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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  My 3rd CRV - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By KB - July 16 - 8:46 pm

  This is the 3rd CRV I have owned. Jimmy Sears at Autonation Honda in Chandler, AZ was my sales person and the experience was exceptional. Now I am the proud owner of a 2014 CRV. I have owned two others previously and traded them in to drive other vehicle I thought would be THE vehicle for me. Obviously I have come back to the CRV. In my opinion it is tough to beat the convenience and reliability of these vehicles. They give you the comfort of a sedan with the convenience of an SUV and the gas mileage of an economy car. Im done experimenting with other vehicles. I have my CRV and this what I plan to drive from now on.

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  Finally have some color in my parking area. :) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Judy Knox - July 11 - 7:46 pm

  Its not just the color thats great (Got the Copper) but the car is, IMHO, outstanding so far. Have only owned it since June 27 so have only come across a couple of things I dont care for. Have to agree with the other poster that the console compartment is extremely small compared to my Acura RDX which had 2 compartments - one in the dash area and one between the seats in front. Other than that, I dont find any door noise or road noise going on yet. I was concerned about how quiet it would be when the windows were up. In my Acura, there was virtually no road noise. My CR-V is, far as I can tell, is just as quiet. LOVE the MPG!!! Acura - 18 mpg (maybe) in a good week.....CR-V (so far )25 mpg which is 85% city driving. Dont care for the rear view mirrors automatic dimming during night driving. My Acura allowed me to adjust it to whatever "visibility" I wanted, which usually meant Id use the day driving mode most of the time, at night, as I liked seeing lights, whether bright or not. At least I had the choice and control. Other than those 2 things, so far Im a happy camper with my CR-V Touring. The safety features are outstanding!!! The safer the better. Got a great warranty with Honda of Riverside - 8 yr bumper to bumper - no deductible and loaner car while its in the shop. What with all the electronics guiding the cars these days, an 8 yr warranty, at my age, is a must have. Dont want to have to come up with $600 to cover a $6 part in a few years. :) Cost $2500 more but brought the finance charge down from 2.99% to 1.9% and since this is the last car Ill own, it was well worth the extra money. For me, this car is just the right fit!!! Not too small, not too large. And another plus - Ill only have to fill up my gas tank about every 2 months. :)

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  Shakes and No Fries ? - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Mario - July 8 - 1:06 pm

  Dont buy it. It shakes while stopped at the red light or stop and go traffic

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  The Best CR-V Yet - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mary949 - June 30 - 10:46 pm

  My husband and I turned in our 3 year CR-V for the 2015 CR-V EX, and we love it. Just about everything has been improved. Although the styling hasnt changed too much, it feels like a much improved vehicle. I look forward to many years of enjoying the new CR-V.

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  An honest review - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By mmbfamily5 - June 25 - 11:31 am

  I wanted to give an honest opinion on the Honda CRV after hesitating due to the vibration issue. I didnt want to spend more than 30k, I wanted AWD, room for 4 adults with space for cargo. I looked at the Rav 4, Forrester, Rogue,Escape and the CX5. None of them were perfect but the Honda was either as good or better in every area. As for the vibration issue, Ive noticed at a red light, the engine goes into a very low RPM that does provide a slight vibration. I honestly would not have even noticed it, if not for the negative reviews. This small CUV is roomy,safe,comfortable, good gas mileage and really holds its value. After 1 month and 1,000 miles, I would highly recommend it.

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  Fantastic riding EX-L I love this car ! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By sinnerii - June 23 - 10:43 pm

  Do not be alarmed by the same 12 unhappy people writing about vibration woes, there are none. I do thank them though, I only had to wait a month for Honda to make my car in Ohio due to demand is far exceeding supply. Beige leather interior on white exterior a large shortage of. On behalf of 200,000 happy 2015 CRV owners, you cant go wrong buying the 2015 CRV. I cannot find one thing wrong with my CRV and I am finicky. Everyone who gets in my CRV just loves it. Very comfortable front seats. I am 6 foot tall.

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  2015 Honda CRV EX-FWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv3 - June 18 - 8:13 am

  I debated for a long time after reading reviews detailing problems with vibration during operation of this vehicle. Ive owned two Honda vehicles and I still drive one with 295,000 virtually trouble free miles. Since Ive had good experiences with Honda I went ahead and purchased a 2015 CRV. I love this vehicle and have had no problems with vibration. It drives as smooth as silk. Ive driven it on a long trip and also short in town errands. I am so happy I didnt let issues some customers are having sway me. I couldnt be happier with it.

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  Happy with the new CRV 2015 - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By joe6699 - June 17 - 9:58 am

  I just bought the EX-L AWD 2015, the car is very nice and confortable, i DONt sense serious vibration like many customers do maybe i am lucky? The vibration is barely noticeable. I recommend this car. -From Québec city, Canada

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  Love my 2015 CR-V EX AWD - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By justlou - June 1 - 11:08 pm

  My first Honda since I owned a 1995 Civic, and I couldnt be happier with my CR-V EX. I really need AWD for the Winter, and the Cr-V was a great choice. Fun to drive. Runs and rides great. Great gas mileage too.

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  What you expect from Honda - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By briankennedyy - June 1 - 4:48 pm

  Traded in my 2011 CRV EX AWD for a new 2015 LX AWD. After a heads up about vibration problems from reviewers, I took a ten mile test drive of highway and winding country roads. Drove two CRVs and one Odyssey. The CRVs were flawless. The Odyssey was slightly dated. The new CRV is quieter, smoother and handles better than my old CRV. Highly recommend the CRV but test drive before you buy .