2012 Honda CR-V Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.28/5 Average
104 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2012 Honda CR-V is fully redesigned. Highlights include a longer standard features list, restyled sheet metal, an upgraded cabin and better fuel economy.

Pros:
  • High fuel economy
  • Ample tech and family-friendly features
  • User-friendly controls
  • Lots of room for passengers and cargo
  • Nimble handling.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 104.00
  • great vehicle until its not - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    My 2012 CRV developed a very common widespread problem in Honda 4 cylinder engines, at about 49000 miles. A defective vtc actuator which causes a loud grinding noise at start. This is clearly something that should be covered by Hondas 5 year 60k power train warranty. Honda claims they having been researching how to repair it for four years without success. Meanwhile my vehicle is worthless in trade. just google crv makes noise at start

  • Saved My Life - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    This car was smashed by a truck and totalled. And I lived.

  • After 3.5 years, finally realized I like this car - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I had a Mazda CX-7 prior to this purchase and had SO many mechanical issues. They all seemed to happen right after I went over 60k, so they werent covered by the warranty, go figure. I was anxiously waiting for the 2012 Honda CR-V to come out so I could get rid of it and say hello to reliability! I bought the CR-V in January 2012 and have just finally realized that I REALLY like it. Took me long enough! Coming from a turbo-charged engine, it was somewhat disappointing to drive at first. Very little pickup and I felt like I couldnt even get out of the way. Had to adjust driving style, but I just kept reminding myself that I no longer had to worry about it not starting or breaking down on the side of the road...trade-offs. I had Bose speakers in the CX-7, and the sound system was also less than par comparatively, although decent for what it is. The bluetooth was a nice new addition and the back-up camera is awesome. I had the battery issue everyone else seems to have, but it never completely died on me. It took a while to turn over a few times, which worried me because of the CX-7 fiasco, but it always started. We make periodic long drives so maybe the battery was able to get a good charge then? When I took it to the dealership for regular maintenance last winter, they told me I needed to replace the battery because the charge was really low. I didnt replace it b/c I thought they were just trying to upsell me something I didnt need. I mean really, who needs to replace the battery after only 2.5 years and 40k miles?! I wasnt aware of the battery issue 2012 CR-Vs were having at the time... At my last oil change they did a software update to fix the issue. I havent had any problems, but then again, its summer, I guess well what happens as it gets cold again. That brings me to the AWD...or rather, the RWD, since thats what it feels like. I havent gotten stuck in the snow yet, hopefully never will, but when driving in the snow it feels like the rear-end wants to come around and its a little scary having to compensate. And, DO NOT drive it in sand...we DID get stuck in sand, even after letting air out of the tires. We finally had to almost completely deflate them before we got traction and were able to get out. Overall, this is not an AWD vehicle, I tried. :) If you want that, I suggest buying something known for that, just be prepared for the gas mileage to adjust accordingly. The cargo space with the seats folded down is incredible. My family moved this past summer and I was able to do much of the small stuff on short trips. It fit so much stuff that I was more concerned about the weight limits than I was on the space available. Overall, this is perfect for what we need and the gas mileage is pretty good. On long trips we get 30-31 mpg and city I get about 24-25. Just whats advertised. I plan to keep it at least until our 10-year old starts driving...she can take it and then I will probably get something with real AWD capability and low gas mileage. :) Hope this review helps in the decision making!

  • Battery/air conditioner is problematic - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Ive already replaced my battery one at year two. The mechanic said something about my driving, idling, extra usage of phone charging. Ive not changed my driving style in 40 years, and Ive never had to replace a battery before 4-5 years. The air conditioner has gone out every year. They dont say its a normal occurrence, but they dont admit that something may be wrong either. Ive always been a Honda girl, but after this car...I will research other cars.

  • Best Ive had in 50 years of driving - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Not enough superlatives. At 140k original brake still good. Replaced battery at 120k. Oil change every 5 with synthetic.

  • Dead Battery - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    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.!!!

  • Honda Denying Electrical Problem - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    Despite overwhelming evidence of an electrical system issue causing the cars battery to die a slow death between two and three years, including a recall to address the software causing the problem, Honda will not do the right thing and replace the battery that their design destroyed. I have never had to replace a battery in a new car at 33 months. I am finding this is Hondas typical approach to problems - denial until forced otherwise by the government. Ridiculous. This was my very first Honda, and possibly my last. Its not that I hate the car, but I definitely did not observe the reliability I had heard about do much.

  • Thoroughly Dissappointed - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I bought this vehicle for my Wife to replace a 2005 Chevy Equinox. We live in a very cold climate and since the Equinox had failed to start a few times, I thought Id get her the "Best of the Best" to replace it. Its now on its third battery, the steering wheel locks up so that you have to fight to get the key to turn, the electric power steering fails at cold temperatures and last week, it blew the oil pressure sensor out of it when it was being warmed up. All the oil pumped out and now the engine is ruined. My F150 starts fine as does the Neighbors new Chevy Equinox. It may be okay in Florida but it fails miserably here. I will say though, that their roadside assistance is great.

  • OK, but features not up to high price - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    A bit disappointed after reading so many stellar reviews. Lots of blind spots. Doors come up higher than my older cars (cant easily rest my arm on windowsill) probably for better safety, but that makes it very hard to see the 4 corners of the car, or see potholes by front passenger side, or see where the driveway edges are when Im backing up. Also very disappointed at the lack of lights. No light in glove box! No lights anywhere on outside door or mirror. When I open the door on a dark street at night, other cars cant see that its open! Very dangerous. Worst is getting in car at night and cant see button to quickly lock door, and have to feel / fumbling w/ key!

  • Good value for the price - 2012 Honda CR-V
    By -

    I am halfway through my 2012 CR-V LX AWD lease my commute is ~7m RT and I rarely travel long distance for work. I live in hilly NE where AWD is a must for us. As this is the primary commuter car (second car is an around-town minivan) I wanted the safety and all-purpose features of an SUV with the mileage and comfort of a sedan. On the whole I am impressed given what I see is a lack of strong competitors in this price range. As a former Honda/Subaru/Saab owner, I preferred the build of Honda over Kia and Hyundai, find the fit/finish/layout of the RAV-4 (and most Toyotas in general) a bit wonky, dont trust the reliability or build quality of Ford quite yet, and dont have the $ for an MDX.

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