2008 Honda CR-V [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 68 CR-V reviews and test drives.
Honda CR-V - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Honda CR-V ranks 1 out of 27 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 68 published reviews and test drives of the Honda CR-V, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The CR-V's high ranking is based on its excellent combination of a practical interior and a reputation for safety and reliability in its class. Its major competitor, the Toyota RAV4, just can't quite match the CR-V's refinement.
Redesigned in 2007, the Honda CR-V is appreciated for providing a safe driving experience with ample storage space, now packaged in a sleeker design. All-around praise earns the 2008 CR-V a top spot in its large class. Though it's closely matched with Toyota's RAV4, the CR-V beats the Toyota in all categories except exterior. "This is an excellent vehicle and a great value -- possibly the best compact SUV on the market today," says About.com. The SUV remains mostly unchanged for 2008, though the top-of-the-line EX-L trim level gains a few more standard features. The 2007 CR-V is a proven winner, racking up top honors including Motor Week's "Driver's Choice" for Best Small Utility and IntelliChoice's "Motorist Choice Award" for Mid-Size Crossover SUV.
The CR-V comes in several trims -- the base LX, mid-level EX and luxurious EX-L -- in either front- or all-wheel drive.
- "Crossover vehicles are all the rage these days, and after a week behind the wheel of Honda's new offering we can say you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one." -- MarketWatch
- "All-new in 2007, the CR-V remains a handy wee SUV with good driving manners and excellent build quality. It's less quirky than before, but the CR-V has remained true to its cheap-ute mission and hasn't gone up in weight and price as much as its old nemesis, the Toyota RAV4." -- Car and Driver
- "Honda has taken the positive attributes that make the CR-V its perennial best-seller and added style, better handling, and a hint of cool." -- Motor Trend
- "This little sport/utility vehicle-crossover thing won't do much for your enthusiast creds, but as agreeable, practical all-purpose transportation, it's hard to beat." -- AutoWeek
CR-V Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
The 2008 Honda CR-V provides a competent and comfortable ride that ranks at the top of its class for performance. However, several reviewers point out that the four-cylinder engine lacks power and a few still find the ride stiff. Automobile.com says, "Speaking of driving, the new CR-V isn't quite a sports sedan, but it performs extremely well for a vehicle in this class." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why some reviewers say that the CR-V's handling shines, while others find the ride a bit lacking in comfort. continue
CR-V Exterior - 7.3 (Good)
The Honda CR-V has never been one to break ground in the style department, but the 2008 model's redesigned exterior gets some positive reviews. Some auto writers, however, aren't so fond of the SUV's front end, leading to an exterior score in the middle of its class. In fact, the exterior category is the only one in which the CR-V is bested by its arch-rival, the Toyota RAV4. Motor Trend calls the CR-V's styling "turbulent," adding, "And that underbite grin -- doesn't Honda have dental benefits?" To see exterior photos and read more about why more than one reviewer thinks the CR-V's front grille needs braces, continue with our full Exterior Review. continue
CR-V Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Praise is high for the 2008 Honda CR-V's interior feel and features, which rank at the top of its class despite the fact that the CR-V doesn't offer a third-row seat like its main competitor, the Toyota RAV4. "Simple and appealing, the no-nonsense cabin feels solid and well-finished, and roomier than one would expect," says the Arizona Republic. Continue with our full Interior Review to see interior photos and learn about a unique feature that allows the driver to spy on kids in the back seats. continue
CR-V Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The Honda CR-V does extremely well in federal government crash tests. Additionally, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety chose the 2008 CR-V as one of its "Top Safety Picks." The Detroit News finds the SUV's safety equipment "mighty impressive on a vehicle in this price class." Continue with our full Safety Review to learn why reviews are mixed on the CR-V's visibility and the usefulness of the optional rearview camera. continue
CR-V Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda CR-V reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Honda CR-V comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn which major business news outlet calls the CR-V "a brick-like little SUV" for its excellent build quality. continue