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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  the things no one tells you - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By bsturman - January 17 - 9:51 pm

  When your stopped with your foot on the brake the car vibrates. Honda cant find anything wrong. Also if your car ever gets bumped on the front passenger side, theres a chance that your windshield washers wont work because the pump is right behind the bumper. Even though I see just a small scratch there, they said it was hit and that is what broke the pump. After 1 year and $250 I have a new pump. Hopefully no one else hits my bumper there or this could get expensive.

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  No more SUVs... - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By marusik - November 16 - 10:38 pm

  Since my Honda CR-V was my first ever SUV driving experience I knew I would take a little while to adjust to its unique driving dynamics. My first driving impressions where OK, but during one my long road trips I found out the worse case scenario while traveling at 70 MPH: high speed avoidance maneuver, which brought me to the brink of rolling over. From that quite scary experience I never trusted this vehicle ever again, despite its good braking power but horrible high speed handling. Not to mention the fact that the lack of the sixth speed makes it quite annoying when driving longer uphill roads. I guess after all, SUVs are supposed to be built for off-road and not much for pavement.

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  2011 Honda CRV tire problem - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By richards3 - October 25 - 5:59 pm

  The Honda CRV is a good car until I hit almost 20.000 miles and had to get new tires because it would not pass NY inspection. Called Honda and got a run around and they would not admit that 20K is very poor tire life. I had to replace the tires before I got to 20K and will never buy another Honda Product,. The dealer in Binghamton NY is just as lame as Honda USA and they completely lost my trust.

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  Was excited now disappointed - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By desertguy2 - September 25 - 12:48 am

  Purchased this 2008 CR-V as a certified vehicle. Based on Hondas reputation, I was expecting a vehicle to be quite reliable. Thats not been the case! First problem was tires cupping so bad it was terribly noisy in the vehicle. Even after regular alignment checks by Honda dealership! Finally solved the problem by having upper control arms added to rear wheels and now have a new set of Michelin Defender tires and good wheel alignment. Power door locks have been a problem. Have had to replace two already. My first problem was discovering no automatic headlights. What a dumb decision to leave this feature off an EX-L model!!

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  Bluetooth is horrible! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By flygirl59 - August 28 - 7:46 pm

  My biggest complaint is with the navigation system, which isnt user friendly and the Bluetooth has horrible reception. I can hear the caller ok, but they always say I sound like Im underwater. Ive had it into service several times and been unable to get it fixed, so I havent even used it in over a year. $3000 upgrade is useless! Ive since discovered the cars with the best Bluetooth our Cadillac and Toyota, then Kia. The transmission has jerked from day one, and I think it would be nice if the back hatch had an automatic button.

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  Love lost - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By retired28 - August 28 - 4:14 pm

  There are a lot of things about this car I love but it has three really poor features that Honda should fix. First, when driving around 90 to 95 kph there is an intermittent, high-pitched whine that can be loud enough to hear over the radio. Honda says its a "characteristic" of the vehicle, although both the salesman and the mechanic admitted to me that its loud enough to drive you crazy on a long trip. Second, I paid about $800 for the navigation system only to find the GPS to be almost useless. I finally added a $150 GPS from Costco to help me find my way. Third, if youre driving a lot in the U.S., take a look at the grayed-out mph markings on the speedometer.

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  2014 CRV was a good choice - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By arizgeorge1 - August 3 - 8:52 pm

  I traded my 2008 CRV in for a 2014 CRV. I had looked at the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Subaru Forester, but felt that the CRV was the best overall SUV for me. Another big factor in my decision was the excellent service that I have experienced at the local Honda dealer. I was disappointed in the choice of exterior colors (mostly dark shades) and very limited choice of interior colors. On our first long trip we averaged 28-29 mpg. Im hoping that will improve to 30-31 mpg which I got on my 2008 CRV. One minor annoying issue was the same weak, whimpy horns that I had on my 2008. For $100, I had Honda upgrade my horns to the louder, stronger Honda Accord horns.

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  Odd noise from rear - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By avuncular58 - July 29 - 6:40 am

  Generally pleased with latest incarnation of the CRV but has anyone come across the problem of a light rattling sound from the rear of the vehicle. After a couple of dealership trips (car under warranty) it turns out to be a couple of pebbles that have bounced into the shock absorber recesses at the rear. The only way to remove them was to use a pressure air blower. The dealer did this free the first time but I was charged when it happened again. The older version CRV did not have this problem. Also, the sound system is not as bassy as the old version. Not that it matters much to me but its not as good as the sound system in the older CRV.

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  excellent utalitarian, and economy SUV! Honda quality - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By canuck901 - July 16 - 2:24 pm

  All around an excellent SUV, so roomy, I mean this thing has more room than a BMW X5. Honda utilitarian value, smart design, simple yet extremely practical , had one issue with a TSB on the Actuator, but thats it. I have a 2012 EX CRV with 22,000 miles, love it. very good on fuel, can carry 2 sets of golf clubs, 4 suitcases and 2 bikes on the back and still get excellent mileage. Luv this SUV. not the fanciest of SUV, but top marks for reliability and economical, utilitarian value! AWD Systems works great in the snow and very safe vehicle

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  Good value for the price - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By atobz - July 12 - 10:21 am

  I am halfway through my 2012 CR-V LX AWD lease my commute is ~7m RT and I rarely travel long distance for work. I live in hilly NE where AWD is a must for us. As this is the primary commuter car (second car is an around-town minivan) I wanted the safety and all-purpose features of an SUV with the mileage and comfort of a sedan. On the whole I am impressed given what I see is a lack of strong competitors in this price range. As a former Honda/Subaru/Saab owner, I preferred the build of Honda over Kia and Hyundai, find the fit/finish/layout of the RAV-4 (and most Toyotas in general) a bit wonky, dont trust the reliability or build quality of Ford quite yet, and dont have the $ for an MDX.