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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  Headrest problems - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wtd01 - April 21 - 10:18 am

  The headrest forces your head too far forward causing neck pain. The instructions indicate to set the headrest so the back of your head is aligned to the middle of the headrest. the headrest doesnt extend high enough to meet that requirement. I am 6 tall. Honda USA refuses to acknowledge that a problem exists or that anyone else has complained (contact# N12015-04-210-0282). I would nor buy this vehicle if you are 6 or taller.

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  CRV Vibration is Real Dont buy one now! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Bruce DeWerth - April 16 - 3:47 pm

  I bought the 2015 CRV in November as a change from my Ford Escape. Bad idea. From day one there has been a vibration when the brake is depressed at stop lights. The vibration is severe and carries throughout the vehicle. I took the vehicle to the dealership an was told that "this is normal and wont harm the car" How crazy is that? I called Honda and they told me that they are aware of the problem. When I asked why they dont fix it. I was told that there was a video on You tube explaining the vibration problem. Unbelievable. I never expected a response like that from Honda. Beware they are still shipping them problem and all. Big Recall coming. This is really shameful.

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  Vibration at idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie Bath - April 2 - 9:09 pm

  Drove both 2014 and 2015 cr-vs. Bought the 15 since it seemed much quieter and smoother than the 14. What a mistake. This thing shakes like crazy when in drive while braking at a stop. At times the rpms jump from 2000 to 1500 for no reason when just cruising at normal speeds. I still own a much maligned Jeep Compass with 118000 miles and a CVT with no such problems-still runs as smooth as ever. Was going to trade it for the Honda but glad I kept it! Honda better do something soon. I only put 700 miles on it since new in November--I may end up trading it for my first choice a Nissan Rogue or a used Lexus R350!

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  Also having the vibration problem - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By David Adeney - March 31 - 2:16 pm

  At idle, with my foot on the brake, there is noticeable vibration from the steering wheel and the drivers seat. In motion, when engine rpms are a constant 1500 or lower, the engine has a lugging feel and droning sound. No lugging or droning while braking or accelerating (except when accelerating very hard). My wife, kind to all moving creatures, says dont worry about it--just be grateful for the free back massage. An old-school guy like me, however, hungers for a smooth transmission and engine combo.

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  Long Term Review of 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By asuchemist - March 11 - 1:02 pm

  My 2008 Honda CRV LX 2wd is nearing 110K miles. Paid $17K brand new in 2008. The vehicle is a no thrill people mover. Interior material is average for the time and holding up. Oil and Transmission fluid changes are easy. Oil change interval 5K miles and transmission change intervals done every 15K miles. After a couple of years the interior has developed a rattle and at stops in drive the motor has some vibration (motor mount design). The CRV has enough power for on freeway acceleration. Kept everything standard, no upgrades. Normal things I have done: -Front and rear brakes (finally after 100K miles on them) -New rotors -New Shocks and struts (front back)

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  Honda Denying Electrical Problem - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Enrico T Bruschi - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  Despite overwhelming evidence of an electrical system issue causing the cars battery to die a slow death between two and three years, including a recall to address the software causing the problem, Honda will not do the right thing and replace the battery that their design destroyed. I have never had to replace a battery in a new car at 33 months. I am finding this is Hondas typical approach to problems - denial until forced otherwise by the government. Ridiculous. This was my very first Honda, and possibly my last. Its not that I hate the car, but I definitely did not observe the reliability I had heard about do much.

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  Warranty Information - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Allen Hawkins - February 19 - 1:36 pm

  This is my second CRV. First was a 2010 and current is a 2013. This past month or so I have notice a squeal when I apply final pressure to the brakes. Made an appt. with the dealer feeling good that it was still under warranty(mileage 28215/less than two years old) but apprehensive going in that they would not hear the squeal. Went thru the process of talking to the service manager and after about 30 mins. was told they indeed had heard the squeal but it was not covered under warranty. They could give me no reason why it was squealing but they were more than willing to do a brake service costing $230. So, another life lesson learned. They never fail to disapoint.

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  2014 CRV Dissapointment - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By bmwjeff - January 17 - 7:54 am

  After selling an Acura MDX due its very thirsty motor and hunting transmission we thought we would just buy a simple, reliable car to get around in. The CRV seemed to fit the bill and we were quickly a 2014 EX AWD owner. Our car averaged about 25 MPG over the course of the 12K of ownership which is OK for a car of its size. The throttle was very touchy and somewhat hard to drive in a smooth fashion. The Green drive button helped to smooth the head jerking starts. At about 8k we acquired a barking dog sound from the rear every time you would start and stop. We had a rattle in the dash on the drivers side and the dreaded cam shaft solenoid rattle at start-up. Sold car back to the dealer

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  Thoroughly Dissappointed - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By wh_labrador - January 14 - 7:02 am

  I bought this vehicle for my Wife to replace a 2005 Chevy Equinox. We live in a very cold climate and since the Equinox had failed to start a few times, I thought Id get her the "Best of the Best" to replace it. Its now on its third battery, the steering wheel locks up so that you have to fight to get the key to turn, the electric power steering fails at cold temperatures and last week, it blew the oil pressure sensor out of it when it was being warmed up. All the oil pumped out and now the engine is ruined. My F150 starts fine as does the Neighbors new Chevy Equinox. It may be okay in Florida but it fails miserably here. I will say though, that their roadside assistance is great.

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  awful seats, marginal a/c - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By rwalters1 - December 20 - 5:21 pm

  Owned this car for 15,000 miles. The seats are hard and crowned in the middle. Tried to fix them with the help of an upholstery shop. unless you are very large or very young you will not like these seats. They get very painful the more you drive this car. I believe the car critics are a bunch of biased reviewers. How could anyone miss the fact that these seats are this terrible. A friend at work wife has a CR-V and he says the same thing. Bought an Escape and it makes the Honda look and feel like it was a ten year old car. On a hot day we had to put the fan on high and turn temp to 65 and it barely worked.