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A Completed 2008 Honda CRV Review That You Should Know

ByJohn Kelly-February 29, 2024

Honda CRV is a compact crossover model car manufactured by Honda in the 1990s. Originally released in North America in 1997. The Honda CR-V is a blend of Honda’s Civic platform with SUV body design. For the third generation of CRV (2007 – 2011), the Honda CRV 2008 was the car that is worth mentioning till now. This article will show you the specific 2008 Honda CRV Review below with any kind of details that we all want to know about this car.

Overall 2008 Honda CRV Review

With this third-generation Honda CRV 2008, the car was officially launched in the US in 2008. The model for this 2008 has some distinct differences, such as the lifted one-door opening from the rear. Also, the spare tire is not attached to the back door as in previous generation vehicles.

A Completely 2008 Honda CRV review. (Photo: Honda)

Redesigned at the end of 2007, the Honda CRV 2008 was rated highly by the driver with new safety experience. Accompanied by new features, and new developments in many aspects, Honda CRV 2008 has become a strong point and attracted a lot of praise from the car community. It is also on the list of affordable SUVs that year.

For the 2008 Honda CRV Review, we will take a look at dimensions: length/wide/high (m): 4,519/1,819/1,679 and a wheelbase of 2,619 m. So, compared to rival Toyota Rav4, the Honda CRV has a length of less than 0,08m, but with two rows of seats, the CRV is still comfortable for all five seats, even when the front row is all pulled back behind. However, the rear storage area is not spacious. If you are interested in this 2008 Honda CRV Review, let’s take a deep look at our Honda 2008 CRV for sale to learn about this car and your own decision. 

Honda CRV 2008 Exterior

For the first part of the 2008 Honda CRV Review, we will talk about the exterior review of this car, which probably is the first thing you look at the car when you consider it.

The exterior of the 2008 Honda CRV review. (Photo: Honda)

In the first place, on the outside of the car, the Honda CRV 2008 feels like a human with a bold body. The front of the car is full-faced with a thick and rounded bumper.

A pair of ‘waterfall’ headlights poured down the grille with an H-shaped chrome logo and an air intake with a honeycomb grid shape. Plus, the cap capo claws down, and the head is slightly clumped. The half section below was well-prepared with a bumper, the toughness of the car was shown by Honda with darker colors and the flanks are similar to the undercarriage protection of some terrain vehicles. Looking at the whole scene, the Honda CRV 2008 front part is less detailed and does not have many special accents. However, the details fit neatly.

2008 Honda CRV car side. (Photo: Honda)

In the second place, look at the side of the car, the curved line like an arch strained from the front door to the back door of the boot lid made the CRV’s hood look rounded. Although the rear of the convertible was “set” in shape, the CRV’s C-shaped design is the most controversial. Those who like the rigidity of the straight lines from previous generations, said the third generation of CRV design is too weak and unsympathetic. In contrast, these car enthusiasts criticized this line: It is a reasonable mix of curves and angles, softening the tail of this crossover model.

The back of 2008 Honda CRV review. (Photo: Honda)

The last place, the back of the car is an easy place to spot the simplicity, even if it stereotyped the old design. Faithful to the type of backlight placed along the C-pillar of the previous generation, but more carriage in details of the back. The back is still the shape of the surface with the two-piece decoration top-bottom as the front bumper. Similarly, the large H-shaped chrome logo on the rear of the CRV is no different than the car head.

Honda CRV 2008 Interior

After we discussed the exterior of the car, we will move to the inside, which is one of the most important parts of our 2008 Honda CRV Review list.

To begin with the Honda CRV 2008 interior, Honda CR-V introduced 3 versions: LX, EX, and EX-L in order to increase convenience. Between the two models (2007-2008), although within in the same third generation, the Honda CRV 2008 model is equipped with some extra features for the EX-L version, including 8-way electric steering control seats, automatic climate, premium sound system. Other versions remain.

The interior of 2008 Honda CRV review (Photo: Honda)

Spacious is a noticeable feature when we enter the cabin of the Honda CRV 2008. The chair has a thick mattress and soft leather cover.

