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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  worth the purchase - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mother - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This car has a comfortable ride, and the gas mileage is great. Its built for convenience - theres a mirror that allows you to see in the back row, I can hook my IPHONE up to the car for hands off phone use, the floors are black - showing no scuffs, the air/heat circulates front to rear - there little noise from the outside, the windows are slightly tainted - minimizing glare, the cargo space is great, the clearance is good. The only complaint I have are the small windows in the rear corners. While theres a backup camera (love it), and mirror use, theres definately a blind spot.

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  Repeat buyer - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By DDC - September 21 - 6:15 pm

  Great vehicle this is my third one. Nice levels of comfort, reliability, fuel economy and power.

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  Best Ive had in 50 years of driving - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - September 17 - 9:47 am

  Not enough superlatives. At 140k original brake still good. Replaced battery at 120k. Oil change every 5 with synthetic.

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  Very Satisfied - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By carverjim@nc.rr.com - September 14 - 8:08 am

  My wife and I love our CRV. We have a AWD Touring model. Very smooth handling/driving. The ride is smooth and appropriately quiet for the type vehicle. Acceleration is smooth. (We have another 8 yr old vehicle with CVT with no problems.) There is no vibration riding or idling. In our 60s and really like ease of entry/exit. We especially like the new tech features of the right turn video of the right side of vehicle, the adaptive cruise control, the lane keep assist, blue tooth pairing of iPhone and three way view of the backup camera! Glad it has adaptive braking, but do not want to test it. Overall very stylish to own.

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  Love Everything But Headrest! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gay Almquist - September 13 - 12:22 am

  I have had the car for 3 months and I love it! Great value and really pleased with the mpg even though it isnt a hybrid. My only complaint is the uncomfortable headrests! Even with the seat tilted back it pushes my head forward and hurts my neck. The solution I found was I purchased a gel foam cushion for the back of the drivers seat. It brings my back forward about 1.5 inches which is enough to make the headrest comfortable. NOW, I love everything about the car.

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  Nice ride, great MPG, and no engine vibration :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JAH - August 27 - 8:35 pm

  I have not experienced the vibration issue that others have mentioned after owning this car for 2 months. I looked at the all of competitors in this class, but Honda was the best overall value. I preferred the CRV interior over the others...the others seemed cheap (imo). I do mixed driving, but mostly highway, and Im getting 32 mpg currently. I couldnt be happier. The only thing I would change are the EX wheels (not the most attractive). Other than that, this is a great car!

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  My Awesome Experience!!! :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Lani Trinidad - August 22 - 7:44 pm

  Exceptional Reliability, Durability, and Cost.

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  Another Great Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Tim Pasio - August 22 - 7:42 am

  We love our new CRV, We havent experienced any vibrations at all with it. It has been absolutely perfect on long trips, and for my wifes daily commuter for work. Plenty of power, stable in the wind, build quality is spectacular, no squeaks, or rattles. Were getting 31 mpg on the highway (Got 36 on our trip to San Diego). The transmission shifts smoothly, and the seats are really comfortable, especially on my bad back. It is not the prettiest of the small SUVs, but compared to the others we drove, it was the roomiest. Negatives? The back seats could be more comfortable for adults, and the Bluetooth hookup, especially on my Samsung s5 is a pain. Other than that, we really love this car.

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  Worth the Wait - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie - August 21 - 11:37 am

  I bought my new 2015 CR-V in June 2015. I was very skeptical about purchasing a CR-V after reading so many reviews about the vibration problem. I have not experienced any problems with the vibration, what I have experienced is the wonderful gas mileage with my eco boost, the quality of the CR-V & great storage room. I enjoy being able to see out so well. I owned an 03 Accord for almost 13 years when I traded in June. I got a great deal & no vibration problem.

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  The best car ... in the world! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By dasagfx@gmail.com - August 17 - 8:08 pm

  Bought a 2000 CRV in 2011 with 198,000 miles on it. It was a good decision we have already put 60,000 miles on it with hardly any issues. Tire changes and oil changes. Biggest repair bill was a starter coil issue, cant remember how much it cost but it wasnt any financial difficulty and I replaced it myself. While they were figuring out what was wrong with my starter coil (this was at 227,000 miles) they discovered that one of the 4 cylinders was at 1/2 compression. Uh oh, time to get a new car? They said it would start overheating, I would get low gas mileage, etc. That was a year and 30,000 miles ago, it still gets 30 MPG in the summer (we trip-meter every gas tank, its pretty consistent). Never overheated, even going 80 MPG on the Montana highways, up mountains, etc. We drove to Missouri and back since hearing the bad news. A/C and heater still work, power windows, lights, everything. Only annoyances are the seatbelts not retracting after turning off (every vehicle Ive owned had this issue), road noise (spraying silicon lubricant on the old rubber weather seals around doors fixes it), and noise when making sharp left turns. Also, spare tire may explode if left in sun, best to make sure to keep a tire cover or park in garage. So heres whats up, get one of these. $4500 including repairs we paid for 60,000 miles of good gas mileage = 13 miles per $. Thats better than $16,000 for a small SUV that you put 200,000 miles on, and were still counting. Good in the snow, good in town, good in the highway. Small and easy to park anywhere, but seats 5 and storage.