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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  Good Car - but has quality issues - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By rare_review09 - June 10 - 2:33 pm

  I bought the Honda CRV 2014 model. It gives a good gas mileage. After driving for 6 months here are my griefs about it. 1) The driver seat loses its height on its own. I have to pump it up every week. I consulted the dealership and they said that the mechanism is not broken - as the seat does go up & down on the push of the lever. And there is nothing they can do. 2) I get a low frequency humming sound some where from the rear of the vehile. It happened every time during the winter when I cold start the engine & am driving in the parking lot. After 5 minutes of driving it never happens again. Not noticing it in anymore as the weather has become warm now.

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  Solid car, not the best gas mileage - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By todrit - June 9 - 11:12 am

  we purchased out 2013 CR-V a year ago. it has been a solid performer, however the gas mileage for the class of car has a lot to be desired. We like the roomy interior and the design of the vehicle. It defintley has the room to take four to five people confortable, and the cargo space. we use it each weekend to travel back and forth to the NJ Shore. It has the space to hold everything without any issues.

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  Overall good car but with many flaws. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By autres - June 7 - 5:55 am

  Ive had the CR-V for 3months and 5000+ miles. It has a relatively comfortable ride, a Honda typical handling which is excellent. The noise level is very good. And the engine is responsive. But the sun visors are a joke, it can not telescope so it can not shield your eyes from the sun when you swing it to the side!!! The back seats can not recline so it will be a torture for the passengers on long trips. I would not buy this car if I have a chance to do it over again.

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  Great value - Small things annoy - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By polarbear14 - June 5 - 2:52 pm

  Weve had this for over 6 months and 5000+ miles, It replaced an older Honda Crosstour - glad we did. The CRV is comfortable, highly maneuverable and very economical for an AWD. The controls are easy to use. We would consider buying this car again if we were in the market.

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  Great Car for the Money - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By rockchalk7 - May 12 - 3:53 pm

  I got this car in 2010 with about 135k on it and drove it for 4 years and added about 30k miles. Overall, it was a great car. Lack of power is my main complaint - you had to floor it to get up a hill or pass someone, and it sometimes took the transmission forever to shift. The car couldnt maintain its speed on steep hills at all. My 2011 CR-V has eliminated these problems. I also didnt get as good of gas mileage as one would expect, but it is an SUV after all. Noisy ride. Several electrical problems including faulty power windows and locks - we finally traded it in because the car often wouldnt start and we believed it to be electrical. Nevertheless, I miss it!

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  love the crv engine - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By robfromde - May 9 - 9:59 am

  Went from an 08 Odyssey LX to the CRV EX. This is my 3rd Honda. Ive always loved how Honda engines rev up so smoothly. This one is great, and shifts quickly. Its ride is firm, but normal for an SUV. Lots of storage in back, and plenty of leg room for all.

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  bring back a manual transmission in the CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By white_tea - May 1 - 10:22 am

  would love to see a manual transmission brought backn in the CR-V. would like to see the AC unit moved back like the 2008 2009 2010 models. Why consumers arent wising up is beyond me. Who wants AC blowing on their hand all the time - thats why I gave the interior design a 2, otherwise, pretty perfect vehicle. Would like to see the sun visors with a pull-out mechanism like in the toyota camry. There is NO protection from the sun in this 2014 CR-V. Zero.... get a towel because youre going to need one. need to work on the visibility out of the vehicle on all viewing - sides & rear.

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  Coming from 10 years of Subaru - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By square85 - April 12 - 9:18 am

  Recently picked up a LX AWD model a few weeks ago after driving Subarus for 10 years. The Honda is much quieter and the seats are much more comfortable than my last Legacy. The folding rear seat mechanism is slick and has come in handy a number of times already. The radio is the base unit but sounds fine to me ears when streaming bluetooth. Now that I have the back up camera, I will never have a vehicle without it. MPG has been round numbers 21-22 in mixed NYC driving hope it goes a little higher once the engine breaks in more, I only have 480 miles right now. So far very happy with the purchase and look forward to many years of ownership.

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  CRV #2 Better than ever! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By upstatenymom - April 10 - 5:20 pm

  My first CRV was a 2005 with 120,000 miles and other than routine maintenance the only extra cost involved was a single rear caliper repair. LOVED it! Totally reliable vehicle that never let me down. Test drove a 2014 EX-L and was amazed with the comfort and handling. The interior is open and comfortable. Love shifter location, more room up front than the Rogue and Rav4. Headlights are def not as bright as my 2005 but thats a positive for me...was tired of drivers flashing their lights at me assuming I had my high beams on when I didnt. The fog lights do help to illuminate the road well when using low beams though. VERY pleased with my newest CRV :)

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  nothing but problems so far - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By sandoz1938 - March 28 - 10:48 pm

  6 month old crv doesnt start when its cold. One dealership checked it and said everything was ok. I went to a different dealership when it happened again and they didnt even check it, the guy just leaned back in his chair and said "thats normal, the crv has a small battery". The vehicle also sits lower on the left side than the right side. The dealership looked at it and told us something was definitely wrong with it. They took hours trying to figure it out then told us it was normal when they couldnt find the problem. So far weve had the CRV for 8 months and its been in the dealership several times. The body panels werent even aligned properly when we bought it.