Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Honda CR-V Full Review
Date Published: 4/08/08
Also in the 2008 Honda CR-V Review:
5.
6.
Honda CR-V Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Honda CR-V Review
The 2008 Honda CR-V gets no major changes after its 2007 redesign. This five-passenger crossover is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Trim levels include LX, EX, and top-line EX-L with leather upholstery. All have a 166-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 1500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available on EX-L. For 2008, EX-L models gain a power driver seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
News
The new CR-V may eventually add an optional 4-cyl "clean diesel" engine as one of several diesel-powered Hondas promised by 2009. We emphasize "may," as Honda has yet to announce specific models, though the CR-V would seem a good candidate for a diesel's much higher fuel thrift versus a comparable gasoline engine. Keep checking back with us for further news.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda CR-V Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Road and wind noise |
| Maneuverability | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Acceleration is adequate around town and in highway passing. There's no noticeable difference between 2WD and AWD versions. Transmission shifts are smooth and alert.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Acceleration is adequate around town and in highway passing. There's no noticeable difference between 2WD and AWD versions. Transmission shifts are smooth and alert.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD CR-Vs averaged 21.6-24.0 mpg. Test AWD averaged 23.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. CR-V uses regular-grade gas.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 2WD CR-Vs averaged 21.6-24.0 mpg. Test AWD averaged 23.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. CR-V uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Carlike on all surfaces. CR-V's suspension comfortably absorbs bumps with minimal float or wallow.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Carlike on all surfaces. CR-V's suspension comfortably absorbs bumps with minimal float or wallow.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Compact-car maneuverable. Body lean during fast turns is kept in check. Brakes provide good stopping control and adequate pedal feel. One test 2WD model coped poorly with 3 inches of fresh snow.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Compact-car maneuverable. Body lean during fast turns is kept in check. Brakes provide good stopping control and adequate pedal feel. One test 2WD model coped poorly with 3 inches of fresh snow.
Quietness
Engine noise intrudes during acceleration. Tire noise is noticeable on most road surfaces but doesn't annoy. Some wind rush is noticeable around exterior mirrors.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Engine noise intrudes during acceleration. Tire noise is noticeable on most road surfaces but doesn't annoy. Some wind rush is noticeable around exterior mirrors.
Controls
Large, clear instrumentation. Controls are easy to reach. Some of our testers say small buttons make radio operation difficult with or without navigation system. The navigation absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to master. Its touch screen and programming via predetermined voice commands helps.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Large, clear instrumentation. Controls are easy to reach. Some of our testers say small buttons make radio operation difficult with or without navigation system. The navigation absorbs too many audio functions and takes time to master. Its touch screen and programming via predetermined voice commands helps.
Details
Hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap. The interior is assembled with care.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Hard plastics abound in the cabin, but none look cheap. The interior is assembled with care.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of headroom and legroom. A comfortable, take-charge driving stance is aided by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and generous seat travel. The seats are well-bolstered. Kudos to Honda for now offering a power driver seat, even if it's only on the top-line EX-L model.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Plenty of headroom and legroom. A comfortable, take-charge driving stance is aided by a standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and generous seat travel. The seats are well-bolstered. Kudos to Honda for now offering a power driver seat, even if it's only on the top-line EX-L model.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The supportive seat has a reclining backrest. Space for legs and knees is plentiful even with the front seats far aft. Headroom is ample.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
The supportive seat has a reclining backrest. Space for legs and knees is plentiful even with the front seats far aft. Headroom is ample.
Cargo Room
Generous cargo space even with the rear seat up. It flips/folds flat with the cargo floor in a 40/20/40 configuration for flexible hauling. Interior storage is very good. EX-L models offer center console storage. Other versions have a flip-up tray between the front seats.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Generous cargo space even with the rear seat up. It flips/folds flat with the cargo floor in a 40/20/40 configuration for flexible hauling. Interior storage is very good. EX-L models offer center console storage. Other versions have a flip-up tray between the front seats.
Value within Class
It's not the most powerful compact SUV, but CR-V excels for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Lots of standard safety and convenience features and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its Best Buy appeal.
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5.9 |
It's not the most powerful compact SUV, but CR-V excels for its "just right" blend of comfort, refinement, and cargo versatility. Lots of standard safety and convenience features and Honda's reputation for reliability and resale value further bolster its Best Buy appeal.
Total Score
| 2WD LX | 2WD EX | AWD EX-L | AWD EX-L w/navigation | Class Average |
| 69 | 69 | 69 | 66 | 60 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda CR-V Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD LX 4-door wagon | $20,700 | $19,257 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| AWD LX 4-door wagon | $21,900 | $20,371 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD EX 4-door wagon | $22,950 | $21,344 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX 4-door wagon | $24,150 | $22,457 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon | $25,500 | $23,709 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation | $27,200 | $25,285 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon | $26,700 | $24,822 | $635 |
|
|
|||
| AWD EX-L 4-door wagon w/navigation | $28,400 | $26,398 | $635 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-seat height adjustment, center tray, split folding rear seat w/pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, intermittent wipers, conversation mirror, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 225/65R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
EX adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
EX-L adds to EX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, center-console-mounted 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (navigation), satellite radio, rearview camera (navigation).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Honda CR-V Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda CR-V 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. | 3501 |
| 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 166 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 161 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 20/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda CR-V 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda CR-V Review:
5.
6.
Honda CR-V Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
