In-depth Reviews

Honda CR-V SUV (2012-2018): owner reviews

“The Honda CR-V is a spacious SUV that’s reliable and comfortable, but isn’t quite as desirable as some rivals”

by Carbuyer team

21 Mar 2018

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 21 Mar 2018

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

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Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

69%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (11 cases)
Engine (1 case)
Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Electrics (7 cases)
Brakes (1 case)
Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Brakes, Electrics, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Engine, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 100

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great car but owners manual is virtually unusable due to it's complexity . Very disappointed as I am unable to comprehend it at all.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought the car mainly to tow my 1,500kg caravan which it does easily. When towing it manages 30mpg and on long solo runs it returns 55mpg, or around 48mpg running about. The car has performed effortlessly and to date I have had no problems. I was called upon to pull a Volvo driver's caravan out of a very muddy field, and it did this with ease after a slight wheel spin before the 4 wheel drive switched in. I am hesitant in buying a newer model as I cannot imagine it being any better for my needs; although Honda are renowned for testing their cars before production. It has lots of space, too. If the car doesnt have a good run for a couple of weeks I take it out just to clean the dpf and I always have it serviced by the dealer with so it gets the latest updates. Great car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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I previously had a 2014 model CRV with 2.4 diesel engine and covered 150k miles in it. It was far better at 150k miles than this new CRV with "earth dreams" (nightmare!!) engine. It broke down at 867 miles! Had to be towed to dealer! The steering wheel is narrower and silver paint work on steering wheel looks like a 5 year old sprayed it! The ride is now unnerving as it wallows about about like an old tub,. The seats have been shortened at the legs & are very uncomfortable. Oh yes and new "earth dreams" engine has quite a turbo lag when you put the foot down.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is my second CRV, I had the first one for ten years and was so impressed I bought a nearly new one registered July 2014. What a mistake. Despite the new car looking very stylish and being comfortable I have been beset by niggles with warning lights on the dash needing to be reset on a regular basis. Worse than that was the clutch judder when starting from cold. Gear selection was a problem too. Power would suddenly drop off as I tried to pull away sometimes. Took the car back to Honda main dealers and when I tried to explain the problems I was patronised by a service reception chap to such an extent I refuse to even have anything to do with the service reception dept at this dealer, I phone the service manager direct. After checking the car over it was decided the car needed a new clutch and flywheel - these only took eight weeks to be delivered!! Not quite what I had expected. Less than a 1000 miles after these defective parts were replaced the clutch judder is back so clearly the problem was not fully resolved. I have persevered with this car since I cannot yet afford to get rid of it - rest assured it will not be for another Honda. I anticipate another clutch assembly will need to be fitted so that will be 3 clutches in under 20k this car has used. There is clearly a problem for Honda to sort out but once the car is out of warranty I wonder who will pay - I already believe I know the answer and it won't be Honda.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

1st time buying a Honda Approved car from main dealer. Chose CRV EX Auto. Had an issue with the pre-sale check of very worn brakes, but Honda head office very supportive & helped negotiate dealership contribution to the replacements. I've driven autos for years,it took a while to get used to this auto box as the Honda felt so sluggish up even a mild gradient. But understanding the paddle shifts work better than kick down on this car. The S mode (Sequential, not Sport!) is fabulous for a bit of oomph and using those steering wheel paddles to make the changes bring the car alive and it has excellent acceleration when you need safe, quick motorway overtakes etc. The rest of the time cruising around in D on the box letting it do all the changes for local trips or motorway journeys is great. I'm managing 36mpg from this petrol auto & that's a lot of London driving included, so I think that's good. Steering took a bit of getting used to, car feels a little vague, you have to work with it a bit. Build quality seems very good. I like the seat support and sitting high in an SUV gives clarity, great for reading roads well ahead. Has an advantage that you don't get so dazzled by saloon cars' headlights too. Slightly bumpy ride sometimes. Local Honda dealership seems very efficient. I like the useful rear camera, parking sensors, sat nav: the, dials & knobs all easy to reach. The car is quiet inside and I'm really enjoying it. Boot space with seats up vg. with seats down- cavernous. I like the privacy glass, feels safe to leave an almost invisible grocery bag on the back seat. The big mirrors make the car feel wider than it is, they add about a foot. I've learnt to gauge it now, also, if a humping great truck is heading at you in a narrow space, or a motorbike is weaving closely between stationary cars at lights you can simply 'button' the mirrors to retract for a few seconds, VERY useful.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no issues to date with the car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

