2008 Honda CR-V Windham ME

November 3, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2008 Honda CR-V
DriverSide Overview
Compact SUVs are undeniably useful; they combine masses of kid-carrying capabilities with much-needed urban maneuverability. Seamlessly integrating the many facets of this class is the 2008 Honda CR-V . The well-rounded SUV is so dedicated to its “compact” moniker that it is one of the few cars on the road today that was actually shortened by three inches during its most recent update in 2007. It is the same length as it was when first released in 1997 and has kept the original’s spacious interior dimensions while creating five more cubic-feet in cargo space. Dramatic changes have also taken place in the much improved ride quality, rounded exterior design and additional horsepower and torque. These improvements ensure the CR-V remains competitive in a tight field of small SUVs that caters to fuel-economy conscious buyers who also need to haul everything from backpacks to bags of cement.








What's to Like
Safety is assured with five-star crash ratings and Honda’s well-known reliability. Its $20,700 starting price is on target with the compact SUV class and undercuts rivals like the Saturn VUE and Toyota RAV4 .

What's Not to Like
No V-6 option is available, making the slightly underpowered four-cylinder a consumer’s only choice. The touch screen navigation system is outdated compared to competitors; its finicky audio interface is distracting and overly complicated.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Enthusiasts will lament the four-cylinder’s power drop-off after the initial thrust when the car noticeably flatlines the harder you push the throttle. Everyone else, however, will have no problem with what the CR-V has to offer. The suspension is a little rough for a car that won’t be veering away from asphalt-paved roads regularly, but the cushy seats seem to absorb any bumpy irregularities along the drive. Wind skirts gently over the optional moonroof with hardly a sound even at highway speeds, but road noise can sometimes be unnecessarily loud. For a 3,389 to 3,549-pound SUV, the CR-V is capable and agile, with handling far more acute than you need for this type of vehicle. In fact, it drives more like a large sedan than an SUV.  

Engine and Drivetrain
For this generation, Honda has drawn out an extra couple of horsepower and more torque from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which now produces 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. That may be competitive versus other four-cylinders in the class, but falls short when matched up to the V-6 options available from a variety of manufacturers. Its 5-speed automatic transmission can power either the front wheels or all four wheels. Four-wheel drive is available on every trim.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The CR-V may be small, but Honda hasn't skimped on the safety features. With front, side...

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