2008 Honda CR-V review
14 Dec, 2007
53 Comments 
2008 Honda CR-V Luxury review
CarAdvice rating: 
(4.25)
Priced from: $31,990 to $41,990 (as tested)
Options: Metallic Paint $300
By: Matt Brogan
Honda, broadly speaking, is about three things in the eye of their loyal buyers. They are popular, reputable and reliable.
According to VFACTS statistics, Honda’s CR-V was the number one seller in its class for years 1999 to 2002 and again in 2006, taking out an impressive 13% of all sales in its segment for that year. But do sales figures truly indicate a car’s worth?
It’s all well and good to have sold a mountain of cars in times gone by, a feat which CR-V has achieved in droves. With some 2.5 million examples sold in 160 countries, the little lugger’s popularity certainly can’t be questioned.
Though popularity, generally an indication of merit, is one thing, is it purely the CR-V’s popularity that keeps punters coming back time and again? Perhaps it’s the manufacturer’s solid reputation?
Location: Home / Honda, Behind the Wheel / ...
Rate Post: 
(34 votes, average: 3.71 out of 5)
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December 14th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
just got one!
must say it is definately classy looking!!!
the interior looks good as well especially since the previous gen lookedd horrible!
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December 14th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Personally, I think it looks pretty bad on the outside, a mish mash of all the luxury 4WDs.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
This is Subaru ugly. Pretty unusual for Honda.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I think the looks are a huge improvement on the outgoing model. With the beaut finish on these things should sell like hot cakes. Honda quality is superb these days as they are more suited to our conditions than they use to be i.e shit roads. So much better than a RAV 4 it’s not funny except for KWs I suppose. Well sorted four cylinder is still a good thing. Aurion engine across the toyota range is still a bit of an after thought.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Functionally excellent.
Interior good.
Exterior - don’t like treatment of rear quarter glass and the lower part of grille looks like a design after thought, everthing else integrates really well.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
At least there is still a Japanese maker that is putting some excitement into their creations unlike another I need not mention. It’s not Hoover nor Westinghouse not even Simpson but the maker of the ultimate whitegoods on wheels without a soul. Their range consists of the same model scaled to different proportions and it’s not the ZOT mobile!
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Wow, CR-V sure has grown up and got a lot bigger.
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
hahaha anti spam word was HONDA!!!
I like it……looks very Volvo in the tail lights though!
Nice write up Matt………and pics!!
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December 14th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
I agree. The D type in the TV add suggests the swooping lines originated there and the curveous C pillar of the CRV suggests this. Predictable I suppose as the Accord Euro is really just a Alfa 156 made in Japan.
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December 14th, 2007 at 9:37 pm
As having owned a gen1 and gen2 CR-V, this is an absolute eyesore. Whats with the rear window shape, its like someone designed a normal sedan then added a giant boot. Look at the entire window shape.
Secondly, why is there a gap between the Honda logo and the bumper, thats not a grill, that hasn’t been finished properly.
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December 14th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Just test drove one, and they do drive nice. The interior is nice in grey cant say much for the for the ugly ‘fawn - poo’ color. The standard wheels look like they belong on the 70’s model Civic, and ultimatley economy is not great, with no diesel option and the ‘demtel’ slicing machine grill, i had to pass….
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December 15th, 2007 at 5:27 am
Do they still sell the MDX?
Never see them anymore.
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December 15th, 2007 at 9:13 am
Anyone want to see what the Honda CR-V might have looked like without the D-curve side glass? Have a look at this pdf modified image which gives it more conservative lines.
My son did this with Coreldraw.
This is not a hotlink and needs to be copied into your browser.
http://myfreefilehosting.com/f/51ea023a82_0.18MB
Car Advice - if this breaches any of your site admin protocols for posts I apologise and the exercise will not be repeated.
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December 15th, 2007 at 10:19 am
I saw a grey one, apart from the grille it looked quite nice. Could use bigger wheels (and perhaps a diesel engine option).
SS Honda no longer sell the MDX, due to poor sales.
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December 15th, 2007 at 11:13 am
The CR-V is definitely one of the BIGGEST compact SUVs out there (Forester, RAV-4, Outlander, X-Trail). Amazing to see it has grown in every single possible dimension. I’ve seen this side by side with a RAV-4 and amazingly it is taller and appears somewhat broader… maybe cuz of the small rear view.
