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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  After 3000 miles all smiles - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By brian kennedy - August 14 - 1:40 pm

  When I bought the CRV three months ago, forewarned by other reviewers about the vibration issue I test drove two CRVs. Neither CRV had the vibration and I chose the CRV that seemed to run better even though the color was my second choice. I live in rural hilly PA and consistently get 30+mpg. in the ECO mode. I traded in a good running 2011 Honda CRV EX AWD for this LX AWD. The LX is quicker, quieter , better handling and the seats are more comfortable. The 2015 is a better car and my 2011 was a good car. Test drive before you buy.

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  My first SUV and I love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By JulesKC - August 13 - 9:22 pm

  I looked at Mazda, Honda, and Toyota and the CRV was the overall best value. I was initially interested in the Honda HRV, but the lack of engine power turned me towards the CRV. I test drove the CRV and fell in love. I have read a few reviews mentioning CRV engine vibration, but I have not experienced this AT ALL. Smooth ride, the nicest interior out of the brands that I looked at, and awesome gas mileage!

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  2015 Model was worth waiting for! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Gerrit - August 3 - 1:31 am

  I have been waiting to get a new vehcile for awhile and had it narrowed down to the rav4 or the crv. After test driving the crv with the new cvt and direct injection. There was no comparison for the value that offers. Its quiet, reliable and gets good gas mileage for being the AWD model. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one. I have more standard features suxh as Bluetooth audio and a backup camera then a bmw 3 series. Also about the cvt vibrations, they are hardly noticeable and not at all a dealbreaker.

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  Nineth Honda and The Best so Far - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jeff Bracken - July 30 - 5:17 pm

  I love this vehicle. Its been awesome in every way. Ive owned nine Hondas (Accord, Prelude, 4 Civics and a Honda GL1800 Goldwing along with several other Honda motorcycles.) Of the Hondas Ive owned over the years, this one is the pinnacle. It looks better, runs better, feels better and made better than the rest. Not only do I feel that way compared to the other Hondas Ive owned, but all the American cars Ive owned over the years as well as current vehicles priced tens of thousands of dollars more. This is a VERY practical vehicle that Im proud of in terms of just how good it is made compared to others. Honda and Toyota are the elites of quality and longevity. The key here is "will this car still be running in 10-15 years?" With Honda or Toyota, you better believe it. On the mileage side, if "Ergo" mode is off, the engine is very peppy, but the mileage really goes down. However with "Ergo" mode on, my mileage has consistently been 31-33 MPG average. Almost as good as my 2006 Civic. My drive is mostly highway back and forth to work. However for an SUV thats great! Road noise is only an issue on grated pavement, otherwise its pretty quiet and I have NEVER experienced any rough idle. Could have been an issue on the earlier year models. Honda has appeared to have fixed it on the production line if it was an issue. Mine is smooth as silk with over 1500 miles on it now. I also have a new Toyota Camry XLE with the 2.5L 4 and its rougher than this CR-V. If youre used to the smoothness of a V6 or a V8 and youve just moved to a 4 cylinder engine, well its pretty normal to have a slight rough idle. Ive had Chevy 4 cylinders (Grand Am, Chevette and a Monza) as well that were a little rough at idle. This CR-V is extremely smooth for a 4. The interior quality is terrific and frankly much better than my earlier Hondas. I buy vehicles to last. Every Honda Ive owned had well over 100K miles on them when I sold them. I usually keep a car 10 years and this CR-V is no exception. Oh, and when you go to sell Hondas, they usually take less than a day to sell on Craigs list. Not to mention youll get top dollar too. :-) Heres to a long relationship with one of the best vehicles Ive owned so far.

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  Reliable safe car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By AveriDav - July 29 - 3:08 pm

  This car is amazing. Ive put 100k miles on it and havent had ONE ISSUE. Its extremely safe and roomy and GREAT gas mileage. By far the best car Ive ever owned!

