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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  The Best SUV ... Vibration NOT an Issue - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By petershen1 - May 22 - 12:44 am

  I purchased new 2015 Honda CRV EX couple of months back. I have now over 1000 miles on it. I am very happy with my decision to buy this car. Its fun to drive - smooth and steady. New 2015 CRV looks awesome externally with spacious inside. The new features like hill start assist, lane watch, touchscreen are great. Excellent fuel economy. In a nutshell - "Its value for money" !! I guess some people are exaggerating "Vibration Issue". There is slight vibration sometimes ONLY when stopping at Red Light in "Drive" gear, but it is not as much noticeable as some people have described. There is NO VIBRATION when driving the car at any speed.

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  So good I just had to say something. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By it_dude - May 9 - 12:30 pm

  I love this car and had to review because of all the complaints that I saw on here. I bought the CRV to replace a 2013 Accord that I just never really fell in love with. The build quality on my car is excellent. I do recommend that you test drive the particular car that you are buying so that you are not concerned with the vibration issue that some are having. Mine does vibrate a little when completely stopped at a red light for a long period, but I only noticed it because of the comments on this forum. This slight vibration is due to a very low idle which is much better to have than one of those cars that turn off the engine at each stop.

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  My new CR-V EX - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By jay2012 - May 4 - 1:57 pm

  I just brought my new Honda CR-V a few weeks ago. I own a 2006 honda pilot before with almost 160,000 miles and decided to get a new honda and wanted a small SUV this time because of the gas mileage. Overall I am very happy with my new CR-V. I am averaging 30 mpg 75 percent highway driving. I wanted the leather but the Crv EXL was almost 3000 dollars more than the EX so I am happy with the EX its got everything I needed. I do notice a slight vibrations sometimes but its not bothersome at all mostly at idle and some slight vibrations between 20 to 30 mph. Its not annoy at all. Overall its rides very nice and very comfortable. My families tell me that its rides very quiet.

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  Heavenly CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By codyboy - May 3 - 4:49 pm

  Traded in my 14 yr. old Lexus ES300 -- my baby -- for a practical CRV. I researched for months on my next vehicle. Lo and behold, I bought the CRV. Am pleased with the electronics, right side-view and back-up cameras. The vibration is a little bothersome, but overall, am very happy with my new CRV! Havent bought a brand new vehicle since 1985 -- that was a Honda Civic. Now, 30 yrs. later, its a CRV. Great job, Honda!

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  No vibration - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By tsonce - April 13 - 12:38 am

  My Honda is 800 miles and I havent felt any vibration. I am so happy that I decided to buy the car, even though I was hesitant after reading all the reviews about the vibration. It drives very smoothly and I actually really like the CVT. So far I am getting about 29 miles/gallon when I drive to work. This is surface streets + highways. My other car is Honda CRV 2006. AT 140K miles, the only issue Ive ever had was a light bulb that needed to be replaced. Ive decided to keep both cars because the 2006 is higher and better for off-roading. Knowing how reliable Hondas are, I decided to go with my gut. The 2015 CRV is great to drive - quiet, smooth and, of course, reliable.

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  The best small SUV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By george fritkin - April 12 - 11:41 pm

  What can I say. The Touring model is almost a luxury car. Vibrations.......not mine. I have been a car guy all my life, this CRV is high on my list. I enjoy driving this car as much as any of my 7 fancy cars

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  Worth every penny - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By perek75 - April 10 - 8:25 am

  I drive the Honda LX trim level. 152500 miles and the only none scheduled repair was replacing the blower motor which was 5000 miles ago. Reliable, dependable and good economy car , gas mileage 22-26 or so with AWD. Got the car new. I am 6 ft 2 in tall and 300 lbs + and I am very comfortable driving and riding in this car. Plenty of head space and easy to get in and out of. My wife is around 5 ft and she can easily adjust seat for her. If anything there is some road noice especially when comparing with newer 2015 model cars and the stereo is not the best but it works fine. Great winter car as well (Chicago area Michelin hydroedge tires). Comfortable seats, good visibility.

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  Oh, the Joy! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By warex - April 5 - 11:15 am

  Driving Experience: It has given us the best experience we have ever had with a family car, especially on road trips. Above the Class: Before buying, we looked at other cars in that class especially the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester. with the CRV, it feels like we are in a car above that class. MPG: We have been getting high 20s with mixed driving and low 30s with road trips. Handling (AWD): It has been smooth and secure with plenty of power in all situations, for an SUV. CVT: It runs and transitions smoothly in all traffic conditions. Vibration: We have not experienced the vibration issue reported by some owners.

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  Safe, comfortable and easy to drive and like - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By hondaconvert29 - March 6 - 6:00 pm

  We purchased our CR-V new on 8/2014 after donating our 2002 Mazda MPV minivan which we purchased new and had over 170,000 miles on. The big jump in technology and efficiency has been great. The airy feel of the CR-V interior is an easy transition from our old minivan. Even the armrests built into the seats is reminiscent (though I think the 2015 doesnt have that feature anymore.) Gas mileage has ranged in the upper 20s on mixed driving. The engine is very smooth and relatively quiet and road noise seems reasonable. (More quiet than our old car.) We really looked at and wanted to like the Mazda CX-5 to stay in the Mazda family, but we found the interior to be cramped and dark.

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  A Terrific Compromise - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By George Falkowski - March 4 - 12:30 am

  With rise of gas prices, driving a true SUV became totally impractical even though thats what I preferred since the late 1980s. My last car was a Ford Fiesta and I loved it, but the small size began to worry me. I still drive a lot, so giving up 38 mpg on the highway was an issue. After much searching, I bought a used 2010 CR-V with only 13k miles on it. Ive owned it for 18 months as of this writing and have been quite pleased. It gives me the higher ride of an SUV and a solid 25-27mpg on the highway. Its seats are comfortable (an off-and-on bad back here). Theres plenty of room for storage and passes the all-important "two hockey bag test" with plenty of room for the family.