honda-cr-v 2007-2012

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Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) Jan 2007  CLASS: 4x4s/SUVs NEW PRICE: £21,645 - £33,675 USED PRICE: PRICE: From £11,795 ON SALE:

PERFORMANCE:

RIDE COMFORT:

HANDLING:

TOTAL TOT AL SCORE: SCORE :

★★★★

★★ ★★

★★ ★★

BOOT & STORAGE:

SAFETY:

RELIABILITY:

★★ ★★★

★★ ★★

★★ ★

��%

High-quality build. Well-equipped, with standard four-wheel drive. Spacious cabin and boot. Poor rear visibility. Poor pedestrian protection. Large turning circle.

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43.5 mpg

CHEAPEST MODEL TO BUY NEW 2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr New price:

Overview Honda’s 4x4 is well suited to family life, and it’s pretty frugal, too, though it’s not an all-out offroader. Chances are you’ll be looking for the more fuel-efficient diesel, which is OK but not as frugal as some rivals. The second-generation CR-V had a lot to live up to, given its predecessor’s fine reputation. Targeted at families, there’s a choice of two engines – a lightly modified version of the 2.2 diesel from the old model and a newer 2.0 petrol unit. We tested the diesel, which pulled well and returned 39.8mpg, compared with Honda’s claim of 43.5. This CR-V is 85mm shorter than its predecessor, but the cabin feels spacious, with ample front and rear space. The interior is well laid out and, at 545 litres, the boot is good, growing to 910 litres if you fold the seats. The CR-V is available with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) which, at speeds under 10mph, automatically brakes if it senses an impending crash. But pedestrian protection is actually worse than that of its predecessor. A mildly-facelifted model with a new diesel engine and, for the first time, the option of a diesel engine with automatic gearbox, went on sale in 2010; an all-new CR-V (reviewed separately) was launched in October 2012. The 2007-2012 CR-V has a three-star reliability score in the latest Which? Car survey. Commonly-reported issues are with the air con, parking sensors, clutch, braking and battery.

£21,645

CHEAPEST MODEL TO BUY USED 2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr Used price:

£11,795

CHEAPEST MODEL TO RUN �NEW� 2.0 i-VTEC SE 5dr New price: £21,645 Running costs: £18,702 �3 YEARS/36,000 MILES�

OWNER’S VIEW This car is the second CR-V I have owned - nothing else comes close.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

On the road

How we test

The CR-V is one of the easiest 4x4s to get comfortable in and drive, with easy controls and an excellent driving position. However, rear visibility and parking can be awkward. Performance from either engine on offer is strong and, although the CR-V is safe and secure around corners, it feels like an average hatchback to drive.

Performance 

★★★★

You can opt for an all-new 2.0-litre petrol engine or a revised version of the old model’s 2.2-litre diesel. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, or there’s a five-speed automatic option if you buy the petrol. We tested the 2.2 diesel version and found that it pulls very strongly. Overtaking is easy and you don’t need to change gear often. The powerplant is impressively smooth for a diesel and the six-speed manual gearbox is very easy to use, with well-chosen ratios.

Model tested

Acceleration (��-��mph)

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Ride comfort 

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We use the sophisticated electronic timing equipment to record standing-start and in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test several times.

Ride comfort

Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

★★★★

The CR-V’s chassis set-up is well-balanced. Although fairly stiffly sprung, ride comfort is good, absorbing bumps with ease. Body roll while cornering is also well controlled for a 4x4 vehicle.

Model tested

Performance

Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of thousands of miles in a myriad of different models.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

On the road continued...

How we test Handling

★★★★

Handling

In a straight line, the CR-V has good stability. In normal conditions, it’s front-wheel drive only but the four-wheel-drive system can transfer some of the power automatically to the rear wheels when required to boost traction. In our obstacle avoidance test, the CR-V performed OK, nothing more, with initially accurate steering, followed by a slight breakaway, mitigated by the effective electronic stability control (ESC) system, which Honda calls ‘VSA’. Understeer is the main cornering characteristic.

Model tested

Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

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Brakes

★★★ ★★ ★

Brakes

In our tests, the CR-V’s stopping distances were about average for this class. The brakes respond well and pedal pressure can be easily adjusted. Standard ABS with brake assist helps less-experienced drivers make full use of the braking potential.

Model tested

On-the-limit handling is explored well away from public roads to ensure a fair test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of the harshest tests in the industry..

Braking distance (��-�mph)

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Rating ★★★ ★★

The Which? Car braking test measures stopping distance from 62-0mph and is repeated ten times in quick succession to highlight any brake fade issues.

Refinement and noise

★★★★

Refinement and noise

Cabin noise was low in the diesel version we tested. We were impressed with the workmanship of the CR-V with its well-constructed body panels and solid cabin materials. The list of standard equipment is also impressive, particularly in high-spec versions. On the plus side, the plastic bumpers are not body-coloured so they’re easy to repair but, on the down side, the flanks are poorly protected against car park scratches.

