2008 Honda CR-V Review – the fun little crossover that could!

Expert Reviews Honda

2008 Honda CR-V
by Holly R.

Pros:

  • LOTS of room inside
  • Sits up higher than standard cars – easier to see up the road over traffic
  • For only having 166 HP, it feels like it can really get up and move
  • Due to the size, it’s really easy to park (pretty much anywhere)
  • Voice recognition system

Cons:

  • Not-so-smooth shifting which leads to some jerkiness
  • Didn’t like the placement of the gear-shift knob (on lower dash)
  • Volume control for stereo in non-intuitive location
  • Side mirrors are small, which led to head check view between the B pillar and a small sliver of the rear window (eek)
  • Voice recognition system

When I got the chance to drive this vehicle, I jumped at it! I had a friend who had an older version of the CR-V and I recall that it was a decent ride. So I thought it would be fun to compare the new version versus the older versions. Plus, it just happened to be a weekend I had a TON of running around to do, so it would give me lots and lots of miles to figure out what I loved about the vehicle, and what I loathed. Just my luck! I got the CR-V EX-L model – the pimped out version of the CR-V with all the special items the other CR-Vs dream of…

Driving Impressions:
Because I’m used to driving a cushy car, I feel that the CR-V rides like a bit like a truck. Kind of noisy at times and kind of rough at times. But if you buy one of these, you’re not really in the market for a luxury car ride.

The automatic shifting was a bit rough, which led to some jerky accelerations. On the other hand, the decelerations were smooth. The CR-V’s combination of 166 horsepower and the lighter weight of the vehicle, makes it FEEL like it has more power in the engine. It felt very responsive to me, even, dare I say, zippy. City driving was fun, and with the excellent braking power, I didn’t worry about stop and go conditions. It would GO when I wanted it to, and STOP when I needed!

2008 Honda CR-V

Build:
The car felt solid. I didn’t have to slam doors or worry that if someone did slam a door, it would damage it. I was unable to detect any abnormal noises emanating from the car even on the roughest roads. I believe this to be a very well-built, solid vehicle, definitely living up to the Honda name.

In moving the seats forward, backward, folding up the rear seats and then putting them back into position, I didn’t detect any weakness or flimsiness. The build is equally good inside as it is on the outside.

I didn’t pop the hood, so I have no idea what’s going on under there!

Honda CR-V 166hp 2.3L i-VTEC engine

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  • Derek says:

    @Jim – America used to have cheap gas and never really caught on to the benefits of diesel powered cars. Plus, the government heavily taxes diesel such that the cost of a gallon is the near the same or slightly higher than premium gasoline. Even though more MPG can be had from a gallon of diesel compared to a gallon gas due to its high burn rate, diesel power cars just can’t win the popularity contest.

  • Nisa says:

    I love this car…I have one and so far I enjoy driving it very much…it is safe and easy to handle…and a really good car for women….

  • Graham says:

    The jolting, choppy, harsh ride, ruins everything nice about this vehicle, and also ruins all of the fun of going anywhere.

  • Dave Arnholt says:

    I have a CRV and a Civic both 2008 both with 25K on them

    Neither is most comfortable seats but OK, and ride is a little stiff, both get great Gas Mileage 24-28 All Wheel Drive CRV 36 Civic (got 39 before Corn Gas) Both have “quick” steering, but both seem to pull on uneven roads

    I bought them because both My GM’s a Saturn Vue and a Chevy Metro, died with less than 100K miles. Im hopeing both of these honda’s last to 200k.

    The CRV I would call adequate for acceleration. Compared to the civic its slow.

    My Tranie shifts smooth as silk either way, Much better than my civic which has the clunking on downshifting

    For the Price, Looks, Gas Mileage and Honda’s rep about long lasting
    I couldnt find any other SUV I would buy

  • Jim Mustin says:

    I wish Honda would offer the Diesel version. Why does Europe get it and we don’t?

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