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  Impressed with Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Travis - July 26 - 11:33 am

  So far (700+ miles in), this has been a great car. Ive gone from a pickup getting 18 mpg to 30.5 (all city driving) mpg on my last fill up. I am a big person, but the front seat is very comfortable. I love having multiple adjustments for the seat and steering wheel. I have had open heart surgery so ease of seating, adjustment of steering wheel, and getting in/out, are now top issues for me. Plus by getting and SUV, I dont feel Ive lost much in getting rid of a truck as far as hauling stuff around. I never towed anything anyhow. The vibration issue is non-existent in this car. Ive read about it and seen videos on it. It just feels like a regular 4 cylinder to me. I dont doubt that some folks are getting jostled, though. But mine is just fine. Over time I do wonder about the cloth seats. They are very plush and very soft. I am concerned that over time they will start to show their age, but Ill deal with that when I have to. So far, Ive been very impressed with the overall fit and finish of the car. This is my first Honda and they were never really on my radar. But after deciding to get out of a truck and shopping around, I shopped Chevy, Ford, Nissan and Mazda. The CR-V just made sense. Its a more comfortable ride with better standard features for the price. There is a bit of a learning curve regarding the touchscreen radio, but tinker around for a few minutes and youll have it figured out. We were very happy with how we were treated at our Honda dealership and Im sure this will be our new place to shop.

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  Outstanding value - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - July 23 - 2:18 pm

  I purchased the 2015 Honda CR-V EX AWD on July 2, 2015. Previously I had a 2010 CR-V EX so I had a very good means of comparison. Initially I was concerned regarding reviews/reports of excessive vibrations with the new CVT transmission. I can say categorically after 800+ miles that the 2015 CR-V with the CVT does not vibrate any more than my previous 2010 CR-V EX AWD did. The features and functions of the new 2015 EX model are very nice. First the acceleration is excellent. Fuel mileage has increased from 21-22 for the 2010 to 28.5+ for the 2015 model. The backup camera is a real plus. The radio controls take a bit to get used to, however considering Im moving from the old analog radio with buttons to a touch screen its very nice. Overall I believe Honda has produced an excellent vehicle that will more than meet my needs.

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  Wanted an Escape got a CR-V - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Cincinnati or Toledo is where I am. - July 21 - 9:19 am

  For the longest time I had wanted a Ford Escape. When my mom finally talked my dad into getting me a new, fuel efficient car he suggested a Honda CR-V. I was skeptical at first, so we test drove an Escape which we then decided had too much road noise, funky wipers and my dad (whos a diesel mechanic) said it wasnt a quality build. Later we went and test drove the 2013 CR-V, and I was more comfortable the second I sat down. The sales guy was very helpful and showed me how to work the driver seat, steering wheel, wipers, turn signals, radio and more all for a test drive. Obviously I chose the Honda CR-V. I make a round trip of 400 miles from Toledo to Cincinnati a few times a month. Ohio is pretty flat and I average about 30-31 mpg going between 70-75 mph (sometimes with the cargo space and back seat loaded down with boxes for a college student). In the city I get about 20-25 mph depending on where Im going. I havent had any issues with the mechanics of the car. There was a simple recall when I first got the car and it was corrected right away for free. Oil changes and tire rotations arent too costly and the service staff at either Honda I go to are very friendly and helpful. Toledo has pretty snowy winters and the CR-V handles very well in the feet of snow that can come down in one day. The traction control has saved my butt a few times in the Toledo winter. I have had a slight issue with the USB port but its easily resolved by restarting the car. The Bluetooth comes in handy except when the microphone doesnt transmit to the person on the other line. Overall the electronics have been pretty solid. I love my CR-V, Ive had it for almost three years this thanksgiving and its been a damn good car.

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  2011 = bullet proof - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Hikerguy - July 20 - 3:19 pm

  Terrific little SUV. 60,000 + miles and no repairs. Service has been only recommended factory oil changes, etc. Took a trip cross country last month and the V averaged 27 mph with pretty aggressive highway driving. Could be a little quieter but we like the ride. We have the ex-l trim and the seats are very comfortable and supportive over long distances. Added Honda all season floor and cargo mats and haul around whatever we can fit with no issues.

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  Dead Battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By ggage - July 18 - 1:11 am

  i love my CRV except for the battery going dead occasionally for no reason at all. Have had it checked. Dealer did an update , but it still happens. They also checked the battery and it is ok. I am tired of calling friends to jump start my car when I go out and it wont start. COme on Honda, admit you have a problem and fix it.!!!