Model tested

Cruising noise

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diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

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Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

The Which? Car experts use a decibel meter to record interior sound levels at common UK motorway speeds, and combine this with subjective assessments to arrive at an overall score.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

On the road continued...

How we test Cabin and controls

★★★★★

Cabin and controls

It’s very easy to drive the CR-V. The reach- and height-adjustable steering wheel is well positioned, as are the pedals (although the clutch protrudes somewhat). The gear lever and unusual hand brake lever are also well placed and easy to use. The centre-console-mounte centre-console-mounted d climate control switches are easy to access, as are the electric window switches. When fitted with the optional navigation system, the audio system is simple to operate via a touch screen, while the audio and cruise control (where fitted) can be adjusted via steering-wheel-mounted buttons.

Model tested

Rating ★★★★★ ★★★★★

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We penalise cars with difficult controls, and we look for things like backlit light switches and easy-to-use heating and ventilation adjustments.

 Visibili  Visi bility ty and park parking ing

★★★★

 Visibi  Vis ibilit lity y and and par parkin king g

The high-up seating position provides an excellent view of the road, while the exterior mirrors are large and heated. The rear headrests are retractable for a better rear view but the wide B-pillars and huge C-pillars really make the ‘over shoulder’ view very difficult. The optional advanced safety pack (£2,000) includes adaptive cornering lights. At around 12 metres, the turning circle is rather wide for this class – almost one metre more than its predecessor, so parking can be tiresome, although front and rear parking sensors are standard on all versions except the entry-level SE.

Model tested

Turning circle

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diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

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Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

Visibility is a major issue for motorists today, so each car gets a 360-degree swivel view test to reproduce the driver’s eye view and any obscured areas.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Comfort and practicality 

How we test

One of the CR-V’s main attractions is the sheer space inside, both for front and rear passengers. The boot is also bigger than the class average, with easy access.

Getting in and out

Getting in and out

★★★★

Access to the seats is good, although the high sills get in the way a little. The door stops are much stronger than the old-model CR-V’s, and keep the doors open well.

Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Seat space and comfort

Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

★★★★

There is lots of space up front in terms of head, leg and shoulder room. Front passengers up to 1.85m tall will be comfortable. It’s the same story in the back: lots of space and comfort for people up to and beyond 1.90m tall. The firmly-padded front seats are well-contoured and provide a good combination of support and comfort. The rear seats too are good but feel less comfortable, because they’re set comparatively low.

Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Rating ★★★★ ★★★★

We take measurements all around the driver and passenger’s door apertures and note the height of the seat, door sills and step down onto the car floor. The best cars don’t require too much bending or stretching to get in and out.

Seat space and comfort

We assess seat comfort subjectively, using our road testers’ expert knowledge and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to see how well the car caters for people of all shapes and sizes.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Comfort and practicality continued...

How we test Boot and storage

★★★★★

Boot and storage

At 545 litres, the boot is very large for this vehicle class, and it can be expanded by folding the 60/40 split rear seats to a capacity of 910 litres (measured to the windowline). The rear seats can also slide to boost legroom or luggage space. The large tailgate opens and closes easily, allowing access to a low, flat boot area. There’s a separate panel to allow you to create a handy two-tier boot floor. As for cabin storage, there are many practical bins and cupholders front and rear, plus an oddments compartment above the glovebox.

Model tested

Boot space (seats up/down)

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Heating and ventilation

Rating ★★★★★ ★★★★★

★★★ ★★ ★

Carmakers give official stats for boot space, but our tests are more realistic. We load the boot up with measuring blocks only as far as the rear window line, so that luggage is well secured and won’t obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test with the rear seats up, and folded down (where possible).

Heating and ventilation

Air conditioning is standard in the entry-level SE trim, with easy-to-operate dual-zone automatic climate control standard on all other models. However, it takes rather a long time to achieve the right temperatures in the front, and particularly in the rear, in cold weather. The rear side windows only open two-thirds of the way.

Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Rating ★★★ ★★★

Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in our climate chamber. Starting with a cold engine, we measure how long it takes to warm up the front and rear of the cabin. Diesel cars usually take longer. We also check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Running costs and depreciation

How we test

The CR-V is one of the easiest 4x4s to get comfortable in and drive, with easy controls and an excellent driving position. However, rear visibility and parking can be awkward. Performance from either engine on offer is strong and, although the CR-V is safe and secure around corners, it feels like an average hatchback to drive.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption Although fairly stiffly sprung, ride comfort is good, absorbing bumps with ease. Body roll while cornering is also well controlled for a 4x4 vehicle.

Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)

��.� mpg - ��.� mpg

Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)

��.� mpg - ��.� mpg

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Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Model tested diesel �.�i-CTDi (���bhp) manual �-door (����) diesel �.� i-DTEC (���bhp) manual �-door (����)

Urban (claimed/tested) ��.� mpg/��.� mpg ��.� mpg/��.� mpg

Extra urban (claimed/tested) ��.� mpg/��.� mpg ��.� mpg/��.� mpg

Motorway (measured) ��.� mpg ��.� mpg

Combined (claimed/tested) ��.� mpg/��.� mpg ��.� mpg/��.� mpg

We test fuel economy under strict lab conditions – using realistic test cycles – to reveal the facts behind the figures. Our figures rarely match manufacturer claims as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold engine, and on the motorway.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Running costs and depreciation continued...

