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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  Lost my favorite aspects of car - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Rmrand - January 23 - 11:08 pm

  Happy with reliability of CRV. However, there were 3 things I loved about my 2010 CRV that are now gone. Floor to roof cargo height reduced by 8" (have to put bike on slant now). Open floor area between front seats (great for computer bag) now filled with a useless console. Middle folding rear seat good for putting skiies through and 2 passengers - gone to 2/3, 1/3 split - now skiied and only 1 passenger. Plastic grey trim on top level trim - ugly and cheap. So my favorite things about car gone and I am in work around mode. Probably will look at other alternatives. Hoping the tires on this car last longer than the 30K on 2010 model. "Sport utility" is a completely different concept than "family" vehicle. Keep it in mind Honda.

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  DISAPPOINTED IN THE CRV-OVERRATED - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By steve hubbard - January 14 - 10:12 am

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  Beware of posted fuel mileage. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jim - January 13 - 12:21 pm

  We purchased our CRV in November and love the vehicle with one exception. The fuel mileage isnt anywhere close to what it was sold as being. My wife has a daily commute of 30 miles each way to work, so fuel economy was a major factor in our decision. Although with 90% of our driving being interstate, the vehicle is only averaging 23.5 mpg even with the eco turned on. If you are looking at the CRV for the fuel economy, I would recommend looking at another vehicle.

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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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  Are you talking to me? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Kandis Thorson - December 8 - 9:17 pm

  If the NAV is important to you, BUY A DIFFERENT CAR. I am a rep on the road & it rarely understands my voice commands. VERY FRUSTRATING!! I do feel my diction is good & my voice is clear, but I have given up on the Nav. I had Onstar in my last car & would not have bought this car if I would have known how poorly the voice command system worked. Also, I was told I cant add an auto tailgate & the hatch goes down quite hard. Im sure an older woman would not be able to operate it. Its the little things I miss, after coming from a Chevy Equinox this car doesnt have the bells & whistles. I think it handles well & the gas mileage is good. If I werent so upside down, Id trade it tomorrow. The selling feature was how it holds its value, who cares if you dont like the car. Sorry!

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  Poor fuel economy and vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Simons - November 30 - 11:38 am

  I am getting terrible fuel millage 22 city and 28 hwy my 2013 did much better and it has a vibration on acel. I do not like cvrt trans. for this reason. I can not believe Honda puts only this trans in vehicles. I may have to quit buying Hondas

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  Stop and Shake - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Julia - November 27 - 7:54 pm

  Stop and feel the shakes before you buy this crossover. I did not notice the shakes of the crossover I test drove. I was heart broken and called the dealer right away after my new ride arrived. The Honda dealer is going to fix my car next week.

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  NOT good, good, good.... good vibrations - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By John Sullivan - November 24 - 8:07 pm

  Check for vibration at idle and at 1100-1300 RPM and with light acceleration. My EX AWD started a vibration at about 500 miles and is getting worse. The vibration now has an accompanying rumble up to 1800 RPM. I had taken it back but the FIX did not work. Service dept is aware of this and claims that Honda is working on a fix. Meantime I am getting more irritated with the car. I also have a 2013 Accord with the same engine and CVT with no vibrations. If it is simple harmonic motion then I suspect that engine and CVT mounts might be the culprit. Strangely if you turn on the a/c at idle the vibration stops but not at the higher RPMs. Vibration and sound reminds of how a standard transmission behaves when you are in too high a gear for the speed you are traveling. If Honda can find the FIX I will be very happy with car sans the infotainment system.

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  Vibration nightmare - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By dan - November 20 - 6:05 am

  This car has a serious vibration problem when at idle when in gear at stop lights which Honda has admitted to but has not been able to fix!!

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  Should be happy - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By MrUnhappy - November 10 - 8:06 am

  I went from a V8 Sierra, to the Honda CRV Touring. The gas mileage is very good, average around town 25-26. Dont pull out in traffic, it doesnt have the fastest get up and go. Love the heated seats (would be nice to have more temperature control, not just hi and low) Moon roof leaked a little in some car washes, but liked this option. Navigation too hard to set up, Bluetooth worked but sounded bad to callers, and you really had to speak clearly and loudly. Turned off collision braking, not a good option in traffic. It braked, if you had to quickly go around someone in traffic. (almost got rear ended) Drivers seat is on the smaller side for someone with long legs. Touch pad screen hard to navigate when driving, especially fast forwarding a song, or trying to turn the radio down. Albiet you can use the steering wheel button. There are 3 different screens to look at, everything should be more centralized. It rarely understands voice commands. Im pretty good with new technology, but this car is frustrating to use all its gadgets.