According to U.S. News Reviews and Rankings, the 2008 Honda CR-V ranked number one out of 27 rivals in the affordable compact SUV category based on their analysis of 68 published reviews and test drives, and analysis of reliability and safety data. We expect the CR-V will retain its leadership as the 2009 models arrive.
It’s no surprise the Honda CR-V was among the fastest-selling SUVs in America through the first half of 2008. As Motor Trend states, "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." Reviewers rave about its car-like ride and its large and flexible interior, noting the CR-V makes a fine family vehicle capable of doing just about anything and doing it well.
Edmunds.com praises the CR-V for its handling, observing that, “The 2008 Honda CR-V has a level of agility that most other compact SUVs can't match. Like other Hondas, it feels light on its feet with well-weighted steering that provides excellent feedback." U.S. News writer Rick Newman says, “On the road, the CR-V comes close to pleasing everybody. It feels light when you maneuver in traffic and perky when you accelerate to highway speed."
That responsive nature comes from the 166 hp four-cylinder engine and its five-speed automatic transmission. It’s well suited to the CR-V mission and delivers excellent mileage with an EPA rating of 20/27 miles per gallon city/highway for the front-drive models and 20/26 mpg for the all-wheel drive version.
The CR-V LX comes with fabric upholstery, air conditioning, cruise control, power outside mirrors that fold, power windows, power central locking, driver's seat height adjustment, 60/40-split rear seatbacks that recline and fold, a tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA stereo, trip computer/information center, a collapsible tray between the front seats and 17-inch steel wheels with P225/65R17 tires.
The EX adds a tilt-and-slide power moonroof, intermittent rear window wiper/washer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls for a six-speaker stereo, an in-dash six-CD changer, dual-deck cargo shelf, lights-and-horn security system, rear privacy glass and an outside ambient temperature gauge. The EX-L features leather-trimmed seats, armrests, shifter and steering wheel, heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio with a 90-day trial subscription and a front center console with storage for 24 CDs. Automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and a 270-watt seven-speaker (including subwoofer) premium stereo are very nice amenities to be added. The EX-L can also be equipped with voice-recognition GPS-based navigation.
Standard safety features on the CR-V include the required three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions, child safety-seat anchors (LATCH), front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags (to minimize upper body injuries in side impacts), roof-mounted front and rear-seat side air curtains (to minimize head injuries in side impacts and rollovers) and front-seat active head restraints (to minimize neck injuries in rear impacts).
Active safety features include antilock brakes (which let the driver steer by keeping the wheels from locking during panic stops), electronic brakeforce distribution (which optimizes braking power front-to-rear during emergency stops), brake assist (which senses impending emergency brake application and boosts pedal pressure), Vehicle Stability Assist (Honda's electronic stability control system that helps avoid skidding in turns) and tire pressure monitors (which warn of dangerous drops in tire pressure).
As Automotive.com observes, “The interior of the Honda CR-V focuses on function with a bit of style tossed in to make things interesting. Everything is in its place…and everything feels the way it should. Most drivers will find the six-way adjustable seat and two-way adjustable steering give them the best of all worlds: a comfortable posture without compromising outward visibility.
Reviewers especially like the CR-V’s roomy feeling. Says Car and Driver, "Its cabin is airy with 360-degree visibility. It feels tall, inviting and vast, and the materials are expensively grained and stylishly matched.” Edmunds.com sums it up nicely, noting, "The CR-V's interior is its best attribute offering an impressively large and versatile cargo hold that tops out at 73 cubic feet of space. Additionally, there are plenty of bins, cubbies and cupholders to stash things."
Honda knows the compact SUV is an ideal solution to the family dilemma of needing space, but wanting economy. The 2009 Honda CR-V shows that you can solve this dilemma without giving up the utility that has made SUVs so popular. Sixty-eight reviews of the Honda CR-V affirm its superiority, but please plan to see for yourself. We’ll gladly offer one for a test drive and your full inspection.
