2012 Honda CR-V EX Review - Don't Miss The Boat! 

Fantastic Car Review...have you ever wondered if it's really the cars fails the bottle test but rather the BOTTLE failing the CARS test of being the PERFECT BOTTLE that fits into ALL cars?

I own a same year CRV, just under 100k miles, my dad owned it before passing it to me. What a good vehicle, 0 problems, just your regular maintenance. I really like the looks of it as I changed wheels&tires, blacked out chrome and updated the infotainment system with one with Android auto and Apple Carplay. I really recommend it

thinking about buying one, i can't afford a newer model. so hearing about how this is the boat we shouldn't miss makes me feel good

Hey nice review! My dad has this same year same car didn't realize he "missed out" on the CVT and turbo by such a small margin. His car is at 90K and drives really well.

Rarely hear about issues with Honda CVT’s. The earlier units might had some problems but ever since the HCF-2 lubricated CVT came out it’s been pretty good.

Amazing video Zach, I love your analogies and informative nature. My parents had 2 CRV’s like this one. This video has a special place in my heart. Thanks bro

I have a 2013 EX that was bought brand new back in 2012. Not very high miles (just shy of 70k) since my commutes have been short. The only "major" issue I have had was with the Bluetooth module dying about two years ago. Instead of getting it fixed (and it's an expensive fix), I bought just a receiver that plugs into on of the outlets and then outputs through the aux line. The controls are on the unit, so I have to have it plugged in on the outside outlet, so it's not a very clean set up. Connection wise, it's an improvement on stock bluetooth, since it's a new BT version with no delay (factory module has like a 3 second delay). I do lose factory controls, but the controls on the unit are fine. A cleaner fix would have been a headunit upgrade, but I'd rather just pay 20 bucks, since as mentioned, I don't drive a whole lot now. I do like my CRV and will probably stick with it until it dies, which I don't imagine it being any time soon as long as I keep up basic maintenance.

Crazy how much bulkier the 3rd gen crv got after the 2nd gen.

I have a 14' and it's my AWD lawnmower. Love that thing. Solid.

I’ve had my 2013 EX-L for almost 6 years, it’s been a great car

5:18 bro really got personal right there🫠

I'm from the lower peninsula of MI, and I love Mackinac! We go maybe once a year.

It's funny, for a while, the 2.4 was the base engine til they phased it out, and the 1.5 turbo was the upgrade. It should have been the other way around!

Honda didn't really abandon the traditional automatic in the 5th gen CRV. In some markets where it is available in diesel, it is paired with a 9 speed automatic. Not sure if the 6th gen would follow that combo.

Just bought a 2012 CR-V EX-L for $12k with 114k.. It needs a VTC actuator ($997 + tx and shop fees)and a the transmission shakes/shudders from 20-30 mph, and upon further research, discovered that this is also a very common problem. Might need a new torque converter ($1465 + tax and shop fees. ), valve body or new transmission. This VTC actuator issue is a common problem and can be heard with the loud rattle for about 2 seconds upon startup of a cold engine. This issue is so widespread that Honda made a "new" VTC actuator to "fix" the problem but didn't issue a recall, just a TSB. There are class action lawsuits against Honda in several states now because of this VTC actuator issue still not being resolved. ONCE YOU REPLACE THE VTC ACTUATOR, IT MIGHT GO BAD AGAIN. Buyer beware. Research this VTC actuator issue and the transmission issue before buying! Listen for the rattle and feel for the shudder/shaking aeound 20-30mph if you test drive one. Take the vehicle to an honest mechanic for a pre-purchase vehicle inspection and make sure he has experience witn these vehicles, especially the VTC actuator and the transmission shaking/shuddering. 0:02

my 16’ had the silly CVT but i’m at 257k and still no maggie problems sooo.. also that mackinaw reference is spot on! u from MI?

My mom had one for 10 years & 130k. Tough as nails, no problems.

I currently own a 2012 honda accord, which has the same engine and transmission with this crv. And to be honest, Im thinking about upgrading to the suv after watching the video 😅

My K24 also consumes 1/2 to 1 quart between oil changes

I will be buying a CRV, and it is good to know that the read on CRV's and Honda is that they have weak transmissions. A number of years ago I was have my cars trans rebuilt and I was shocked to see a Honda in for repair. The head mechanic told me Honda's have weak transmissions. this is not the same guy I referenced earlier. On this model the torque converter in the trans is the weak point. Great mechanic quoted price as $2500 to $3500 for repair. Good luck to all of us who assume the risk when we buy on the trans.

One of the most cars to have ever car'd. It's simple and reliable transportation that doesn't try to be anything more. I've never seen a steering wheel logo wear ever, was the owner driving with their palm on the horn button all the time? I'm getting the feeling that CVTs are the answer to a question nobody asked. Geared transmissions are fine so why change what's not broken? Not that geared transmissions can't break but they seem to break far less than CVTs.

hey zack, is there any chance you might review toyota rav 4 of that generation?

Yep. This generation of CR-V is what I learned to drive on.

Honda used the K24 until 2020, I believe. So for 2017 you could choose between the K24 and the 1.5 turbo.

My 9:30 ferry has a manual transmission. I sometimes wonder if my 5-speed Mazda 2 *is* my 9:30 ferry.

Im intested in buy a used 2014 HONDA CRV WHATS YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON THAT YR,generation,TY😮😊

What about the water in the trunk at 7:04... One of the only problem with 2012 CRV

Can you make a review on the 2023 Kia Rio

Have a 2012 with 160k miles. No issues whatsoever. Will drive it until it completely dies.

I might miss some red flags, but if there are no oil leaks anywhere so all the consumption is internal, and the changed oil comes out fine without any metal shavings, cooling liquid or other problematic particles in it, how is drinking a quart between scheduled oil changes THAT big of a problem? I mean, should it be avoided in engine design if they can, yes, but what's the big worry for the owner/user of the vehicle?

Just bought a 2014 EX-L AWD last week with 225k miles for $11.7k. Great vehicle. Great timing to help confirm our decision!

Same gen Rav4 (2013-2018) is a tad better; 2.5L and super reliable 6-speed auto

the 2014 model year was the last with conventional 5 speed n tge non turbo engine. The only issues seem to be the rattle in the actuator and a shudder in the trans from 2 to 3 gear. Any solutions?

❤my wife has 2012 it has two hundred sixty thousand miles on it an no problem at all an it’s runs great it been good she got it new

Base on the steering wheel controls... That individual likes to skip a lot lol

Very nice

CRV"s are amongst the most stolen cars here in Montreal, Canada... My dad bought a 2018 CRV back in 2017 and had it stolen not even 4 years later. Sucks, but not much you could do about it, these thieves are getting better and better.

I'd own pretty much any Honda car. My personal vehicle is an 06 civic. HUGE fan of their cars... That being said the taillights look fugly.

My sister recently got a 2020 CR-V CPO with 40k. I had to talk to her into getting the extended warranty because of the engine/transmission issues.

My tia has a 2014 lol i have a 2001 sport trac

The end made no sense

does it fit Big Friggin Bottle 😁

Honda Cr-V CVTs are not know to have problems. The automatic transmission in the 2012-2014 actually have shuddering problems that required computer reprogramming. My 2015 CVT is smooth as butter with 110K. Change transmission fluid every 30K and some of the CVTs are getting well over 200K miles