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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  Great Car With Bad AC - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By brett758 - May 2 - 6:13 pm

  Positives: Bought my 04 CRV with 175k miles on it. It now has 250k miles on it and other than putting new tires on it and having the breaks done I have not had a single issue! Not one! The gas mileage (manual transmission 26-27mpg)is pretty good for an SUV. The AWD system has worked well in the snow and I can feel the back wheels turn on when I let the clutch out. Quality interior that has stood up the brutal Arizona sun. Negatives: I bought mine with an aftermarket AC compressor so I never had to deal with the issue but I have heard that its a $3000 fix when the OEM one blows up. Road noise is bad, even with a new set of Michelins. Funky looking styling IMO.

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  no vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By proten - May 2 - 5:41 pm

  Got the awd ex model. First trip got 34 mpg. Very smooth, very quiet. I am 63, and have plenty of room even in back seats. The cvt works perfectly. It doesnt use fake shift points. We are not experiencing the vibration problem some are complaining of. Much quicker than I expected. Also climbs well, as we live in a high altitude mountain town

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  Rough Rider Idle - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By hondalover41 - May 1 - 6:16 pm

  I have owned my 2015 Honda CRV EX-L for about 3 weeks now. I like a lot of things about it, but I am getting more concerned about the rough idle/vibration/pulsation when I am in the drive mode and stopped in traffic. I look over at the front passenger seat and watch the seat belt buckle vibrate against the leather! At times it gets to be pretty intense. I went into the dealer to ask about it, and they said it was fine. We will see if it will take legal class action case to get the problem resolved. I owned my last Acura for 18+ years and really loved it. I only hope I can say the same about this car in a few years. This car just makes more sense because of all of its practical features.

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  VIBRATION - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Trevor Leja - April 27 - 1:32 pm

  Bought car new a month ago .2 days after owning noticed a vibration on acceleration, idles ruff and sometimes it hesitates on acceleration brought to dealer Honda is aware of issues but claims it might be normal for that car. if they do not do something about I will be pursuing the lemon law

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  I shutter thinking about the technology that went into my CRV..unfortunately so does my CRV. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By retiredguy4 - April 27 - 1:05 pm

  Bought new CRV EX AWD in March. Was back at dealership almost immediately about drivetrain vibrations at low speeds and 2000rpms. Also idle speed randomly drops to 550 when warm causing annoying shutter. Dealer says they are aware. They are waiting on Honda fix. We like the vehicle but are loosing faith in Honda as there is no acknowledgement from headquarters. This is our second CRV. Our 2005 is still humming right along.

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  Free vibrator with purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By det97 - April 27 - 12:16 am

  This car is better than a horse and carriage. The seating position is good. The ride is good considering what it is. The is heated seats in my model. I swapped a mustang for this one. I miss Ford Sync. The 2015 CRV Ex isnt a fan of Android.... yet. As for the vibration yes there is one. Not a huge deal breaker but you will normally feel it at a stop while in drive. I think its really more like a Mercedes comfort accessory.

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  Great car but needs work - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By emaui07 - March 31 - 11:03 pm

  The overall interior of the car is good. The back seats give more room than the older models. The middle counsel arm rest is comfortable and there is a lot of room. But there are some issues. There is a hard vibration to the car when you are at a complete stop, so hard that the front seats shake hard and it is very noticeable. Also the a/c does not work well on hot days. Hardly anything comes out of the main vents when you have the feet and top on at the same time. I think I would trade it in if I could but Im in a lease.

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  Almost 100,000 and still going good - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Mario Matias - March 15 - 3:04 pm

  Im at 90,000 miles and havent really had any major problems with the vehicle. Only thing Ive had to replace is my tires. The only unscheduled issues Ive had is problems with the trucks trim. It is a little cheap and not secured very well. A piece of the windshield trim flew off and I have a few other pieces of trim that are coming loose. Thats not too big of a deal though. Its a nice family suv, its very reliable and easy to work on. The pull-out table in the trunk is a nice little added feature also. I do recommend getting better tires if you want to take full advantage of the AWD. I definitely recommend this vehicle though.

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  A Great Little SUV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Liesman - March 1 - 9:48 pm

  Our CRV LX is used as our airport car, NY City car, bad weather vehicle and shopping center car. It gets none of the glory trips, only the tough errands. It soaks up the potholes and does not rattle. The cargo hold puts larger SUVs to shame. Fuel mileage is ok, we only get about 20 mpg, but mostly city driving and short trips. It is very impressive in snow. Very stable with great traction. All in all, a terrific value, but not a great long distance car. Head lights need a lot of improvement.

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  CR-V CONS - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By doctom5 - February 14 - 9:14 am

  I was surprised to see that road noise was not included in the CONS review. This does not bother everyone but it does bother me. Solution, I purchased sound deadening material and installed it from firewall to back. This helped. Then I did the doors. Big improvement but still road noise from wheel wells. Im 6 and weigh 240. For a long trip the seats and noise are just tiresome. And if you are on a curvy road the CRV doesnt handle great. Bottom line, this is not a drivers car or a guys car and I guess thats why my wife loves it.