Honda’s marketing campaign for the CR-V calls it “something new to CRaVe.” Well, I think they may as well just call it an addiction. Once this little SUV got into my system, I just couldn’t walk away from it. It caught me, and I’ve had the shakes ever since I had to give it back. OK, not really, but you get my point. This is a car that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
It all started with a look. The CR-V seemed innocent enough, perched on its toes, all cute and stuff. My test vehicle was a fabulous deep red that was fun to look at, and its graceful curved lines and subtle hardware lured me in. I noted the rugged 17-inch alloy wheels and started to feel good just contemplating it. The doors open an amazing 90 degrees, making entry and loading impossibly easy. Once I climbed in (a small hop, no big deal) it only got better. The seating position is high – not too high, but just high enough to offer a new perspective on the road ahead. Thanks to the rearview camera, I had a pretty good view of the road behind, as well. I liked it – a lot. I wanted more. And, oh, was there more!
The CR-V promises to make driving a pleasure, and it definitely delivered on that promise. A sunroof brings in the light with one touch, while a color screen provides navigation information to show me the way, and a fabulous stereo package supplies the soundtrack to my life. There are controls for the stereo on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which also tilts and telescopes to create the perfect fit, plus its ergonomic shape felt great to hold. Driving the CR-V felt good, too, because the engine is perky and surprisingly quick for a four-cylinder. It has plenty of power while keeping gas consumption down to an estimated 20/26 mpg city/highway in the all-wheel-drive version I tested. Sadly, I only averaged about 16 mpg in my two weeks of mostly suburban driving.
The tight suspension made for quick, sharp turns, but the downside is that it also caused me to feel every bump in the road. Maybe my senses were just enhanced by the experience, but I found myself dreading speed bumps and freeway speeds more than usual.
The CR-V made it up to me when it came to storage capability. I quickly forgot any little quibbles I had when I saw how it could subtly contain and organize my ever-present car clutter. There are little cubbies and bins everywhere, plus a terrific center console with an input for my iPod. It charged my iPod and connected it to the stereo for seamless entertainment, all while keeping the cords out of sight. All four doors have pockets and bottle holders, and both front seats have pockets on their backs. What’s really thoughtful and totally put me in a state of bliss, though, is that all these storage places (by which I mean every place that kids touch) are covered in a textured, rubbery stuff that resists grunge. One swipe with a baby wipe has the CR-V in pristine condition once again. Just thinking about it makes me feel all tingly!
Another really mind-altering feature is in the rear storage area. Those evil geniuses at Honda realized that a stroller pretty much eats up any cargo space in a vehicle, so they gave the CR-V a two-level layout in back. There’s a shelf that pops into place and can hold up to 20 pounds (or become an instant baby-changing table). When not in use, the shelf pops out and fits nicely on the floor, taking up no room at all. The practicality almost makes you dizzy, doesn’t it? Even cooler, the shelf folds in half to make loading super-easy and provide room for whatever baggage you’re bringing. And we all have baggage, right?
Naturally, not everything feels wonderful in the CR-V. The air-conditioning system couldn’t fully combat a Southern California heat wave, especially considering there are no vents in back to cool off the little ones. Of course, I was so deep in my addiction that I was willing to forgive almost anything, especially because there was plenty of air in the driver’s seat. The CR-V had me in its grip. Now that I’ve gone cold turkey, must I ask forgiveness from those I’ve hurt? First things first, I guess. Step one: Admit I have a problem. Done.
*For more information on the 2008 Honda CR-V and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 3
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Groove On
Specs
2008 Honda CR-V EX-L AWD
Base price: $26,700
Price as tested: $28,400
Engine: 166-hp, 2.4-liter I-4
Fuel: 20/26 mpg
Length: 177.9″
Width: 71.6″
Ground Clearance: 7.3″
Turning Radius: 18.9′
Cargo space: 35.7-72.9 cu. ft.
NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings
Frontal Impact
Driver’s side: 5 Stars
Passenger’s side: 5 Stars
Side Impact
Front occupant: 5 Stars
Rear occupant: 5 Stars
Rollover resistance: 4 Stars