It's Brilliant

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

faultless

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Surprising for Honda it has had failed aircon, failed airbag system, and loose connection of dash instruments

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Doesn't breakdown but the engine management light comes on a regular bases due to low fluids even if the oil/water is a mm below rec level.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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Since purchasing I have had no problems.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

OK apart from rear brakes binding

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH IT WHICH IS WHY I HAVE KEPT IT SO LONG

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

All wheel drive dual pump fluid had to be changed due to knocking noises on full lock. Two central locking actuators have failed.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Regular service,and have replaced tyres

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

so far faultless

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

ex on fuel always starst first time and great in the snow

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

starts frirst time comfortable to drive easily fixed when there is a probloem

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

V reliable so far

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

What I would expect from Honda - excellant

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

very happy

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

NOTHING GONE WRONG AFTER 22000 MILES

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems at all

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never failed,

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems to date

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had to replace front drive train

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems experienced - well built

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems. Owned a Honda CR-V previously for 5 years and never had any problems.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems.but not had car very long.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

In 2.5 years of ownership nothing has gone wrong.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It is serviced and just goes.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Works perfectly. had a problem with the air con last year, they wanted to charge meŁ400+. Wife found an entry from Honest John by which I tapped in a series of entries which cured it for free - still OK.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Comfortable reliable nice to drive

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good reliable and well built. Does exactly what i expected it to do.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

A very practical car with good economy and first class dealers

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Best car i have ever owned,honda cars are exerlent

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant car and very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent in all aspects. Now waiting for a hybrid version.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Spacious, 4x4 capability isn't great but suitable for my needs (unmade up road to my house can get bad in winter). Would prefer slightly better fuel economy.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Comfortable, easy to drive, spacious

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Pretty good apart from excessive tyre wear

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Does exactly what i need. Starts first time every time, never breaks down, is comfortable and has 4wd when needed.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Reliable, brilliant in snow and ice, a workhorse, large and flexible.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Well designed suv which serves it's purpose as everyday vehicle and regular tow vehicle of trailers, stock trailers and caravan. Regularly achieves over 40mpg on daily 70 mile round trip commute to work

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Tough. Well-built. Reliable. Durable. Spacious. A decent vehicle in every way. Very happy with it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Reliable, practical, fun to drive. It does everything it supposed to well.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very reliable but high maintenance

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good all-round family vehicle, reliable, safe and pretty good to drive.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

As this is my first honda, i am disappointed at several niggling faults which i have experienced. These though were rectified quite promptly by my honda garage. Even so, i did not expect such failures from this brand.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent car, heavey on petrol, very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good allrounder,very adaptable car, good towcar. Suspension slightly too soft.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very relable economical good to drive

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I love it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant. I cannot imagine a better car for our needs. Fantastic!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Totally brilliant overall. An excellent compromise between all factors needed of an all purpose vehicle. Irreplacable economically.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good, handling in the snow and ice is excellant. Only negatives are that the heating does not appear to be powerful enough and the entertainment system does not integrate well with my music on my iphone (only av output)

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

+ points : totally reliable, comfortable with a good ride, well put together - points : front styling weird, poor quality interior plastics

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Overall, excellent; very well-built, -designed, -equipped and comfortable. A bit underpowered (2-litre petrol), a bit of a bumpy ride.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great brand. Excellent all-round family car - ideal for my needs.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?