2011 Honda CR-V Review
2011 Honda CR-V Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Spacious passenger and cargo areas
- straightforward interior controls
- nifty family-friendly features
- agile handling
- exemplary crashworthiness.
Cons
- No optional engine upgrade
- elevated road noise
- transmission lacks manual mode.
What’s new
Apart from the introduction of an SE trim level that slots in between the LX and EX, the Honda CR-V sees no changes for 2011.
Edmunds says
Well-rounded and a great choice for families, the 2011 Honda CR-V is one of our favorite compact crossover SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Honda CR-V EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$175/mo
CR-V EX
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Although small crossover SUVs are extremely popular these days, it's interesting to remember that the Honda CR-V was one of the first to pioneer the segment. Through multiple generations it's become a best-seller, with people finding much to like in its refined driving demeanor and practicality. The 2011 Honda CR-V continues the trend and is certainly an example of Honda at its best. There are some downsides to the CR-V, but overall they're overcome by many strengths.
We're certainly smitten with the CR-V's ability to comfortably take on both people and cargo. It's one of the best small crossovers for carrying stuff, as it has a roomy cargo area that's good for both bulky and smaller items. Other comfort and convenience features abound, such as a reclining/sliding second-row seat and available luxuries that include heated seats, a navigation system and iPod integration. On top of this, the CR-V provides responsive handling, a comfortable ride, top safety scores and a long-standing reputation for high quality and steadfast reliability.
The biggest downside to the CR-V is that it only comes with a four-cylinder engine. Most of its rivals offer available V6s. Although the CR-V's four-pot mill is fuel efficient and makes competitive power, there are certain (albeit likely rare) situations when the Honda is going to break a sweat worthy of a sprinting "Biggest Loser" contestant, such as when ascending a long grade while fully loaded. Also, the CR-V's elevated road noise and slightly firmer ride quality make it a less serene highway cruiser than some other choices.
If you foresee situations like this or just like having extra power on tap, you might want to check out other crossovers like the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Kia Sorento, 2011 Subaru Forester and 2011 Toyota RAV4. All are very good picks and offer more power through their upgraded engines, and the Equinox and Forester are quieter. The 2011 Honda CR-V is also a bit more expensive than the norm, which might be an issue for shoppers on a very tight budget. But considering how much it gets right, we have no problem recommending the CR-V as one of our favorite models in the class.
Performance & mpg
Every 2011 Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic and front-wheel drive are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. The latter sends power to the front wheels exclusively until slippage is detected, at which point power is sent to the wheels with the most traction. In Edmunds testing, an AWD CR-V ran the 0-60-mph dash in 10.1 seconds -- on the slow end for a four-cylinder compact crossover.
In terms of fuel economy, the CR-V is also about average for the segment; EPA estimates for the front-drive model are an estimated 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined. AWD CR-Vs drop slightly to 21/27/23.
Safety
The 2011 Honda CR-V is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A back-up camera is available on the EX-L with Navigation, and Honda dealers can install parking sensors on lower trim levels. In our brake testing, a CR-V EX-L came to a stop in a tidy 119 feet, which is better than average for this segment.
In government crash testing, the CR-V achieved a perfect five stars for all frontal- and side-impact tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests, the CR-V earned the best possible rating of "Good." However, in that agency's new roof strength test it received the second worst rating of "Marginal."
Driving
Though the Honda CR-V is certainly competitive against other four-cylinder-powered crossovers, it lacks low-end power and there's no getting around the fact that there's no upgrade available. Nevertheless, the CR-V sets itself apart with relatively nimble handling and sharp steering. Even braking is quite good, which is unusual for a Honda. The ride is slightly busier than the norm and the noise from wind and the road is excessive, making the 2011 Honda CR-V feel a little less polished and sophisticated than some competitors.
Interior
The CR-V's cabin is both functional and attractive. Gauges are clear, controls are where you'd expect them to be and materials quality is good. Parents will appreciate the wide-opening rear doors, the sliding and reclining backseat, the two-tier cargo area and the lightweight rear liftgate, all of which ease the process of loading small children and the many items that go along with them. A "conversation mirror" built into the overhead console's sunglasses holder enables front seat occupants to keep an eye on the backseat without turning around. Unfortunately, there is less room for a rear-facing child seat than in some rival vehicles such as the Equinox.
Luggage capacity with the seatbacks up measures a generous 35.7 cubic feet and we're also big fans of the split-level cargo area, which essentially doubles the amount of smaller, grocery-sized items you can carry. With the split-level divider stowed and the rear seats folded, the CR-V can hold an impressive 73 cubic feet of cargo.
