What Are The Best Years For Honda CR-V? – A Guide For Buyers
If you are considering buying a Honda CR-V SUV, first familiarize yourself with the worst and best years for Honda CR V. When it comes to reliability, no one can beat Japanese car brands. Honda CR-V is one such impeccable car model lineup.
However, not every generation or release is built the same. Some differences and changes always differentiate one model year of a model lineup from the other. Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV in production since 1995. A vehicle that has been in production for over three decades is a great choice.
If you want the latest release, the 2024 Honda CR-V has already hit the dealerships. But if that is expensive for you and you only desire a CR-V, it is better to take a look at the Honda CR-V best and worst years.
In this guide, we will walk you through every generation of this popular SUV model, along with the best and worst years of its releases. Stick with us till the end to know if the model you have in mind falls under Honda CRV best years or worst years.
Things To Know Before Exploring Worst And Best Year For Honda CRV
CR-V is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the famous Japanese car brand Honda since 1995. This five-door SUV can easily seat five people across its two rows. It is a decent purchase for anyone looking for a well-balanced ride with family-friendly features.
Honda CR-V is among the most reliable and affordable compact crossovers in the American automotive market. You can buy any model you desire. However, one thing that you need to know is that not every model of a lineup is built equally. Some are better than others, while others are worse.
This is the thing with the Honda CR-V model lineup. There are a few model years whose releases were better than the others, while some releases were worse.
Over the years, Honda has made the CR-V undergo some big and small changes. Some were well-received by the customers, while some were criticized. So, if you wish to ensure the ride you will buy with your hard-earned money is worth it, you need to learn the worst and best years for Honda CR V.
If you do not wish to enter the mess of learning about the best and worst years Honda CRV, you can simply go for the latest 2024 Honda CR-V, which ranges from $29,500 to $34,660.
But if you want to spend smartly, plus owning a used car is no bother to you, knowing the Honda CRV years to avoid and buy is a must.
Honda CR-V Generations
- 1st Generation (1995-2001)
- 2nd generation (2002-2005)
- 3rd generation (2006-2011)
- 4th generation (2012-2016)
- 5th generation (2017-2022)
- 6th generation (2023-Present)
7 Best Years For Honda CRV: Let’s Check Them Out With Our Experts Insight
The Honda CR-V is a great ride. However, sometimes, some changes and upgrades make some models better than others. This is a common scenario in the automotive industry.
Sometimes, when auto manufacturers provide buyers with the features they were longing for or make some changes per the prevailing trends, those releases get better sales and deliver better performance.
2005, 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2022, and 2024 are the best years for Honda CR V to buy. You can go for any new or used model of these release years and get yourself a CR-V you can trust on the road.
To help you understand better, we have reviewed all the best years for Honda CR V. You can go through what they offer you and proceed accordingly.
1. 2005 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $5,246
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 160 hp
- MPG: Up to 20 City / 26 Highway
2005 Honda CR-V belongs to the second generation. This two-decade-old model is one of the best years for Honda CR V. This 2005 SUV is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive channeling 160 hp.
Both rows have enough headroom and legroom for kids and adults to comfortably sit. Bucket seats are standard in front rows, and a height-adjustable driver seat is also standard, along with a 4-way manual passenger seat adjustment.
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Top features like one-touch power windows, power glass moonroof, remote keyless power door locks, power & heated mirrors, and tilt adjustable steering wheel are standard.
You can find the 2005 Honda CR-V easily in the used car market. Just have the model inspected by a trusted professional and buy it when you get a green flag.
2. 2006 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $4,849
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 156 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 29 highway
2006 is among the best year Honda CR V you can buy. This model-year vehicle is of top quality. It is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with five-speed automatic transmission, producing 156 hp.
This SUV offers a comfortable, spacious, reliable, and safe space. It is fun and easy to drive, making it the ideal ride for newbies, teenagers, and adults.
Not only this, the 2006 CR-V has also received five-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, making it safe for you and your family. To keep it long, you need to do regular upkeep.
3. 2009 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $8,019
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 166 hp
- MPG: Up to 20 city / 27 highway
The 2009 Honda CR-V is a well-built SUV with a roomy interior, ample cargo space, refined ride quality, and strong safety ratings. This five-seater SUV’s interior has high-quality materials that ensure good quality and comfortable seating.
You can choose from three trim levels and most likely get it in the used car market. Each trim is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated with a five-speed automatic transmission producing 166 horsepower.
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This engine is excellent, but some drivers might think it is sluggish. But that does not make it lose its charm. 2009 CR-V is excellent for day-to-day driving.
4. 2013 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $12,756
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 185 hp
- MPG: Up to 23 city / 31 highway
The 2013 Honda CR-V is another one of the best CRV years you can go for. This compact SUV boasts a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and CVT, producing 185 hp.
The interior is spacious and filled with many standard tech & features, ensuring you are safe and entertained. You get a four-speaker audio system, USB port, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity for your entertainment.
