2008 Honda CR-V Safety Review [ 2007 ]

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Safety - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers applaud the 2008 Honda CR-V for its safety precautions. Given its five-out-of-five star rating in federal government crash tests and status as an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick," it's easy to see why.

• "The CR-V has several new standard safety features, including an electronic vehicle stability-control system with traction control, side-curtain air bags for both rows of seats, front seat-mounted side air bags, and antilock brakes." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
• "Safety is a Honda strength, and CR-V comes standard with all the safety equipment you want to have when hauling precious cargo, like your family." -- About.com
• "Visibility is good in all directions, even to the rear. That's rare among SUVs, and credit goes to the relocation of the spare tire and the redesign of the rear-seat headrests." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "A large glass area and big outside mirrors allow good driver visibility." -- MSN

Rearview Camera

Honda offers a backup camera as an optional only on EX-L models equipped with the navigation system. Several reviews comment on its usefulness (or lack thereof).

• "We had to perform multiple 3-point turns and reversing maneuvers, which were made considerably easier by the CR-V's backup camera." -- CNET
• "The backup camera is a welcome accessory for any vehicle with reduced rear vision. The screen image was often hard to see in daylight, however." -- Kansas City Star
• "We think the camera is a little ridiculous on an SUV this size, like putting a leash on your pet turtle. The rearview mirrors are big enough, and the greenhouse tall enough not to need the added expense." -- Autoweb
• "The rearview video cam that comes with the optional nav system helps and is an added safety feature because it can help the driver spot children behind the vehicle, though it lacks the guiding grid lines some others offer to help when backing into parking spaces and garages." -- Auto Mall USA