Spacious is an advantage in 2008 Honda CRV (Photo: Honda)

The main details that people often touch like the steering wheel, gear, door, and handle … are also made of leather material. The gearbox layout, function keys, and accessories are quite simple and easy to operate.

Next, the gearbox is mounted just right under the center console, creating a gap between the front seats. This gap space can comfortably place the device as large as a laptop when it needs to charge the battery through the 12V port right next to it.

The armrest for the driver and the passenger side is placed on the seat and can easily be folded.

2008 Honda CRV seats. (Photo: Honda)

The two-compartment bucket with moderate capacity comes with a rack for cups placed low in the middle of the front row.

Due to the design of the rear doors and high ceiling, the entrance of the rear passenger seat is quite comfortable. If you just sit two people and gently lean the seat back, you will see that the middle seat will have a hanging arm with two racks for cups. When necessary, with a total width of 1.82 m, the back seats also accommodate three adults.

Though the Honda CRV 2008 followed the shape of the crossover it carries a total length of 4.56m, so the CRV’s luggage compartment is quite spacious. In addition to the two-compartment layout and back doors opening up, users can easily rearrange their belongings and have wide spaces for large suitcases.

However, the two-compartment arrangement did not allow the CRV to open the rear chassis in two-part models such as the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson … or shell-like Renault Koleos.

Finally, besides the standard equipment, Honda has also introduced several advanced options for Honda CRV 2008, notably the navigation system with multi-touch screen features and the back camera.

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Operation

So we all had a look at both the inside and outside of the Honda CRV 2008. Now we move to the next part of 2008 Honda CRV Review list, the operation.

1. Facilities & Safety features

Moderately useful, which is the facilities that Honda equipped on the Honda CRV 2008. A car model priority for the driver, of course, the accompanying equipment is directed to serve the car driver safety, steady driving feeling, and more convenience.

The first is the 8-way electrically mentioned above adjustable driver seat with a back-leaning inflation system, which makes it easy for the driver to use while driving. Steering wheel integrated sound control, large LCD information is more a device to further support the driver.

2008 Honda CRV with Steering wheel integrated sound control (Photo: Honda)

In addition, the fast-cooled automatic climate control system, sound system, and loudspeaker for medium quality are also relatively acceptable recreational and leisure facilities.

On the Honda CRV 2008, the handbrake is moved down to the pedal in the left foot position. Not only does it enhance the aesthetics of interior space, it also makes the brakes easier to handle. Just lightly pedaling can hold or release the brakes quickly.

In addition to conventional safety features such as anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), on the CRV, the VSA body stabilizer has become a plus when compared to Models in the same segment present in markets. While the RAV4’s longtime rival for Toyota is less popular, the Nissan X-Trail is also unfamiliar. Honda has made the CRV a high-end option for safety because competing models such as Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, or Reault Koleos … not equipped with this safety support system.

Plus, the detail that has been appeared on many entered cars but “rare” with cars is the automatic door lock. When the speed reaches about 20 km/h, the lock automatically activates. Some single customers may not care about this small function. But to anyone who has a family, the “trumpet” noise that signals the door closed has created a special sense of peace of mind.

The Honda CRV 2008 is equipped with four airbags in the front row, including two side airbags with OPDS technology. This system will determine the weight and position of the occupants from which they determine the activity of the airbag, to limit the damage to passengers. According to Honda, the CRV is also equipped with a high-strength chassis and head restraints to reduce neck shocks when there is a collision from the rear.

2. Engine

While talking about the 2008 Honda CRV Review, the engine is the thing that we should consider about what has been done in the US and around the world, the CRV’s performance has been enhanced by the driver. The engine has the K24Z code with four 2.4-liter cylinders offering a maximum output of 125 kW (168 hp) at a rotational speed of 5,800 rpm, a maximum torque of 161 lb/ft at 4,200 rpm. Combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission, the CRV proved by its ability to accelerate very well and definitely. This is also an advantage when compared to other models in the same segment

2008 Honda CRV engine (Photo: Honda)

3. Driving comfort

While talking about Honda CRV 2008 review, the CRV’s suspension system is quite hard. Along with the G-CON steel frame, the 1.55-ton self-propelled vehicle does not feel smooth when passing through decks, abutments, or potholes. Plus the steering wheel is quite heavy, and slow pay-drive so people who have less chance to drive CRV will feel hard to handle, reduced confidence when driving. However, for the familiar driver with this car, the weight of the steering wheel and the hard of the suspension system are the advantages of compacting when running at high speed or the bad arc.

