2008 Honda CR-V consumer reviews

I love this car, best in the market today. This car has alot of good qualities. Very cool car. I love

The BEST SUV or CrossOver is CRV.Aerodynamic, good looks, muscular. powerfull. good mileage. good resale value.

After 35 years of "buy american"", I researched extensivly what was out there in the market, I bought this 2008 Honda CR-V EX-L with only 5000 certified miles about 2 weeks ago. Milage advertised is 17/26/23. I have achieved 23/33/28. Couldn't be more pleased with every aspect of this beautifully styled vehicle.

The CR-V seems to get glowing reviews all round and I was a bit worried that it might be overblown. However, over the last winter I have been very impressed with its all-weather capabilites. As a recent former owner of an AWD V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee it is not an exaggeration to say that I felt safer and more in charge of the slippery road in the CR-V. As a former Subaru owner, the realtime AWD system of the CR-V performs as capably as does Subaru's, and with better MPG for less money. There is some question as to whether the CR-V is a tad underpowered, but I believe you can attribute that to slightly over-testosteroned drivers. If you want an SUV that drives like a dragster get the V8 Jeep and you'll be very happy with the quarter mile time but miserable about all the other things that are wrong with that vehicle. The CR-V cabin is an ergonomic delight, carefully designed down to the blue LED maplight that saves your night vision. Driving position suits everyone in the family from a lanky son to a diminutive missus. Another frequent complaint is intrusive noise. Again, you cannot expect tall vehicles with high ground clearance to purr along like a sedan. Goes with the turf. I tested quieter small SUVs, but they were not as refined and capable. My CR-V is frequently hauling stuff, I appreciate the ease with which the seats fold down, and the uninterrupted expanse of space. The tailgate is also very easy to close single-handedly, although when snow builds up on the rear bumper it is difficult to use the hidden inset door handle. I also appreciate the strongly-attached OEM roof bars that are actually designed for car-topping equiment and not added as a design element. People who do surfing or boardsailing and rely on a solid roof rack will like this feature. Few vehicles offer robust roofrack attachment points these days. One minor grumble is the fuel economy computer, which appears to be considerable less accurate than the actual consumption. However, with a light foot, economy is pretty good for a compact SUV. As a vehicle for a small family, I have no hesitation in recommending the CR-V to family and friends who need a small utility vehicle particularlyy if you surf, sail, or 'yak.

I was hooked on RAV until I test drove an 08 V4 RAV. Road noise was excessive though I really liked the handling and control. Overall, the dash and controls weren't impressive. Also didn't like the design of the center of the rear bench seat. Didn't look good or feel particularly comfortable. The seat was a big deal for us. Test drove the Outlander and Escape as well as checking out the Rogue. The Outlander had a decent ride but interior was lame. Felt like a boat which surprised me. Large in an uncomfortable way, not a reassuring way. The Escape had a whinny motor. Dash and interior seemed really low quality. Rogue's back seat width and trunk space was just too small. I had peeked at the interior of CRVs before but thought they also looked cheap. Did NOT like the rounded design of the rear window or plasticky, pug nose. My last concern was that on the Internet pricing came out to $2000 more for a base CRV FWD compared to RAV base 4WD. When I finally did try one out I really liked it. Relatively quiet. Smooth power; plenty for our purposes. Versatile and roomy interior. Clean dash and easy to use controls. Very decent radio with outstanding signal and iPod connect. Great base features and comfort. There were good deals on 08 clear out in Dec. Picked ours up for $26000 CDN including PST/GST 10%. That included X-ice tires and winter mats and a few other bonus items. We have barely driven our 00 Focus wagon since! Most of our driving is highway but there is a lot of gravel around here, too. Cannot comment on gravel handling because roads are frozen, but besides a bit of a stiff ride, it seems very controlled and safe overall. We've been averaging about 9.8 L/100 KM in the cold weather over the first 5000 KM of use. We really like the ability to raise the driver seat and wish the passenger seat had it too. Other main concern is that our windshield wipers (especially passenger) do not get benefit of defrost warmth because they are too low. The windshield doesn't get properly cleaned below -15C because the rubber stays frozen and rigid. As others have said, try out as many vehicles as you can before you buy. Decent rebates for CRV ($4000) on now in Canada. ps - First rock chip in windshield at less than 20 km! Figures...

I had the last model- and did really like it- but in 2007 bought the new model EX-L- and boy is this one great! Runs great- really good in the snow. Leather seats are very comfortable, I upgrated to the wood grain interior- very nice addition. I would recommend this car to everyone!

this is my second crv and if in 4 years i'm not richer i'll be buying another. I wis i hadn't purchased the light interior because i have a 2 year old. over all very versitle. It is underpowered! i dont like the drive by wire.

In the morning, when I make a complete stop, then release the brake, it got a very loud cracking sound (boooom) from the brake, call Honda service, they told me is normal for a 2008 CRV, any one out there got same problem?

The CRV is very noisy on the highway, and rough ride in town. Disappointed with the gas mileage, I am averaging only 20.2 mpg on the highway, 17 in town.

Smooth powertrain. For a four cylinder engine, power is adequate combined with good fuel economy. Steering is responsive; tight turning radius. Parking this SUV is a breeze. Excellent fit and finish. At first glance, styling is not a stunner but it grows on you. Excellent compact SUV overall.