2007-2008 Honda CR-V: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Ride
- Cargo room
- Control layout
- Seat comfort (front)
Cons
- Quietness
- Steering/handling (winter-weather driving, 2WD models)
Vehicle Highlights
Honda redesigned its compact crossover SUV for 2007, adopting freshened styling that barely resembled its predecessor, but retaining a four-cylinder engine and five-passenger seating. In this new form, the CR-V was 3 inches shorter overall than the 2002-06 generation, but wheelbase and interior dimensions were virtually unchanged. Track width grew, and the new CR-V had a lower center of gravity. The spare tire was now concealed, no longer mounted externally. Inside, the gearshift lever moved from the steering column to the central panel. Three models were offered: base LX, midrange EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. All came with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which lacked low-range gearing. For 2007, the CR-V's 2.4-liter engine gained 10 horsepower, now rated at 166. A five-speed automatic was now the sole transmission; manual shift was no longer offered. Traction/antiskid control was standard. So were front side airbags and curtain side airbags with rollover deployment. A top-opening liftgate without separate-opening glass replaced the previous model's swing-out cargo door. Wheel size grew to 17 inches (from 16). A sunroof was standard on EX and EX-L models, and a navigation system was available on the EX-L. In addition to archrival Toyota's RAV4, competitors to the CR-V included the Hyundai Tucson, Saturn Vue, and Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | CR-V EX-L w/AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2007-2008 Honda CR-V includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Honda CR-V and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Honda CR-V is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Honda's model is still not the most powerful compact crossover SUV, but the latest CR-V continues to excel for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Standard traction/antiskid control on all models, abundant convenience features, and Honda's reputation for reliability, further bolster its Best Buy appeal. On the other hand, Honda's reputation for strong resale value keeps used-vehicle prices on the high side.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | CR-V EX-L w/AWD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 9 | |
| Value within Class | 9 | |
| Total Score: | 62 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $760 |
| Alternator | $700 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,150 |
| Brakes | $1,190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $890 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $3,100 |
| Exhaust System | $650 |
| Radiator | $940 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,150 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $700 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| CR-V EX-L | $24,300-26,300 | $22,600-24,500 | $15,800-17,100 |
| CR-V LX, EX | $19,500-23,000 | $17,900-21,200 | $12,700-15,000 |
| 2007 | |||
| CR-V EX-L | $21,500-23,500 | $19,800-21,600 | $14,000-15,300 |
| CR-V LX, EX | $17,000-20,000 | $15,600-18,400 | $10,900-12,800 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3548 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 72.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I41 | 2.4 / 144 | 166 | 161 | 5-speed automatic: 20/26 | 5-speed automatic: 22.9 |
|
1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2008 CR-V |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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