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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  BEST CAR IVE EVER HAD - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Monica - December 23 - 1:37 pm

  I moved 6 times with this car. Drove all over Florida with it, and it never broke down once. 100k miles on it and I have yet to find a problem with it. The speaks were soooo good, everybody thought I had special speakers put in. 10/10

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  Purchased new 17 years ago - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By multiple Honda owner - December 17 - 2:45 pm

  This is one of the best built vehicles offered from Honda, the motor and durability of the interior are exceptional. We also own a 2009 CR-V since new, but I cant give it the same level of support... the cloth interior on the 2009 rips and stains easily, but the 1998 interior looks nearly new after using the car as a daily driver for 17 years. The B20 motor is one of the most durable and reliable engines on the market, ask any experienced Honda service rep. We have no rust on the vehicle and its been all over the world as part of a military family. Around 200,000 miles we had to replace (or had replaced) suspension bushings, the radiator, a few timing belts, brakes and the muffler. However, for about 250,000 miles of service and counting its a great car. Its visibility is exceptional and all controls are extremely obvious, The entire car is durable and while road noise is higher than the newer CRV, weve never had electronic issues like the newer vehicles and the 98 CRV is very comfortable to drive.

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  Honda continues to make great vehicles - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By M. Hurst - December 13 - 5:48 pm

  I purchased my 09 CRV in January 2011. It had been a leased car and only had 16,000 miles on it. The other vehicles I was considering at that time were a 2011 Hyunda Tucson, a 2011 Toyota RAV4, a Toyota Venza, and a Chevy Traverse. Ive enjoyed driving this car. Its very comfortable on long trips (its been cross-country twice), has plenty of power, and the cargo area is much larger in cubic feet than most other small SUVs. I have dogs, and the rear easily holds 2 crates. As of date it has over 86,000 miles on it. Ill probably put another 40-50,000 on it before I trade it. No major repairs yet. I have had it routinely serviced at a Honda dealer, replace the battery once, and all four tires. Only complaints (which Honda has not improved/changed) are: road noise, should get better mileage for a small 4 cylinder engine, no vents to deliver air to back seat or rear compartment, the backseat does not fold completely flat. Would I purchase another Honda CRV - yes!

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - December 10 - 8:41 am

  Only trouble so far are my cloudy headlights. Best car I have ever owned! Must say I love the red!

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  Best car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Lee Ann - December 9 - 9:25 pm

  The best car I have ever owned!! My 2004 Honda CR-V just turned over 340,000 miles! The only real problem I had was the AC compressor which lasted until around 250,000 miles and I replaced for $1000! The tires last forever on this jewel! I am now looking for another Honda CR-V! I love, love, love this car! Wish I could buy another one just like it!

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  Great Car After Vibration Fix was Made - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bob c - November 27 - 5:15 pm

  I was very happy with the 2015 CRV until I noticed the car had vibration problems at idle, between 20-30mph and when accelerating. The more I drove it, the more I hated it because I was very annoyed that I just spent over $23K for a car I did not like driving. Honda did come up with a software fix that was applied to my car, and Honda nailed it!! All the issues went away and I now enjoy driving the car. Now that I also understand how the CVT transmission works, I realize that the lack of gears shifting makes the drive perfectly smooth. The car has a lot to offer for the money, and I would recommend it as long as you make sure the vibration problems get corrected.

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  Headrest issue - solved - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By firew0rks - November 16 - 8:43 pm

  I also had issues with the head rest forcing my head awkwardly forward, I am 54. My husband simply turned it around. Problem solved.

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  No vibration here - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Natalie - November 15 - 7:51 pm

  Man, after reading all these reviews you would think that every single 2015 CRV has this vibration issue. I will say that my brand new Touring has a SLIGHT vibration at idle (usually around 700rpm), almost like a purring cat, but it doesnt bother me at all. Ive got about 1200 miles so far and it is unchanged since I bought it new at the dealer. There is zero vibration during driving even at highway speeds of 70-85mph. This is my 5th Honda and I am still incredibly pleased about my purchase. Between safety features, aesthetics, quality of the interior, and especially the fuel efficiency I see myself keeping this car for a very long time. Compared to my other Hondas this car does idle more roughly, and louder than my other vehicles, but I understand that is a result of the CVT and again, it doesnt bother me. Perhaps I just got lucky, or perhaps those with bad vehicles are a very vocal minority. I have no idea as I bought one of the last available 2015 models at the dealership before the 2016s started rolling in. My only complaint is that the US version of this car does not offer a rain-sensing windshield wiper. Its available in Canada, and when I purchased the Touring I assumed it was an included feature, but it is not. How is it that a top of the line car with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and a blind spot camera doesnt have rain-sensing wipers as an option? Honda dropped the ball on that one.

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  What Vibe? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Chris Walker - November 12 - 11:51 am

  Have had mine for almost a year now. Test drove a number of these and tried to replicate this "vibration" mentioned. This must be either waaaay overstated, or limited to a select few. Have not experienced this phantom "issue" once, though every car Ive ever owned has had some level of vibration (perhaps because they all had engines).

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  Suv Cruising - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mark Sanchez - November 9 - 10:31 am

  Great car that maneuvers very well ha the horse power to pull you through anything even on inclines great car overall