2011 Honda CR-V models
The 2011 Honda CR-V is a crossover SUV that straddles the line between compact and midsize. It is available in LX, SE, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navigation trim levels, and each can be equipped with front- or all-wheel drive.
The LX comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver seat height adjustment, 40/20/40 sliding and reclining rear seats, a retractable front center tray table and a four-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The SE adds alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and an upgraded audio system (with a six-CD changer and six speakers).
The EX adds a sunroof, a dual-level cargo area and steering-wheel audio controls. Going with the EX-L gets you automatic headlights, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a fixed front center console and a seven-speaker stereo (with subwoofer, USB audio jack and satellite radio). The EX-L with Navigation adds a (surprise!) navigation system along with voice controls, Bluetooth and a rearview camera.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Honda CR-V.
5 star(52%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(7%)
104 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Honda needs to address severe wind noise in their 2011 CRV
newsandiegan, 04/24/2011
2011 Honda CR-V EX-L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
This is my first Honda, that I love in general. I took my first Pacific Coastal Highway trip and the mileage was not as promised, but the car rode nicely. Except, that on the freeways the windows wind noise is severe. I test drove it around the dealership and never on the freeway at 70 miles, my mistake. However, I do want Honda to know as dealership says it is a design problem and … cannot be fixed. I sent my first payment to Honda Financing this month, in pain, as I am not entirely happy about this severe wind noise that ruins the conversation with your passengers. Let's do something as a group and make Honda aware of this and request a fix. Honda knows better than to ignore this problem.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Crash Worthiness
patrece, 07/20/2011
2011 Honda CR-V LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
3K miles on the CRV and someone crossed a double yellow line and my daughter hit head on into them.
The CRV saved her life.
It has a five star crash rating and traveling at speed of 45/47 mph....she walked away without any injury.
Air bags activated, seal belts and the headrest protected her.
No matter what minor problems a car may have, nothing matters more than a well built car that … will sustain an impact and have the occupants walk away!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Saved my son's life!
bjb22269, 02/09/2013
2011 Honda CR-V SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Last weekend my son had an accident with my 2011 Honda CRV due to speed and road conditions and totalled
my car.
He hit a rock wall at a high rate of speed and rolled end for end.
AND WALKED AWAY!!
He is 6'6" and weighs 250lbs.
Only had scratchs and a bump on his head.
This was is destroyed but it saved my son's life.
He owns a 2002 Honda Civic and if he was in that he would be dead.
I … am VERY pleased and happy with this car and how safe it really is.
He hit the wall so hard that the left front wheel, tire, axle, and shock came out in one piece.
Alot of people (me included) look at the "pretty" of a car and don't really think about the safety.
Well built car!! Thank you Honda!
4.38 out of 5 stars
Honda CRV best all round
kazmaz, 10/21/2011
2011 Honda CR-V SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A)
Updating CRV bought new June 2011. Recent 3,000 mile trip across US, down to Mexico was a good test:
1) Excellent fuel economy -- ave 31 mpg overall
2) packed in more luggage than seemed possible
3) Very comfortable, fun to drive
4) smooth, excellent steering, sturdy suspension
5) amazingly stable to heavy cross winds
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $21,895
- MPG & Fuel
- 21 City / 28 Hwy / 24 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.3 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 179.3 in. / Height: 66.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,386 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 35.7 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestMarginal
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2011 Honda CR-V
Used 2011 Honda CR-V Overview
The Used 2011 Honda CR-V is offered in the following submodels: CR-V SUV. Available styles include EX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A), LX 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A), LX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A), EX 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A), SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A), SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A), EX-L 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5A), EX-L 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 5A), EX-L 4dr SUV AWD w/Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A), and EX-L 4dr SUV w/Navigation (2.4L 4cyl 5A). Pre-owned Honda CR-V models are available with a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 180 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Honda CR-V comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Honda CR-V?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Honda CR-V trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Honda CR-V EX is priced between $9,900 and$18,998 with odometer readings between 66066 and177654 miles.
- The Used 2011 Honda CR-V LX is priced between $8,500 and$16,998 with odometer readings between 58031 and189740 miles.
- The Used 2011 Honda CR-V EX-L is priced between $12,941 and$13,983 with odometer readings between 104861 and129962 miles.
- The Used 2011 Honda CR-V SE is priced between $12,982 and$15,590 with odometer readings between 77181 and90301 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2011 Honda CR-VS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2011 Honda CR-V for sale near. There are currently 44 used and CPO 2011 CR-VS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $8,500 and mileage as low as 13290 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2011 Honda CR-V.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 Honda CR-V?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Honda lease specials
Check out Honda CR-V lease specials
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