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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  CR-V - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Ken - October 15 - 3:17 pm

  Make sure you check all dealerships for the best deal.

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  Good car Except for expensive A/C repair - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - October 13 - 1:54 pm

  Bought this w/ 94K miles and overall its an OK vehicle but very weak and slow. However, I expected that, as long as it got good gas mileage. Well this car is both slow and thirsty! I only get 20-22mpg mixed and for a 4cylinder this is unacceptable. Ive gotten better gas mileage w/ V-6s. Also, the A/C compressor problem is not a rumor or a joke. I knew about this problem after reading reviews but I did not thing it was common enough to be a risk, so bought the car anyway. I was wrong and 3 months after purchasing it the A/C compressor broke. Seems like not a big deal since its not engine/trans related but guess again. From the dealer, the A/C repair was quoted at $4000! because they need to replace the entire system. Thats more than an engine or transmission. Luckily I found an indy mechanic that fixed it for $1800. Still alot of $ to spend especially when comparable RAV4s dont have any of these costs.

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  Very Disappointed.... - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By P. Martin - October 11 - 7:51 am

  This 2015 CRV has a serious problem with vibration while idling in gear. It took a while for me to notice how pronounced the vibration is because I had the A/C on all summer and for some reason having the A/C on masks the vibration. Honda is aware and so are the dealerships. I am appalled that they are still selling this car with a known defect and no fix for the problem. And no, the update does not correct the issue. I think that the pursuit of a lemon law complaint is in order!

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  Great car. - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By TREY - October 6 - 3:24 pm

  2013 honda crv lx has 40,000 miles Ive had no issues with the car. One dislike was road noise from the factory continental tires so I found some ex l 17 inch wheels and bought a new set of michelin latitude tires. Its amazing what a difference that made. Another dislike is that there is no arm rest for passenger driver. Other than that it gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room for size.

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  not happy owner - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By m carter - October 2 - 8:58 pm

  This is our 4th CRV. None of the others had a vibration problem. When backing sometimes it is so bad it feels like it is going to stall. Had the something happen while pulling into a parking spot and at a stop sign. Also has an issue with it not slowing when you take your foot off the gas. Didnt keep my 2012 because no arm rest for passenger side but now wish I had. Center console has no room.

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  Battery/air conditioner is problematic - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Carol - September 25 - 11:15 pm

  Ive already replaced my battery one at year two. The mechanic said something about my driving, idling, extra usage of phone charging. Ive not changed my driving style in 40 years, and Ive never had to replace a battery before 4-5 years. The air conditioner has gone out every year. They dont say its a normal occurrence, but they dont admit that something may be wrong either. Ive always been a Honda girl, but after this car...I will research other cars.

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  crv - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By mack - September 20 - 1:40 pm

  It was a great SUV. Enjoying going fishing,hunting,camping, and road trips with it. But any crv from year 1996 to 2000 has recall on ignition/electrical problem. My 99 crv die on me a few times when i was driving, everything shut down, hard to steer the wheel, brake padel was hard to press on. Any automatic AWD transmission has problem . AWD transmission cost from $750 to $1200. FWS transmission is about half the price. Most older model 4WD crv being sold on craigslist had transmission problem.

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  Extremely Disappointed in the Interior - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Carolyn Martin - September 14 - 2:37 pm

  Interior is ALWAY BLACK and therefore highlights any dust or dirt. That would be OK, EXCEPT do NOT us a cleaner to wash the doors etc. I have faded interior. It looks AWFUL. I was washing the windows and used the same rag to wash the inside of the door. It took the color completely off! After having this car for only 3 months, it looks older than my 12 year old other car! Cheap interior materials. The seats show everything from a drop of water can create a stain! And Ive never seen a paint job that chips so easily. Its so sad, because I love this car and it rides well, but looks like a piece of crap. The dealership response was to say it was not their responsibility.

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  Vibration when acceleration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Devendra Sanghavi - September 8 - 12:43 pm

  I just bought the car on 09/06/2015 and got the delivery yesterday. Noticed that the car vibrates when gently accelerating. I am soo disappointed. Have always liked Honda and Accura. This was the third entrant for me after a 2002 Civic (purchased/used) and 2013 Accura ILX (Leased/New). I dont know what to do now.

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  I like my wifes crv 2010 Better - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Carlos - September 7 - 4:51 pm

  I have to say thanks God I have a lease, cant wait to get rid of this vehicle, My wife has a 2010 and it has better handling, better driving position, captain chairs with a real armrest and the best part no vibrations, I dont understand why they took a perfect suv and screw it up, when I went for a road test no vibration it was a hot day and of course the ac was on, Probably that was the reason I miss the vibration, after a couple of days whenever I got to a stop light with no ac running the shakes are there, believe me the vibrations are real and a real pain in the neck, I will advise everybody in the market for an suv look elsewhere at least until they take care of this problem because is real and thats the only way they might fix it, almost forget poor location for parking brake that thing is there hitting your foot all the time, specially if you wear boots it is almost impossible to find a perfect placement for your foot, I am surprised no one else commented about this.