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:

• 

  Stay Away - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By drake1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Owned one for six months...just traded it for a different car. Way too many flaws to list...major ones include a fender that did not match from the factory, and rear seat belts latches that would come unbuckled on their own (leaving my son unattached in his car seat!!!)Seats are hard and too narrow, Stereo is tinny, Road noise is very load, side-to-side visibility is terrible if not dangerous, many of the controls are backwards and the locking system frustrating. Vehicle is NOT roomy inside it is very narrow and tall which makes it feel cramped. The plastics which there is a lot are easily scratched.

• 

  Unimpressed - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jtulin - March 12 - 11:10 am

  The seats are uncomfortable, handling and ride are poor. I am having problems with the rear differential. In the rain the when the front wheels lose traction the rear wheels suddenly kick in and the car jerks. This is very disconcerting, not a well designed AWD system.

• 

  PLEASE DONT EVER BUY A HONDA - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Susan M - October 4 - 1:02 am

  I made the mistake of buying a 2015 CRV and noticed shortly after purchasing a terrible vibration at idle and at varying speeds. Brought it in twice because I was told they finally had a fix but they lied and were unable to fix the problem. Now I am unable to drive this car and have 5 years of car payments on a car I cant drive. Other dealerships will basically give me nothing for a trade so I am stuck. Please DONT buy a Honda, they used to be a reliable company but they are not anymore. I test drove 8 2016 CRVs and they also had the same problem, but Honda continues to sell this vehicle. No reputable company continues to sell a knowingly defective vehicle. How can Honda get away with doing this to people?

• 

  minor items - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By P - August 21 - 1:21 pm

  I like my CRV. Perfect for a small family car. I can drive 3 or 4 teenage girls around in it comfortably. Its pretty good in the weather on wet or snowy roads. The clock is so high on the dashboard that it is always in the sunlight and I can never see what time it is during the day. I wouldnt want to use it if I lived in the mountains though. The engine is 4 cyl. and it does well until I have to go up hills. Then it seems to strain the transmission and no gears seem to be a good fit. Poor visiblility on the drivers side blind spot but if you get the mirrors just right you can compensate for it. But it is reliabile and fits in with my commuting suburban life style.

• 

  Never buy Honda CR-V - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Shaw - June 10 - 11:26 pm

  I bought a new Honda CR-V EX 2017 in February 2017 from the dealership, Castle Honda, in Morton Grove, IL. The car has problem getting started and, as a result, has become very unreliable and undependable. It has happened four times already and three times in less than last three weeks. First time the problem happened in August 2017 when I tried to start it after not driving it for a week when I was in vacation. I was able to jump start it with my other car. Second time the problem happened on 12/11/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I had to call the Honda roadside assistance on 12/12/2017 to tow the car but the tow truck guy was able to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department did some testing of the battery and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. I told them about the tailgate door not working properly as well, they tested that also and informed me that the struts were broken and and they ordered those parts. I drove back the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. I drove the car to Castle Honda again on 12/14/2017 to install the tailgate door struts. I am yet to find out what else is wrong with this car. Third time the problem happened on 12/29/2017 and I was not able to jump start the car. I called the Honda roadside assistance and this time they sent a guy to jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda, the service department tested the battery again and said the battery was fine and they did not know the reason for the problem. They told me to tow the car next time the problem reoccured. I again drove the car home hoping that the problem was fixed. Fourth time the problem happened was on 12/31/2017. I had to wait and seek roadside assistance on 1/2/2018 as the dealership was closed on 12/31/2017 and 1/1/2018. I called the Honda roadside assistance around 6.30 AM and requested specifically for the car to be towed, they said the expected time was between 3 and 8 hours. The tow truck showed up to pick up the car around 11 AM. The tow truck guy from J-TEAM AUTOMOTIVE declined to tow the car and started showing lots of silly excuses of why he could not do it. I did not want to let him go and wait another 5 hours before any help arrived and so I let him jump start the car. I drove the car to Castle Honda and turned it off while waiting in the queue in front of me, the car could not be started after that. The dealership service department tested the battery and this time found the battery to have issues and replaced it. I do not know if this will resolve the issues with the car and the car continues to be as unreliable and undependable as it were. It appears to me that the dealership sold me a faulty car which has caused me lots of inconvenience and has costed me quite a bit in terms of hassle, time spent on the issues and missed work. I have been in contact with American Honda since 12/11/2017 and they have opened up a case on my car. The case manager keeps telling me that they bear no responsibility for the dealership or the roadside assistance and also only thing American Honda can do is to fix any issue the car may have since that’s what warranty is for. He does not appear to understand that having too many issues like I experience make Honda CR-V a inferior quality product, American Honda a low-grade manufacturer and Castle Honda a low-grade dealer. I have extremely negative customer experience with Honda CR-V, American Honda and Castle Honda. I will never buy any Honda product and tell others not to buy Honda products as well.

• 

  worst car ever - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By be - June 16 - 8:24 am

  My husband traded my honda pilot for this piece of crap 2018 crv. If you wan t to drive a 1999 car, then buy this. no storage space in the back every thing is just going to fly around or you have to put the thing were your tire goes. camera suck if u use it u will hit something this camera show thing s are far away when they are really close, and its blurry. I hate it with a passion worst thing my husband did to me and he financed it which makes matters worst. Horrible!!!!! A very dissatisfied customer!!!!!

• 

  POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE HARNESS & BATTERY - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Steve Sumner - May 12 - 11:23 am

  BEWARE. Very poor design of positive battery cable connection. Instead of an adequate battery post clamp, it has a copper wire braid instead. This makes it EXTREMELY vulnerable to corrosion if battery leaks. Corrosion eats through copper wire braid and connection to starter is terminated. Car will not start. Fix includes replacement of the entire positive battery cable wire harness. Dealer priced new wire harness at $800 plus labor. Bought new battery and our mechanic rewired new cable to starter because the corrosion traveled down the cable to the starter. Battery should last more than 3-4 years. Googled to find numerous people have had this same problem on other models and years. Registered problem with NHTSA government agency for possible recall since it could result in serious injury or worse. Honda denied having had problem reported.

• 

  Very noisy cabin - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By John Brown - January 22 - 6:44 pm

  I am really upset on 2018 CRV Touring. Before buying I did test drive for about 2-5 miles and everything was ok. But after driving car about 50Miles, started to hear very loud noise like a drum noise/rattling noise. This noise is specific to Touring model as stated by dealer. If I knew at the beginning why I am going to spend $35K for a car. Now I have to live with that noise. I strongly advise to new buyers do not buy touring at all. Heres is the link for recorded video:https://youtu.be/6oxQjXOQRVo

• 

  Honda Quality has come down - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Basheer - January 12 - 7:20 am

  I have new Honda CRV 2016. Quality of interiors is very poor. The car starts to vibrate within 10 minutes and it is very irritating. Has transmission issues and Electronics is outdated. Noise is very irritating. It has resale value just because of name "HONDA" but is not value for money/comfort what you pay for.

• 

  Unfixable Vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John p - August 25 - 12:27 pm

  Ive had my 2015 CRV ex-L for 8 months, 7000 miles. Im ready to drive it into a bottomless pit. The vibration issue mentioned here is Unfixable. Ive had all 3 of the potential "fixes" performed and there is no discernible improvement. At this point the only acceptable fix would be getting rid of it. Steer clear of this model.