How we test Emissions

Emissions The CR-V’s chassis set-up is well-balanced and in a straight line, the CR-V has good stability. In normal conditions, it’s front-wheel drive only but the four-wheel drive system transfers some of the power automatically to the rear wheels when required to boost traction. In our obstacle avoidance test, the CR-V performed adequately, with initially accurate steering followed by a slight breakaway, mitigated by the effective electronic stability control system, which Honda calls VSA. Understeer is the main cornering characteristic.

Petrol (CO�, claimed)

���g per km - ���g per km

Diesel (CO�, claimed)

���g per km - ���g per km

While testing fuel economy, we also collect exhaust gases to enable us to measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted. We also check whether particulate filters are effective at removing sooty emissions from diesel engines.

Safety  Model tested

Emissions (claimed/tested)

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Safety and security  Euro NCAP score 

★★★★

Here is the video of the 2007 Honda CR-V Euro NCAP frontal crash test.

Security 

Please enable JavaScript to access this content.

Adult occupant

We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP crash test scores (where available), alongside our own comprehensive safety checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results from our accident avoidance test – after all, it’s far better to steer around a crash than rely on the airbags...

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★

Child protection Pedestrian protection

Which?? safety rating Which

★★★★

Active (crash avoidance) Passive (crash safety) Child Pedestrian

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Security The CR-V merited five stars for ‘theft of’ and four for ‘theft from’ in our security assessments, a good result.

Theft of car:

Theft from car:

★★★★★

★★★★

Security scores come from the security experts at Thatcham, who break into hundreds of cars each year. Most modern cars are very difficult to drive away, but are still too easy to steal from.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Which? Car Survey results

 Aboutt our surv  Abou survey  ey 

The Which? Car Survey is the UK’s biggest and best reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In 2013, drivers told us about 57,182 cars, covering more than 450 million miles in the previous 12 months (that’s equivalent to driving 18,398 times around the world). This unique feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars. Note Star Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages shown under ‘Most common faults’ indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem in the past 12 months.

Brand

Sample size: 5, 5,117 117 people

Honda ratings Overall owner satisfaction for this brand Brand reliability Dealer Sales Service  Dealer Servicing & repair

Model: Honda CR-V (2007-2012)

Sample size: 628 people people

Overall owner satisfaction for this range

Ease of driving  Comfort Dash layout and controls  In-car technology  Styling Build quality  Practicality  Value for money  

Everyone who takes part in the Which? Car survey tells us about their car and the dealers who sell and service it. We analyse this feedback across all cars to give top-level satisfaction ratings for each brand, including the brand’s reliability record over the last eight years. All star ratings are out of five.

Model ownership ratings

★★★★ ★★★★★

Ownership ratings Driving enjoyment 

87%

Brand ratings

These show how owners score this car in 12 different areas, from performance to heating. Owners’ ratings are subjective – so may differ from Which? Car test scores – but they give a good idea of what the car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars are scored against other cars in the same class (e.g. for space).

87%

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★

OWNER’S VIEW Quality of fixtures & fittings.  Smooth,  Smo oth, punc punchy hy dies diesel el engine. Solid (if a tad stolid) dependability.

OWNER’S VIEW The car is very good at  pulling  pull ing our tour touring ing cara caravan van on holidays and is a good all rounder the rest of the time.

Which? Car review

Honda CR-V (2007-2012) (2007-2012) 4x4s/SUVs

Which? Car Survey results continued...

 Aboutt our surv  Abou survey  ey  Reliability ratings

Reliability ratings

★★★

Overall Reliability

Petrol cars

Reliability 

 

Breakdowns Average annual repair cost

Diesel cars  

Reliability  Breakdowns Average annual repair cost

 All cars

Reliab Re liability  ility 

 

Breakdowns Average annual repair cost

Up to 3 years old

3-8 years old

★★★★ �% £� ★★★★ �% £� -

-

We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where the car has been on sale for some time, and we have numerous survey responses from owners, we also split scores by the age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are out of five – the more stars, the more reliable the car.

Most common faults

Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months  Avera  Av erage ge ann annua uall repa repair ir co cost: st: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12 months

Most common faults Up to 3 years old Battery (P) Clutch Interior - Other Parking sensors Non-Engine electrics - Other

�% �% �% �% �% 3-8 years old

-

Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year

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Want to know what’s most likely to go wrong as the car gets older? These are the five most common faults reported by owners, grouped by age into new, recent and older cars. A score of 40% means four out of 10 owners reported problems with that part of the car over the previous 12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause more headaches than mechanical parts in most modern cars.