New Car Review Areas


General Car Topics

2008 Honda CR V Refined Review

September 2007
Filed under: HONDA Car News | HONDA Headlines

Latest HONDA Headlines

The 2008 Honda CR-V is one of the best-selling sport utility vehicles for 2007, provides spacious five-passenger seating in a versatile crossoverSUV package with sedan-like handling. Engineered to be a safety leader, the CR-V achieves the highest five-star crash safety rating by the federal government for both frontal and side impacts and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the CR-V as a "Top Safety Pick - 2007." The CR-V is one of only two small SUVs to achieve both the highest federal crash safety rating for frontal and side impacts and the top IIHS safety rating.

For 2008, the CR-V builds on its premium style and refinement by further enhancing the CR-V EX-Lwith upgraded and additional features. A new dual-zone automatic climate control system and a driver's seat with eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar support have been added to the CR-V EX-L, replacing the manual controls. Additionally, all CR-V EX-L models are equipped with the premium audio system that was previously exclusive to models equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™.

"The Honda CR-V brings together the best features of an SUV with the ride, comfort and handling of a sedan," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc."Its dynamic exterior styling and premium features continue to attract both previous and new Honda buyers alike."

The CR-V highlights the company's ongoing emphasis on safety and outdistances the competition by implementing new technology and features that go beyond conventional industry standards with innovations that include the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, a pedestrian safety design and standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Standard safety equipmentincludes side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front head restraints, VSA, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

A highly rigid body and fully independent suspension result in a quiet cabin and smooth, agile handling performance. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and standard 5-speed automatic transmission provide an excellent balance of power (166-horsepower) and fuel economy (EPA-rated 20/27 city/highway mpg , 2WD).

A dynamic forward cabin blends the familiarCR-V identity into a sculpted lower body with a rugged appearance. A two-tier grille and a side profile with an arched window shape and chrome trim accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence.

The CR-V's unit-body construction features extensive use of high-strength steel to provide rigidity. Comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension, the high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer an engaging driving experience rare for this class of vehicle. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for an ultra-quiet cabin.

The inside of the CR-V blends Honda's renowned ergonomics and innovative storage integration with modern and efficient styling. Abundant standard and available features like a navigation system with voice recognition and a rear view camera accentuate the attention to premium details. A retractable center tray table provides the two beverage holders, and EX and above models also contain an additional 12-volt power outlet and the auxiliary audio input jack.

CR-V models outfitted with a leather interior (EX-L) provide a spacious multi-function center console in place of the retractable center tray that can accommodate up to 24 compact disc cases (on models without the navigation system). On the CR-V EX and EX-L, a dual-deck cargo shelf provides additional storage options in the cargo area and can hold up to 20 pounds, while providing enough clearance underneath for grocery bags or items such as a folded stroller.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and rearview camera, available on the CR-V EX-L, features a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to an internal single-disc CD player and a digital audio card reader that can play MP3 and WMA files from CompactFlash® cards. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and can control the audio system. The voice recognition is capable of recognizing and entering numbers, street names and cities.

The CR-V LX and EX audio systems provide 160 watts of power. Auxiliary audio input jacks are standard equipment on all trim levels, allowing for portable music device playback through the audio system. All audio systems feature MP3/WMA CD playback capability and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC) that automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed. The CR-V LX has a four-speaker audio system with a single-disc CD player. The CR-V EX adds two speakers (tweeters) and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer. The CR-V EX-L equipped audio system increases power output to 270 watts and delivers sound through seven speakers, including a subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard on the CR-V EX-L.

Powered by a 2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm, the CR-V offers refined and responsive performance with good fuel economy2 and low emissions (ULEV-2). The Drive-by-Wire (DBW) throttle control works closely with the transmission for extremely smooth shift points and intuitive gear holding on hilly roads. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

The available, fully-automatic Real Time 4WD system enhances the CR-V's all-weather capabilities when driving in rain, snow and dirt roads - without the significant weight, fuel economy and handling performance drawbacks of a conventional four-wheel-drive system.

The CR-V is a global product for Honda sold in 160 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa - the most of any Honda automotive product. Worldwide, the CR-V is assembled in seven countries at eight factories, including the Honda of America Manufacturing, Inc., East Liberty Auto Plant in Ohio.

SAFETY

- 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
- Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
- Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors
- Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
- Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
- Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
- Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering Active Head Restraints
- Advanced Compatibility Engineering(ACE) Body Structure
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control
- Brake Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Side-Impact Door Beams
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
- Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
- Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System

EXTERIOR FEATURES

- One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
- Remote Entry System
- Chrome Grille
- Chrome Window Trim
- Chrome Rear License Trim
- Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights
- 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Intermittent Rear Window Wiper/Washer
- Heat-Rejecting Green-Tinted Glass
- Folding Power Side Mirrors
- Full-Length Taillights
-Body-Colored Door Handles
- Rear Privacy Glass
-Security System

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

- Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control System
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and Rearview Camera
- Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window
- Power Door and Tailgate Locks
- Cruise Control
- Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Steering Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
- Retractable Center Tray Table
- Center Console
- Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors
- Conversation Mirror with Sunglasses Holder
- Instrument Panel-Mounted Shifter
- Beverage Holders, Front and Rear (8 total)
- 12-Volt Power Outlets
- Upper and Lower Glove Compartments
- Underseat Storage Bin
- Door-Pocket Storage Bins
- Map Lights
- Ambient Console Lighting
- Driver-Side Garment Hook
- Remote Fuel Filler Door Release
- Rear Window Defroster
- Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
- Floor Mats
- Dual Deck Cargo Shelf
- Cargo Area Tie-Down Anchors (4 total)
- Cargo Area Light

SEATING

- Leather-Trimmed Seats and Armrests
- Heated Front Seats
- Reclining Front Bucket Seats with Adjustable Head Restraints
- Driver's Seat Adjustment
- Driver's Seat Power Lumbar Support
- 60/40 Split Sliding Fold and Tumble Forward Rear Seats
- Reclining Rear Seatbacks with Center Pass-Through
- Head Restraints at all Seating Positions

AUDIO SYSTEMS

- AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers
- AM/FM/6-Disc In-Dash Audio System with 6 Speakers
- AM/FM/6-Disc In-Dash Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer
- AM/FM/6-Disc Center-Console-CD Changer Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer
- MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) Playback Capability
- MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
- XM Satellite Radio
- Digital Audio-Card Reader
- CD Text Display Capability
- Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)

INSTRUMENTATION

- White and Blue Back-lit Gauges
- Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)
- Maintenance Minder System
- Exterior Temperature Indicator
- Door-/Tailgate-Open Indicator
- Average Fuel Consumption Indicator
- Miles-to-Empty Indicator
- Low-Fuel Indicator
- Low-Oil Pressure Indicator

Latest Car News

All images courtesy of and copyright their respective manufacturers, unless otherwise indicated. They may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any way without the express written permission of their respective owners. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Model news and specifications are presented as provided by manufacturer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DIGIADS. No warranty is made by DIGIADS with respect to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.