It might sound a bit cliché, but if you want a good used SUV that doesn’t give you a lot of problems, choose a Honda CR-V. This SUV has been trusted by more than 3.5 million owners, and it continues to be a vehicle that has cracked the code of what consumers desire. The CR-V is practical but not stuffy, it’s fun but not dangerous, and it’s versatile but still comfortable. Since it entered the market in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been one of the best all-around compact SUVs in the entire market.

What’s so special about the Honda CR-V?

Does anything stand out as that one item that takes your breath away? Not really. The CR-V is one of the most common SUVs you’ll see on the road. There must be a reason for that. Do you ever wonder why so many people love cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord or trucks like the Ford F-150? These vehicles have the right formula to meet the needs of almost every consumer, and that’s exactly what a used Honda CR-V brings as well.

What does Consumer Reports think about this used SUV?

Consumer Reports has reviewed the Honda CR-V for many years and gives us historical data to support the fact that this compact crossover is one of the best used SUVs in the market. Whether you’re looking at a model from the current fifth-generation or going back a few years farther to find that diamond in the rough, you’ll have an SUV that ranks high for reliability, owner satisfaction, and quality.

A used Honda CR-V delivers affordability and a high-quality drive

Turning to another expert ranking, we see the U. S. News and World Report places the 2013 and 2014 versions of the CR-V in the sixth spot among used compact SUVs priced between $15,000 and $20,000. These SUV models come from the previous generation and offer you:

• A spacious cabin
• Large cargo area
• Standard rearview camera

Considering the rearview camera wasn’t required until a few years after these two models, that is a pretty nice perk for your compact SUV.

The 2014 version of the CR-V included an Intelligent Multi-Information display, which offered a 5.0-inch screen with many of the desired controls. This version also has easy-fold rear seats to offer a nearly flat load floor.

Of course, if you want more modern features in your used Honda CR-V, you’ll want to find this compact SUV from a later model year.

What problems do Honda CR-V SUVs have?

Every vehicle faces some issues. Car Buying and Selling tells us some of the potential problems with the CR-V, including:

• Engine oil dilution
• Battery problems
• Honda Sensing issues
• Faulty Takata airbags

If the previous owner handled recalls issued on the vehicle, you probably won’t have an airbag issue. Even so, you’ll want to check to make sure.

Should you buy a used Honda CR-V?

It’s not hard to understand the qualities that make this Honda an easy choice for any driver. The CR-V is affordable and offers a spacious cabin with generous cargo room. In each model year, it’s been packaged with an advanced level of technology. If you’re looking for a used compact SUV to drive, you’ll have a hard time finding one that gives you more than what you’ll find in a used Honda CR-V.

If you’d rather have a newer version of the CR-V, keep reading on to the next article.