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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  "Cry wolf" tire light and redundant warning screen - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Jyoti Naik - September 7 - 10:33 am

  I bought the 2014 model because I needed an AWD in central NY snow. I like to wait a year to post reviews because I want to really get to know my car. PROs - Reliable, comfortable, functional, gas mileage CONS - After starting the car, it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? FIrst a screen about the satellite for 60 seconds. What is stupid warnings like "Driver is responsible for operation of vehicle" warning? Really? The DMV thinks so. When will you Honda? Duh! WHy dont you have me sign a release when I buy the car so I dont have to look at this every single time I start my car. Takes 30 seconds AFTER you hit OK for the next screen.T hen comes a screen saying your phone is connected for another 30 seconds. Malfunctioning tire pressure light since the day I bought it. Dealership cannot fix it. This is so stressful when you are driving in bad weather because I cant tell if this time the light is for real or just faking it. Poor radio reception. I get 2 stations while all my neighbors get 6 or 8 stations GPS navigation is not intuitive like other cars. Needs too many clicks to get your destination or to find your address book. Screen is invisible when sun shines on it. Need anti glare screen. it takes several screens of warnings before I get to my GPS and punch in my destination. Why? Salem dealership is not knowledgeable. Did not fix my shuddering brakes. Just told me to keep driving and it would go away which it has not. Cruise control has 5 - 10 miles/hr variance on hills after I have set it. This could result in a speeding ticket! Motor is very loud while driving

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  Not what Honda said it would do - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vicki Maness - September 3 - 4:36 pm

  Bought 2015 Honda CRV LX February 28, 2015. Started out using ECON, but the bogging down and vibration was just too much for me, so I switched it off. I only get 23 MPG city, 25 MPG highway. The sticker says it will get 34 MPG highway. I had a 2006 Honda Civic 9 yrs. and it got 40 MPG highway, so I am extremely disappointed in the gas mileage of the new CRV. I needed more room for traveling. I also noticed there is a lawsuit to Honda for the vibration in the motor of the CRV. I hope there will be a recall in the near future for the motor.

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  I WANT ANOTHER HONDA ELEMENT - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By schaublm@gmail.com - August 10 - 4:26 pm

  The 2015 is a terrible car, there is a vibration when you are at the stop lights, you cant see out the back window and too many blind spots. The back up camera is worthless. The black floor picks up every speck of dirt. Basically I want the Honda Element back it was an awesome car!!!

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  Great reviews not justified - strike 2 - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jerry king - July 28 - 6:39 pm

  I bought a 2011 CRV because we I wanted a quality vehicle before I retired. I wanted something that should last a long time with minimal maintenance. Before I retired, I want to purchase a vehicle of good quality and low maintenance. This is definitely not what I thought I had purchased. I had to replace the tires at 17,000 miles, Honda puts on junk tires just to get them off the lot. Putting on good tires on was $700 and now at 24,500 miles the airbag light stays on and I am told for $650 they can repair it. ( I also had a 2008 Accord that required new rear tires and brakes at 30,000 miles.) If I have another repair (other than normal wear and tear, brakes and etc.) the car will be going down the road. Honda is definitely not the quality vehicle that everyone seems to think they think.

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  Disappointed with my decision - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By M Flick - July 26 - 2:15 pm

  I did a lot of research into what car I wanted to invest in and am overall very disappointed with my decision. Im not a huge car person, nor do I pay much attention to these kinds of things. However, for how much I spent on this car, I would have expected a much better value. First, the gas mileage is really poor. It guzzles my gas and there is no chance that I get 22 mpg. My prior car had the same MPG and would last me at least 2x than what I get now. Second, the car rattles and shakes very easily, especially at high speeds. Third, the overall smoothness to the car. It is hard to drive and keep it smooth without jerking at any speed. The breaking is poor as well. Lastly, the stereo system is not clear and precise. For me, Toyota and Honda have always been safe choices. For this to be a Honda and give me this kind of trouble is disappointing. Im going to take a look at my options to see how I can trade it in and not lose a ton of money on it.

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  CR V ibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim - July 17 - 8:49 am

  With two small children, and living in the country, where winters can get bad I was looking for a practical family car with AWD. I decided to lease the CR V because the lease deal was excellent. Very glad I leased (which I never do) and did not buy the CR V. The vehicle is nice (havent got to test out the AWD in snow yet), but like many others have commented the vibration while at stop with car in drive is maddening. And its not minor! I had a hat sitting on the passenger seat, and the letters literally looked like a blur! Sometimes you can even feel it through the steering wheel. I thought I was making a good decision, getting a well known, reliable car, but I was wrong. I have never written a review before iny life, but buying a vehicle is a huge financial decision and I wanted to make others aware. Please, if you are in the market for a compact SUV, do yourself a favor and look at other options. This vibration thing IS REAL! Luckily Im 3 years I can turn this vehicle back in...just hoping Honda comes out with a fix soon. I will repeat one more time...DO NOT BUY a 2015 CR V.

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  Like my wifes 2007 better - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By TK - July 9 - 10:41 pm

  Ive been driving Hondas for 15 years. Came back from a short stint with a Subaru Outback, because Ive really enjoyed driving my wifes 2007 CRV. Let me tell you, Honda really took a good thing and tried to fix it. The overall space and cargo has decreased by inches, but noticeably so. Its terribly dangerous to control climate, radio, or do anything else on the electronic display while one is driving. The vibrations when driving are maddening. We can fit 2 car seats and one person in the back of the 2007, but in the 2015, the 2 car seats make it impossible for a 3rd person to sit, due to seat belt positioning. Oh yeah, I drive all country roads 40-50 mph with barely any stop lights and I am lucky to get in the high 24 MPG. Sometimes I break to 25 MPG. In this day and age on a 4 cylinder??!?!? Give me a break! Oh yeah, the backup cam does not compensate for all the blind spots either. Sometimes the driver door takes 3 tries to shut. Although the touring looks sharp and the engine is really dependable and its a Honda, Ill probably keep this car until 50K and then dump it. Too many idiosyncracies and life is too short...

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  Nice CRV but has the shakes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jose - July 8 - 2:39 pm

  Dont buy it before the shakes/vibration is fixed

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  Rattles lots of cheap plastic lousy mileage - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sbw2 - July 3 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for 2 months & 2000 miles of mixed driving. Its been getting 23.9 mpg, & Ive been babying it w/eco mode on. If you drive it "normally", it drops to 22 in eco mode, & 21 w/o eco mode. The interior of the doors is all cheap plastic, and theres very little in the way of support behind the door panels. I tend to lean my left leg against the door when I drive, and its already starting to "give". The door panels rattle and the dealer says its "normal". Really? The console box is small compared to my Camry & the USB/HDMI connections are in there if you keep stuff wired up, there isnt much usable storage in there. Little pickup but handles well.

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  Shake Rattle and Roll - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sadcrvowner - June 30 - 8:01 am

  I cannot believe some of these reviewers who just accept that their CRV has a vibration to it. I have owned a lot of new cars in my life and do not accept a vehicle that vibrates as a "characteristic". I have taken my issue to CAMVAP (Canadian auto mobile vehicle arbitration) as my wife gets ill from the vibration on long trips. Do not buy this vehicle!