A downside that affects the feeling of sitting behind the wheel of the CRV is the blind corner of the A-pillars. This requires the driver to look more closely despite the high seat position and airy. Caused by the large A-cylinder design, which obscures the view of the driver when the object or vehicle enters that perspective. This downside would probably be effusive when you drive in heavy rain or driving at night.

Driving comfort of 2008 Honda CRV (Photo: Honda)

When driving the Honda CRV 2008 in the city, the engine responds quite well. At speeds of less than 50km/h, the CR-V is fully-featured and easy to navigate. Out to the area allowing for higher speeds, accelerating the accelerator pedal, speed up quickly. At 60 km/h, the noise from the tires on the road surface began to rise. At the maximum speed of 80 km/h, not only the echo from the roar, the whistling of the wind through the loophole from the wheel, rearview mirror … has fallen into the cockpit more. Although at this speed, CRV still feel stable after steering wheel but this noise has become defective, less competition in the segment.

4. Fuel consumption

For the amount of fuel consumed, CRV is highly appreciated by users. Compared with the 7.8 liter/100km that the manufacturer announced, the actual use is about 20% higher (average 9-10 liters/100km). This figure surprised many with a 2.4-liter engine.

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Specifications

About Honda CRV 2008 specs, let’s follow this table below for more details:

Specifications table

Body type 5-seat SUV
Number of seats 5
Number of windows 5
Length / Width / Height (m) 4,519 / 1,819 / 1,679
Base length (m) 2,619
Height (m) 1,85
Net weight (kg) 1,537-1,628
Engine 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC
Maximum power (horsepower) 166 @ 5800 rpm
Maximum torque (lb/ft) 161 @ 4,200 rpm
Length / Width / Height (m) 4,519 / 1,819 / 1,679
Maximum speed 220 km/h
Acceleration time 0-100km 10.50
Fuel consumption 9-10l/100 km

Conclusion

1. Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Energy saving Small storage compartment
The steering wheel is light, precise Suspension system (shown clearly when operating in difficult terrain)
Sound door and roar well No third-row seat for optional pick
Ability to move fast, with good pulling and flexibility No V6 and the 04 cylinders lack of energy
Spacious and much storage capabilities No manual transaction

2. Price

For those who are curious about the price for Honda CRV, as soon as the public debut in the US in 2008, the cost of honda CRV 2008 was $52,000, a high price for the car users at that time. For this reason, the process of selling this car in countries around the world is not too high. But in terms of common ground, with new strengths and breakthroughs of this new design of the third generation of the 2008 Honda CRV remains one of the best-selling SUVs.

So far, the Honda CRV 2008 is still pretty much sought after. Not just any market, this car is still one of the most prestigious cars, and creates great sympathy for buyers. The FOB price for this car is currently between $1300 – $1400.

Honda CRV 2008 price (Photo: Honda)

After the 2008 Honda CRV Review, customers choosing CR-V will have to weigh between features, equipment and customer care. And certainly, Honda has thoroughly researched these points before turning the CRV into a premium SUV in the car market at this time. 

John Kelly is co-ordinator and writer at Car Talk of Car From Japan. Holding a MA in Public Relations and Journalism, he has 6 working years for Sales & Marketing Department of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. John provides a unique look at Japanese cars through an American’s look, and fills his blog with everything from car restoration to history. His biggest hobbies are car and photography. Hence, when visit John’s articles, besides lots and lots of pages of information about car review and car comparison to scroll through, you also can see many interesting pictures of famous car brand from his own perspective.

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