Honda CR-V 2006-2012 used car review
The Honda CRV offers acres of space, strong engines and more daring styling than its conservative predecessors.
The Honda CRV offers acres of space, strong engines and more daring styling than its conservative predecessors. It offers good safety credentials and few reliability concerns.
Launched in 2006, the third-generation Honda CR-V was bigger and roomier, with a new look inside and out. The spare wheel was shifted from the rear door to under the boot floor, allowing it to open upwards rather than sideways as on the previous model – easier in tight parking spaces.
A 2009 facelift refined the styling and added more power, increasing the model's appeal.
Inside and out
The sharp front end styling of the CR-V will not be to everyone’s tastes, and it does stand out. Large, tall tail lights are designed to make the brake lights and indicators more visible to following drivers.
The interior design looks conventional but offers some smart, user-centered enhancements. The central instrument panel is pushed out from the rest of the dashboard to make it easier for the driver to reach, and the same has been done to the shifter for the automatic transmission, which is attached to the lower dash rather than the centre console.
There are many storage spaces, including two large glove boxes and handy pockets either side of the steering wheel for small items like coins and keys.
To receive local radio stations you will need a band expander for the touch-screen infotainment system, and local maps for the navigation system are not available. The screen tilts down to reveal a CD and DVD player hidden behind.
Controls for the stereo and Bluetooth phone system are close at hand on the steering wheel. The climate-control air conditioning system allows separate temperature settings for the driver and passenger. The front seats are very supportive and have fold-down armrests for additional comfort, which also help keep you in place through corners. The driver's seat is adjustable for height.
Need to regularly carry three people in the rear seat? The CRV is an excellent choice as the centre seat is broad and flat. It can also split in three or tumble-fold forward to create a flat loading space. A special feature to the model is the centre section can fold down with the outside seats in place, so long items can be loaded.
With the spare tyre moving from the tailgate to under the boot the floor is not as low as the previous model. It is still lower than most other SUVs, making it easier to load. There is an enormous amount of space – 556 litres, or enough for three to four large suitcases. The space almost doubles with the rear seats folded down.
On the road
Two different engines are available in used import CR-Vs, a 2-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol. A diesel engine is also available on cars sold new in New Zealand but is a rare find. The 2.4-litre engine produces 124kW and 220Nm, and is very punchy and strong.
This CR-V will have no issues with hills or overtaking, even with the family on board. It is teamed with a smooth and intelligent five-speed automatic transmission, which cannot be shifted manually. The 2009 upgrade boosted power from this engine to 134kW.
The CR-V provides a very smooth and comfortable ride. It feels very stable and has lots of grip on rough roads. With its ‘on-demand’ all-wheel drive the CR-V is an excellent choice if you take regular trips on gravel, although it’s not as good in this segment as the Subaru Forester, with its constant all-wheel drive. A front-wheel-drive version, better suited to city driving and slightly more efficient on fuel, is also available.
If you need to tow, the CR-V has an average rating in its class at 600kg unbraked and 1,400kg braked – enough for a small trailer boat or medium-size trailer.
Visibility is excellent in the CR-V thanks to a high sitting position and windows that go all the way to the back on the side of the car. While this is ideal for city driving, the 11.8-metre turning circle is more like that of SUVs a size up and may annoy some drivers.
Safety
The CR-V (2007–2012) has been rewarded with a good Used Car Safety Rating of four stars. There are a few cars in this class with a higher five-star rating, including the Mazda CX-7, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape.
Our 2006 used-import review vehicle featured driver and passenger airbags and antilock brakes, but many CR-Vs are fitted with electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, side airbags and curtain airbags as well.
Need to carry young children? The CR-V features ISOFIX child seat mounts and tethers in the window seat positions, and the centre seat belt is a proper three-point type. It is possible to fit two child seats and a booster seat in the centre.
While visibility from the driver's seat is excellent, it is possible to miss children hidden behind a high-riding vehicle like this. If the CR-V you are considering does not have a reversing camera we recommend having one fitted.
Reliability
This generation CR-V has a reputation for being well-built. Any issues with it are rare, and expensive to fix – but are easy to spot at the time of purchase.
In vehicles with electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes, the module that operates the systems can fail. Unlike some electrical gremlins, the system cannot be scanned and reset by a technician – the module must be replaced at a cost of up to $1,000. Be sure to check that the 'ABS' and 'ESC' warning lamps are not showing on the dashboard when test driving the car.
When test driving, make sure it sounds normal and is not slipping or flaring – appearing hesitant to shift up and seemingly losing drive momentarily before engaging the next gear. If you notice these traits, look for another car.
A more common complaint is easier to resolve. The rear differential unit oil breaks down over time, causing a ‘rumbling’ sound or binding on tighter turns, especially noticeable at low speed. In almost all cases, regular fluid changes with the correct Honda specified oil will eliminate the noise.
Cost of ownership
The Honda CR-V requires servicing every 12 months or 10,000km, costing $340 at a Honda dealer. Because it has a traditional automatic transmission and a timing chain, there is no expensive mid-life service to worry about.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, a Honda CR-V will cost $2,490 a year to fuel, around $100 less to fuel than a Toyota Rav4. The 58-litre fuel tank costs $116 to fill at $2 a litre, and could take you 644km before the fuel light comes on.
The CR-V is in the cheapest ACC levy band, so the annual licensing fee (registration) is just $85.59.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for the car will cost $54.12* per month, just $2 more than a Toyota Rav4, and $5 more than a Mitsubishi Airtrek.
Buyer's guide
Honda CR-Vs on Trade Me range from just $9,000, rising to $24,000 for later and lower mileage vehicles. There was a small facelift in 2009, and with more engine power these cars make great buying at just under $20,000.
Variants
- X - Standard specification, in all-wheel drive only
- ZX and ZL - Features a more premium interior and features, most with electronic stability control
- ZXi - Adds a range of premium technology to the ZX, including adaptive cruise control, automatic headlights and autonomous emergency braking.
Timeline
- 2006: Launched in Japan
- 2009: Significant facelift and changes to the engine providing additional power
- 2009: X model dropped
- 2011: Replaced by a new model
Details
Honda CR-V X 2006
$11,000 to $25,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2.4-litre four-cylinder, 124kW/220Nm (claimed)
Five-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Four-star Used Car Safety Rating
10,000km or 12 months
Space saver
9-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
4518mm
1820mm
1704mm
600kg (unbraked), 1400kg (braked)
11.5m
This review covers the Honda CR-V for model years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Review vehicle supplied by 2CheapCars, Botany.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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