2008 Honda CR-V Review
Test drove: 4/10/08 – 4/24/08
Honda CR-V Habit is Hard to Kick
Honda’s marketing campaign for the CR-V calls it “something new to CRaVe.” Well, I think they may as well just call it an addiction. Once this little SUV got into my system, I just couldn’t walk away from it. It caught me, and I’ve had the shakes ever since I had to give it back. OK, not really, but you get my point. This is a car that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
It all started with a look. The CR-V seemed innocent enough, perched on its toes, all cute and stuff. My test vehicle was a fabulous deep red that was fun to look at, and its graceful curved lines and subtle hardware lured me in. I noted the rugged 17-inch alloy wheels and started to feel good just contemplating it. The doors open an amazing 90 degrees, making entry and loading impossibly easy. Once I climbed in (a small hop, no big deal) it only got better. The seating position is high — not too high, but just high enough to offer a new perspective on the road ahead. Thanks to the rearview camera, I had a pretty good view of the road behind, as well. I liked it — a lot. I wanted more. And, oh, was there more!
The CR-V promises to make driving a pleasure, and it definitely delivered on that promise. A sunroof brings in the light with one touch, while a color screen provides navigation information to show me the way, and a fabulous stereo package supplies the soundtrack to my life. There are controls for the stereo on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which also tilts and telescopes to create the perfect fit, plus its ergonomic shape felt great to hold. Driving the CR-V felt good, too, because the engine is perky and surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. It has plenty of power while keeping gas consumption down to an estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway in the all-wheel-drive version I tested. Sadly, I only averaged about 16 mpg in my two weeks of mostly suburban driving.
The tight suspension made for quick, sharp turns, but the downside is that it also caused me to feel every bump in the road. Maybe my senses were just enhanced by the experience, but I found myself dreading speed bumps and freeway speeds more than usual.
The CR-V made it up to me when it came to storage capability. I quickly forgot any little quibbles I had when I saw how it could subtly contain and organize my ever-present car clutter. There are little cubbies and bins everywhere, plus a terrific center console with an input for my iPod. It charged my iPod and connected it to the stereo for seamless entertainment, all while keeping the cords out of sight. All four doors have pockets and bottle holders, and both front seats have pockets on their backs. What’s really thoughtful and totally put me in a state of bliss, though, is that all these storage places (by which I mean every place that kids touch) are covered in a textured, rubbery stuff that resists grunge. One swipe with a baby wipe has the CR-V in pristine condition once again. Just thinking about it makes me feel all tingly!
Another really mind-altering feature is in the rear storage area. Those evil geniuses at Honda realized that a stroller pretty much eats up any cargo space in a vehicle, so they gave the CR-V a two-level layout in back. There’s a shelf that pops into place and can hold up to 20 pounds (or become an instant baby-changing table). When not in use, the shelf pops out and fits nicely on the floor, taking up no room at all. The practicality almost makes you dizzy, doesn’t it? Even cooler, the shelf folds in half to make loading super-easy and provide room for whatever baggage you’re bringing. And we all have baggage, right?
Naturally, not everything feels wonderful in the CR-V. The air-conditioning system couldn’t fully combat a Southern California heat wave, especially considering there are no vents in back to cool off the little ones. Of course, I was so deep in my addiction that I was willing to forgive almost anything, especially because there was plenty of air in the driver’s seat. The CR-V had me in its grip. Now that I’ve gone cold turkey, must I ask forgiveness from those I’ve hurt? First things first, I guess. Step one: Admit I have a problem. Done.
*For more information on the 2008 Honda CR-V and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 3
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD | |
| Base price: | $26,700 |
| Price as tested: | $28,400 |
| Engine: | 166-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 |
| Fuel: | 20/26 mpg |
| Length: | 177.9” |
| Width: | 71.6” |
| Ground Clearance: | 7.3” |
| Turning Radius: | 18.9’ |
| Cargo space: | 35.7-72.9 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 4 Stars |
Comments
I couldn't believe the gas mileage either, but to be fair, I'm not the most, um, economical driver. And I live on the side of a mountain. My daily driving is not exactly average fare.
Posted by: Lori Hindman | May 13, 2008 1:28:26 PM
my parents bought one and i had the chance to drive it around. it's okay. handling is like a regular car, especially since it doesn't have too much body lean (which is great for a tall-ish thing like the CR-V). interior is quite pretty. noise level is acceptable. we get about 28 mpg in the city (very very gentle driving) and 30-31 on the highway.
however, IMHO, this thing has about as much fun factor as my refrigerator. gets the job done well, but that's where the fun ends. and the not-so-attractive underbite ... no thanks
Posted by: DL | May 13, 2008 9:15:40 PM
Spent whole day in CR-V EX 4WD by chance. Not impressed with it. Only thing that impresses is a dash layout and smart utility. Was completely disappointed with the ride. But it might has just right feel for this class.
If RAV-4 didn't have this stupid rear door, whould say it is soo much better. But unfortunately RAV-4 is not perfect too, in many ways!
Posted by: | May 13, 2008 9:39:32 PM
This car seemed like a good idea, I bought it about a week ago and I am not sure not that I should have bought it. I am used to a smooth ride and this car feels every bump in the road even minor ones. I find myself wanting to drive 10 mph just so I dont feel so much bouncing. It also feels as if it's made out of plastic on the inside. It looks nice on the outside I am just not so sure about it now.
Posted by: Laura | Jul 2, 2008 8:51:31 AM
I also wanted to say, the lack of air in the rear stinks. My son is always complaining he is hot. Im in wisconsin our summers can get pretty beastly. I think Honda should rethink a few things. If your a parent with little ones dont get the CR-V if you live in a warm or hot climate even if it's part year like wisconsin. My son has to have the windows open which defeats me having the air on for myself.
Posted by: Laura | Jul 2, 2008 8:55:40 AM
A Honda CRV is NOT a car! It's a SUV.
Before I drove this fabulous vehicle, I drove a truck. You want to talk about a stiff ride where you feel every bump on the road... try driving a truck.
I LOVE my CRV. It has 87k miles and still gets on the average 26 mpg. I drive on mostly secondary roads and I take the dirt roads of Vermont over the hills to avoid traffic.
I am continually surprised by the fab turning radius and the AWD handles the worst winter driving conditions Vermont has to offer!
The front seats are very comfortable, as are the back seats that fit three adults and fold down to make a huge cargo space.
Posted by: Amy | Jul 11, 2008 8:33:00 PM
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16 MPG? Really? Even the 20/26 is pretty sad for a 4 cylinder. You can get 16 MPG in a Suburban, and at least with that you can carry 7 people and still tow a 5000 pound trailer. Vehicles like this CRV should become obsolete in my opinion. This vehicle does nothing that you couldn't do in something like a Honda Civic wagon (if one existed), which would be roughly the same length, except to give you a higher seating position.
Posted by: Jon E | May 13, 2008 12:24:42 PM