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 car - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By crv2015ownera - May 20 - 1:44 pm

  I bought my brand new CRV 2015 and got the car in May 2015 Everything is perfect in this car excet this annoying vibration. I cant understand how Honda is willing to lose their reputation by allowing such a considerable flaw in their best selling SUV. Tge vibration really frustrates me everytime I drive the car and stop at a stop sign or red signal. I can see tge passenger seat shaking.... I dont know wgat I should do now and how to deal with my car!!!

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  Vibration and Shuddering - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By rickypicky - May 2 - 6:30 pm

  Vibrates abnormally when vehicle is in drive with my foot on the brake. Car manufacture date is 4/2015. I purchased it after Honda came out with this video but was told nothing about it by the dealer. I can actually see the front passenger headrest vibrating strongly when stopped at a traffic signal and RPMs dip to around 600.

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  Most bad car I have owned - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tearsbuyer222 - April 18 - 6:29 pm

  I just bought car in March, and one week late I found the car has vibration problem, and felt a slight jump on the freeway if the car in high speed. I reported this problem to dealership and Honda Headquarter, they said it is under investigation, but without time frame. This problem not only happened on my car. Honda knows this, but they dont want to solve this. They keep saying no safety issue. From Hondas attitude to this problem, who will believe them, and how we can trust them!!! Why we should buy a NEW car with problems! Why should we be suffered by the vibration while driving on the freeway?! Why should we pay a NEW car price to get a defeat car?! It is not fair to customers! I have

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  Caveat emptor "Let the buyer beware"[ - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tom A - April 10 - 1:11 pm

  What a mistake buying this SUV. The vibration problem is real. Stay away form the CRV until Honda fixes the problem.

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  Honda Canada video acknowledges vibration issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - April 8 - 10:53 am

  Today I received from my dealer a new Honda video (You Tube) acknowledging the vibration issue. Contrary to what the video mentions (vibrations mostly in the seats), I get them in the steering wheel as well. Video says: . happens at 2200 rpm and under . They are investigating the issue and will advise when and if a product upgrade is available. I am glad they are working on this but disappointed they released a model which to me is seriously flawed. Weve had ours since November and the vibration issue has gradually worsened. I do not enjoy driving the vehicle.

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  WORST CRV EVER MADE - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Muhammed Rayeez - April 3 - 7:30 pm

  I bought CRV only because of the trust in Honda. My CRV is vibrating very bad which reminds my worst decision ever made. Please do not buy this car.

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  Vibration issues that passengers notice - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda Marie - April 2 - 9:32 am

  I, like many others, have major issues with vibrations (mostly at idle). I was told by my dealership that I "was the only one" that complained of this. However, I went online and see it is indeed a problem with the 2015s in general, not my vehicle. I hope Honda does a recall soon to fix this or I will never buy a Honda again (and neither will my family and friends who experienced the vibrations in my car). In addition, I drive the highway and accelerate slowly with the eco button on, and cant get above 25.7 mpg on the highway.

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  Lot of Vibration in Idle is a serious issue! Dont purchase 2015 CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jaff Sammuel - April 1 - 10:47 am

  I bought 2015 CRV LX AWD in mid of Jan, 2015. I started feeling the vibration from the beginning. I reported the same to Honda Technical Support and the dealer. But couldnt get any attention from them. Finally I took the vehicle to Honda Service and they confirmed it is a known technical issue in 2015 CRV for which Honda has no fix yet. I complained Honda again but didnt get any solution. They dont bother once the car is sold. I will never by any Honda car in future. Dont by Honda CRV 2015 CVT model. This is a defective car and no support from Honda.

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  7k miles then problem starts - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By ned20 - January 30 - 12:21 pm

  Bought the new crv 2014 lx model July of 2014. Just this winter when temperature drops 40 f below, grinding sound from the engine will shoot up for 5 to 8 seconds ( first start in the morning. Took it to the dealer and change the vtc actuator. Scared that it will sound again because a lot of crv owners experienced the sound over again even though they changed the part several times. They should do a recall for this.

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  Head lights are awful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By kvalenti - January 8 - 1:12 pm

  I have had this car for over a year and hate it at night I cant see the road even with the high beams on. The road noise is very loud. When I go down hill the gears dont down shift and the sound is awful. And the other day I had the ABS light the Power Steering light and the Traction control light come on so now I have to take it in for service I am trading it in as soon as I can and not for another Honda. Very disappointed.