2012 Honda CR-V review | Consumer Reports

The high-selling CR-V is a very practical package, with a roomy interior and easy maneuverability. Fuel economy improvements make the CR-V a particularly efficient choice. But noise isolation and emergency handling could be better.

[Obie]

Our 5 year update and ownership of our 2012 CRV LX AWD. We bought this Vehicle new in August of 2012. We currently only have 28, 650 miles on our CUV. This CRV has been very reliable and practical with very little issues with it. Been very diligent with maintenance: Tires rotated every 5 thousand miles with the oil change. (I change the oil once a year) I use a synthetic 0 w 20 since my first oil change at about 5000 mile break in period. Differential fluid changed every 15 thousand, Brake fluid flushed after every 3 years, And brakes cleaned and adjusted every 10 thousand. Washed and waxed few times a year. So vehicle is well maintained. Only gripes I've had.. mostly fuel cap issues (twice since we owned it) And the worst so far being a plugged heater core on drivers side. The heater core issue is a big one and causes the heat to fail to warm the driver side compartment when cold out. The dealer "did" fix the problem for us at no charge so I was relieved. The thirty thousand mile mark is coming up for our old girl. I've heard others with the higher trim levels having battery issues but thankfully not a single problem here. (original battery) We are keeping our CRV for as long as possible as the newer models with CVT's, Direct injection, turbos, push button start, And tech packages have been more problematic and possibly less reliable. I personally believe the LX model to be the most practical and reliable of the models. I like the 2017 LX AWD version (better gas mileage, performance, And improvements in design) The Silver 2012 CRV LX AWD: "Bessie" as we lovingly call her has been a wonderfully practical, dependable, And well designed all in one cross over for our family needs.

[LacDole]

It's an okay package, if you don't know better... the American version is a low grade version of the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) version. The JDM CR-V get HID with Active Cornering Light, Push Start with Smart Key Fob, built-in prism at the bottom of the passenger side door mirror for easier parking, Paddle Shifters and a big safety add-on, Additional Turn Signal on the outside mirrors and a lot more. Bring the JDM CR-V and it will probably catch up with the others...

[BoberMcBoberson]

A friend of mine just traded her 05 in for one of these. Haven't been in it yet but I hope they are more comfortable than the previous generations. The seats in the older ones feel like fabric covered cement LOL! But with that said it's got over 200, 000 miles on it and I would still trust it on across country trip.

[Obie]

We love ours!  It's been real practical, Durable, Safe, And reliable.   AWD is seamless and stable in the roughest winter snows. We have the LX model and that is just fine by me.  We really feel like your getting a lot of value and peace of mind for the price from this versatile Vehicle. Great riding, Highly polished quality CUV.

[davekana]

My friends A/C went out at 104K. Also this model year has a problem with the VCT on cold start. There’s a class action law suite out on the issue, it’s a $1500 dealer fix.

[dream]

How about the quality interior and bad engine noise?

[alijalab]

Thanks for the review. CRV is like a friendly dog. Most people like it, as well as myself. Two major issue should've been solved, but they're not. New engine and transmission. Definitely, a 200 hp is necessary for this size as well as a 6 speed automatic. I think they could do this to boost up the sales by at least 20-30%. Hyundai Tuscon is doing better in this category as well as Ford Escape.

[ShiftedPerspective]

I think Honda did a great job! Ive hear a lot of complaints about this redesign...I really like it!

[curtis]

Does anyone know anything about long term reliability of these 2012 crv's? I've seen a few for sale used but I'm not sure about them.

[BakiSmaki]

Looking at getting a used CRV.  Right now I'm leaning towards 2012 over a 2011.

[CHARLIETWW]

@hondaftw1234 I just bought a 2012 CR-V also in EX-L trim in polished metallic finish and gray interior/leather seats. I agree that the SUV is relatively quite comparing to my 05 Accord and my wife's 07 Accord. The interior also looks very nice and the drive quality is close to my Accord. I really like the design and almost everything about this SUV.

[rigel]

actually its pretty much the same. the phil version however has a rear back-up camera but not a standard feature. its only available in a 2.4 liter. we only have 2 variants, the 2.0 LX and 2.4 EX, LX comes with SOHC and EX with DOHC. the phil version of the LX doesn't have a sunroof. The I-mid also isn't present in the LX. people here in the philippines only cares for the exterior looks thats why hyundai is a hit right here. filipinos sometimes does not speculate the features.

[CHARLIETWW]

I like the direction of Honda's new designs across the lines. Honda's cars from late 90s and early 2000s look really "Honda" and people like them. That's what defined Honda during the period. In the mid 2000s, there are quite few ugly cars, and now we are seeing newer and really slick designs. This 2012 CRV is a good example or the transition.

[lauraamante]

I love my CRV but wish it had more power. They really should think about making a six cylinder

[tedimansour]

honestly alll the video have complaints i havent seen a review where they dont say one thing bad about the car especially the cr-v the hard plastic will last longer then the stupid soft plastics

[itsmegp]

I viewed the philippines CR-V, just minor differences in trim. What makes it better?

[Supermobell]

We, europeans, pay heavy taxes for V6 cylinders. And even for a good 2013 4 cylinders CR-V the state tax has been increased and reaches a penalizing 3000 $.
I will get my 2.0 V-tech Executive Navi in about 6 weeks and I'm sure it's gonna be a real pleasure to drive and spend time with. I test drove the 2013 CR-V twice before buying and each time it was a pleasant, quiet and relaxing experience.
Just sit behind the wheel and make yourself an opinion !

[zachb]

i bought a honda crv and used to have a lexus rx 350, problem is lexus was a gas guzzler, had a 3.5 l and the crv has a 2.4 L engine so yes im saving gas for comfort if gas prices go up then forgetting the lexus will.be easier

[davidjames]

every generation of the CRVs have had the hard plastic... looks nice in my opinion...

[TheMichaelRN]

honestly this car looks better in person