Also, this ride has received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and IIHS. The fuel economy is also excellent, giving you 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
5. 2016 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $17,786
- Engine: 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 185 hp
- MPG: Up to 26 city / 33 highway
Another Honda CR-V model year you can go for with big smiles is 2016. This affordable compact SUV is one of the most spacious vehicles in the class.
It offers a roomy interior, comfortable seating, ample cargo hold, and excellent fuel economy. You can choose from five trim levels with an estimated starting price of around $17,786.
Stylish outlook, generous rear-seat legroom, practical driving dynamics, impressive safety scores, and good reliability rating make the 2014 CR-V an excellent vehicle to invest in. This fourth-generation SUV will cost you around $17,786 for a used model, saving you a lot of money.
6. 2022 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $26,800
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 34 highway
The 2022 Honda CR-V is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. This Japanese car has an upscale interior, compact design, excellent cargo capacity, and spacious & comfortable seats.
You can choose from five trim levels ranging from $26,800 to $36,600. Each model is powered by a compact turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower.
The engine comes paired with standard continuously variable automatic transmissions and front- & all-wheel drive. The composed and compliant ride quality makes CR-V ideal not only for long but also for daily commutes.
The 2022 Honda CR-V’s hybrid variant has a 2-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing 201 horsepower.
Lastly, this ride has received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and a GOOD rating from IIHS, making it a safe car. You can easily get the 2022 CR-V in brand-new and used car markets.
7. 2024 Honda CR-V
Key Specifications
- MSRP: From $29,500
- Engine: 1.5 L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- MPG: Up to 28 city / 34 highway
The final model year considered the best Honda CRV year is the latest 2024. The 2024 Honda CR-V is a decent compact SUV that is well-balanced and is filled with family-friendly features.
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It might not be the most engaging ride, but it is an impressive overall package. With this latest release, you get a roomy & well-built interior, plenty of cargo space, good fuel economy, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
There are no notable changes in the 2024 model from the previous years, but you get to enjoy a standard 7″ touchscreen, Bluetooth, four-speaker audio system, wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, automatic climate control, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and more. You can choose from three trim options: LX, EX, and EX-L, ranging from $29,500 to $34,660.
10 Honda CRV Years To Avoid: Know The Red Flags
To ensure you get the Honda CR-V worth your time and money, there are a few model years you need to steer clear of. Simply knowing the best years will not help. You must also learn which model year releases were worst and what problems they carry.
2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021 are the Honda CR V worst years. You must avoid these model years, no matter how attractive the deal is. Looking out for the worst years of Honda CR-V becomes a must if you are searching for a ride in the pre-owned market.
1. 2002 Honda CR-V
The CR-V models from the model year 2002 come with issues related to the engine, air conditioner, and airbag. The most common problem of the 2002 model year was when the AC compressor failed and contaminated the entire system. This was a burdensome issue as fixing it would easily cost around $2000.
2. 2003 Honda CR-V
The 2003 model year’s releases continued with the problems of model year 2002 with some new additions to the chaos. 2003 Honda CR-V comes with a new concern regarding the issue of shift cable linkage. The shift cable linkage was suffering from excessive corrosion in the models.
This excessive corrosion could prevent the driver from shifting the automatic transmission into the park, creating high chances for accidents.
3. 2004 Honda CR-V
Another Honda CRV year to avoid from the second generation is the 2004 model year. Like its predecessor model years, 2004 models also came with a similar engine, airbag, and corrosion issues.
Thus, we suggest you steer away from this model year. But if you still want that attractive deal, have a mechanic check things out before purchasing.
4. 2007 Honda CR-V
Model year 2007 began the issues with the third generation of Honda CR-V. Several complaints related to airbags and electrical issues concerning locks, doors, and linkages.
The malfunctioning door locks, tires that wear prematurely, and other electrical problems make this third generation year the worst one to own.
5. 2008 Honda CR-V
All the issues of the model year 2007 were carried over to 2008. There were complaints about electrical problems that were persisting.
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However, the complaints about airbags grew, and airbags were reported to fail to deploy. In 2019, Honda even recalled certain 2007 to 2011 CR-V models due to improperly installed passenger airbag inflators.
6. 2014 Honda CR-V
The model year 2014 CR-V saw several complaints about electrical issues from previous generations with the addition of many new problems. 2014 Honda CR-V models came with some new engine issues, faulty tire pressure sensors, and notable grinding noise from the VTC actuator.
7. 2015 Honda CR-V
The model year 2015 was one of the most problematic years for the fourth-generation Honda CR-V. It came with issues like engine stalling, pronounced engine noises, engine shuddering while idling, poor transmission, and malfunctioning heaters. Some complaints were about rodents getting attracted to the soy-based wiring, causing damage.
