Honda completely re-designed the CR-V last year, moving the 5-passenger, four-door, mid-size SUV up-scale a bit in the process. The overall design exhibits sculpted bodylines most notable in the grille and headlight treatment, the flared wheel arches with 17-inch alloy wheels, the embossed rocker panels and the front and rear lower valances. The top-hinged rear lift-gate was new for 07 and is carried over to 08, providing easy access to the 73 cubic feet of cargo space.
All CR-Vs are powered by a 2.4 liter, Dual overhead cam in-line four cylinder engine that produces 166 horse power and 161 pound feet of torque, more than enough to propel either the front-wheel or All Wheel Drive version with surprisingly peppy performance via the standard 5-speed automatic transmission.
The EPA estimates fuel economy for the 2008 Honda CR-V at 22 City/27 Highway.
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard across the model line as is Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and Traction and Stability Control.
Interior amenities abound as the CR-V's up-scale personality demonstrates with standard issue AC, power windows, power tailgate and cruise control, and many more options available.
Our test vehicle came with leather trimmed seats, and the Satellite-Linked Navigation System that features voice-recognition technology, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a 270-watt, 6-CD audio system that includes 7 speakers.
The CR-V comes standard with state-of-the-art passenger safety systems including Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor.
While you can own the base trim level two-wheel drive LX version of the CR-V for $20,700, the top of the line all wheel drive EX-L carries an MSRP of $26,700. All models come with Honda's standard 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
Redesigned in 2007, and just as sharp in '08 is the Honda CR-V.