahoo.com - October 1 - 12:46 am

  the car vibrates at idle, when stopped at signal light it starts vibrating.

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  Vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sandeep - September 29 - 10:46 pm

  My car has less than 7K on odometer and I have vibration problem. It is very annoying and distracts the driver.

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  Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By GK - September 29 - 9:19 am

  5000 miles on the car and Mode 1 Vibration is evident even at cooler temps. Sometimes in reveres the car shudders violently making you think its going to stall. This is a major concern when backing up around sidewalks or busy parking lots as you lose concentration. Starting to get mode 2 vibration also. The techs at Honda are aware and could care less. Guess only recourse it to keep taking it in and the try to fight them with lemon law. The navigation and the whole setup is counterintuitive, someone really has to clean up the logic here. The materials on the doors are very cheap and scuff up easily. The ride is nice and fuel economy has been on track but what a major disappointment with the vibration. Sitting in stop and go traffic and you feel as if youre in an old broken down manual car with a bad engine and trans. Long and probably last time new Honda buyer. I hope Honda gets with it and fixes the issues.

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  Is Honda pulling a Volkswagon? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Roger Wright - September 24 - 3:45 pm

  Good news about the rough idle/vibration design flaw---they have acknowledged it exists. Bad news? Everything else. There is no word on when a fix will be available. And of course no clue as to what the constant vibrations mean to the long term stability of the car. No urgency because they arent killing anyone with the car or polluting the planet. They are simply selling a car that vibrates like crazy every time you stop in traffic. Nice huh? Im a lifetime Honda owner. Have never seen anything like this. A car that cant operate without vibrating --and Im talking serious vibrating and a rough idle that feels like you are about 3 seconds from a sputtering stop--a car that does that is a nightmare. Cause there is nothing you can do and no one cares. Stay away from this car!!!

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  It vibrates - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - September 22 - 9:24 am

  This suv should be recalled due to excessive engine vibration at idle. Just imagine what this will be like in 5 years from now! Just test drive one to find out for yourself. Go with a Forester or Rav4 instead.

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  Very Disappointed Honda should be ashamed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Nicole Franks - September 20 - 8:45 am

  As with other people. Wish never purchased this car. Dealer covers up the issue with vibration just to get them off the lot. Then will not acknowledge or make an attempt to help. It has gotten to the point that asked them to buy back the car. There offer a 5k loss. They admitted do not want to take the loss themselves nothing they could do. Sales manager showed me the door. Now car sitting in driveway with 59 payments to go.

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  Danger awaits unexpected acceleration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ron Walli - September 9 - 4:12 pm

  We bought our sixth -- and last -- new Honda in March 2015. We drove the CRV-EX AWD just 1,600 miles before trading it for a 2015 RAV4 because we experienced unexpected acceleration on several occasions and received no help from Honda. I was stunned. I couldnt believe how a longtime loyal Honda owner could be treated so poorly by Airport Honda in Tennessee and American Honda. I wanted American Honda to buy it back and told the representative that I would gladly pay for the mileage. Heres what happened: I took the car to Airport Honda on Aug. 26 so they could check it out. Since the problem was intermittent, I halfway expected that they wouldnt find a problem, especially given the way they treated me upon arrival. Despite showing them Internet reports of unexpected acceleration in CR-Vs, they said that they had never heard of such a problem. I explained that theres no way I would make this up since it caused me a lot of trouble taking off work and driving 40 miles (round trip) so they could see if they could "replicate" (wink, wink) the problem. The best I could get was a car that functioned properly. After keeping the car for two days, of course they told me the car was fine. So when it became obvious that the service department was of no use, I tried to trade the car for either a 2016 Pilot or another CR-V, although that prospect scared me somewhat because I didnt know if I could trust another CR-V. They said theyd call me with a trade figure, but they never did as they obviously didnt want the absolutely pristine gray CR-V with the added $500 options of a hood deflector, mud flaps and a sunroof visor -- all genuine Honda parts installed by Airport Honda. I called them back and spoke to Bruce Wayne (no kidding), and he wouldnt provide a trade figure many hours after he said theyd have those numbers in a few minutes. In the end, I lost several thousand dollars and all respect I had for American Honda and Airport Honda. Our RAV4 with a conventional six-speed transmission is rock solid and the dealer, Fox Toyota, is perhaps the most honest and best in America. Reports of Hondas decline certainly dont seem to be exaggerated based on my experience. Oh, and I forgot to mention how the CR-Vs engine sent vibrations through the cabin with the car in drive and the brake pedal depressed. Airport Honda acknowledged that problem but said there isnt a fix at this time. Anyway, I just hope no one gets killed in a CR-V when it takes off.