8. 2017 Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V from 2017 faced many challenges related to its engine, electrical system, and powertrain. Several complaints were regarding engine stalling, unpredictable dashboard lights, and more. This first year of the fifth generation is as disappointing as the first years of all the previous generations of CR-V.
9. 2018 Honda CR-V
The model year 2018 is no better than its predecessor. It also came with various engine and electrical issues, including a new addition of service brake issues.
Many complaints were registered where 2018 Honda CR-V brakes engaged unexpectedly, adding more question marks to the safety concerns for the model year.
10. 2021 Honda CR-V
You should always check Honda CR-V reliability by year before buying. And the final model year you should avoid at any cost is 2021.
This final year of the fifth-generation CR-V is filled with many issues. 2021 models were delving with issues related to engine, technology, and brakes. Even though 2021 is a recent model year, it is not good enough for you to bet your hard-earned money on it.
How To Maintain The Longevity Of Your Honda CR-V?
Knowing the worst and best years for Honda CR V is not enough. You can only ensure you buy the vehicle from the best model years, but that alone is not enough to keep your ride well. If you wish to keep your Honda CR-V for a long time, you must learn how to maintain it.
Maintenance and upkeep are the two crucial factors ensuring how long and how well your vehicle will last especially a used one. So, if you want to ensure your newly bought Honda CR-V is with you for a long time, here are some tips you can abide by.
– Regular Cleaning
A used vehicle that is cleaned regularly tends to outlive the brand-new vehicles that are not. So, habitually clean your ride at least once a week. Also, ensure you clean up immediately after a big mess like food spilling.
Doing a thorough cleaning once a month where you take out floor mats & seat covers and use a vacuum and other cleaning tools is necessary.
– Professional Check-Up Once Every 6 Months
Your vehicle can run smoothly, but that does not mean you neglect the importance of having a professional take a look at it. Like you do a regular full body check-up for your well-being, do the same for your ride.
Have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle once every six months to stay ahead of any issues. The sooner you can detect a problem, the easier it will be to handle it and save yourself from hefty spending.
– Avoid Eating In The Car
A vehicle loses its charm and value if its interior is degraded and stinks. The smell of spilled food and drinks can last longer than you can imagine.
So, try to avoid eating and drinking inside the car. And if you do, make sure you are using proper items like placemats, holders, and other necessary items to ensure the surface of your ride is always safe.
– Always Seek Professional Help When In Trouble
You can never know when your vehicle gets infected with a problem. So, whenever your ride encounters any issue, no matter how minor, always seek professional help.
Most car owners make the condition of their vehicles worse by trying to be the curer. Please do no such thing with your ride. Always take a professional outlook on the situation and proceed accordingly.
Top FAQs About Honda CR-V Best And Worst Years
Are Honda CR-Vs reliable?
YES, the Honda CR-V is a reliable SUV. However, this statement does not apply to every model year of production.
Like all the other vehicles in the market, the CR-V also has its best and worst years. Some years are gold to buy while staying away from certain specific years will be good for you.
What year Honda CR-V should I avoid?
Honda CR-V has been in production since 1995. In these 30 years of production, specific model years are associated more with problems than others.
2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021 are the model years labeled as worst for Honda CR-V.
So, whether you are in the market for buying a brand new ride or a used one, try to stay at bay from these years of production.
Which Honda CR-V engine is better?
Honda CR-V is a compact ride that comes with compact engines. The turbocharged four-cylinder has been the excellent engine of the model since its launch.
This compact engine offers good power output, making this SUV ideal for everyday commutes and long-distance journeys.
In recent model years, a 1.5 L 4-cylinder is powering the Honda CR-V, which is the best.
By introducing it, Honda has seen a decrease in its engine-related complaints, plus it offers more power output and better fuel efficiency.
Why should I learn about the Honda CR-V’s best and worst years?
Buying a car, whether a brand new or a used one, is an expensive event. Thus, you need to be entirely sure before making the purchase.
Knowing the best and worst years of production will keep you from making a purchase mistake.
We are sure you do not wish to own a vehicle that is a total bust and is filled with nothing but issues.
How much does a used Honda CR-V generally cost?
The cost of a used Honda CR-V depends on the model year and its condition. The more recent the model year is, the more the ride will cost. For example, a used car of the model year 2023 will cost more than the model of 2022 and the preceding model years.
Also, the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and equipment play a significant role. A well-kept car sometimes costs almost as much as a brand-new model.
For the first-generation models, you can buy a Honda CR-V for as low as $4,000, which will increase per model year. The latest model year you desire, the more you are likely to pay.
Conclusion
The Honda CR-V is one of the best SUVs you can buy now. However, not every production of this model is a great purchase. So, to ensure you get your money’s worth, explore the worst and best years for Honda CR V.
Knowing which model years to explore and which ones to avoid, you will learn exactly which features to inspect and how much a valid asking price is.
Learn everything about the best and worst Honda CR-V model years with us and decide whether to go for a used or brand-new variant.