Camera/reverse sensors should be standard in a car like this… since you can’t see anything with the high butt line! With those highway/city combo figures.. most of the 4-cylinder soft roaders are able to get those figures quite easily so I don’t think fuel consumption is that great. True it is a Honda and is probably more fuel efficient but not that much more.
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December 15th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Regardless of whether the Aurion engine across the range is an afterthought, no one can deny that its a brilliant engine and very powerful and economical compared to similar engines.
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December 15th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Agree completely with most of the comments. This is easily the best-driving and best-built of the compact SUVs, but it could do with more grunt and less fussiness in the form of Honda’s Europe-only 2.2 diesel engine. Also, it is fearsomely ugly.
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December 16th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Nice…til you get to front end as mega butch weirdo design
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December 16th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
It looks like a great car. Roomy, but not huge. I like the style. I saw a review here: http://www.futurecars.com/revi.....ic-gx.html
for Honda’s Green line. I wonder how this model compares in performance the more green cars available on the marketplace.
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December 16th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Seen one of these close up in the flesh today and the photos don’t do it justice. Superb exterior finish and distinctive looks. Good departure from the previous boxy styling and the other boxes in this class.
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December 16th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
In my opinion, the photos don’t do it justice in that it looks a bit more awkward in real life.
What’s with the Lexus RX400h rip off front lower grille, that doesn’t work at all with the upper grille, and the ugly rear quarter window line that doesn’t match up with the slope of the car???
Also, what’s with the bulging trapezium out of the body in the car’s rear?
Who designed it…
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December 17th, 2007 at 7:26 am
I agree with the other Nick - this would have to be one of the ugliest cars on the road. In fact, you have to wonder how Honda got it so wrong.
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December 17th, 2007 at 7:32 am
I think it very much depends on which colour it is as to how it looks. In darker colours (like the one in the pics) it’s fine, but in white and lighter colours, it’s not so crash hot. The beige interior isn’t pretty either.
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December 17th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I changed my gen 1 to gen 2 as soon as gen 2 came out. But I have to think hard with this gen 3. The reason is that Honda Australia jacks up the price and claims that there are more features. What about the compensation that this new CRV gen 3 is now made in Thailand? And, there is no import duty on this gen 3 because of the FREE TRADE AGREEMENT between Thailand and Australia? Shouldn’t the price of Gen 3 be cheaper? Anyway, I do not like its front and will wait for next minor change. Hopefully, Honda will fix it and I am sure that the price will come down as new Subaru Forester will be released next year
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December 19th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
i hate the new double grill its just got to go!
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January 6th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
I just bought one and I think the front is ugly!
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January 6th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Why did you buy it then?
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January 10th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I just got one CRV2008, it’s due to deliver to me next week, however I asked the dealto install the fog light chrome garnish but was told that it doesn’t fit in the aero bumper style bumper, how true is it? how come they put in their brochures that the chrome garnish fits all CRV variants, is the dealer telling me the truth, can someone answer me
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January 10th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I just got one CRV2008, it’s due to deliver to me next week, however I asked the dealer to install the fog light chrome garnish but was told that it doesn’t fit in the aero bumper style bumper, how true is it? how come they put in their brochures that the chrome garnish fits all CRV variants, is the dealer telling me the truth, can someone answer me
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January 10th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Is there any Honda expert on the floor to answer me about the CRV2008 fog light chrome garnish fitting on the aero bumper??
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January 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
FOG LIGHT CHROME GARNISH IS HONDA’S OEM PART BUT THE AERO BUMPER STYLE BUMPER IS AN AFTER MARKET PART WHICH IS MADE BY A COMPANY CALLED MODULAR. IF YOU GO TO HONDA’S WEBSITE IN THE USA OR THE EUROPE, YOU CAN SEE THAT THE AERO BUMPER STYE BUMPER IS NOT AVAILABLE AS AN ACCESSORY.
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January 26th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
We just bought one due to deliver next week. Was not really my first choice (Jeep Patriot is 1st Choice, Outlander 2nd Choice).
I couldn’t get Outlander with sunroof any longer. Jeep Patriot interior plastic is just cheap plus of the 3, CRV has the most spacious interior.
I can live with the front grill, but never like the big rear end…looks like Jlo LOL. Honda’s interior, drive and reliability are still the winning points for us.
I could have got Jeep Patriot Limited (leather seat) with similar specs at $2000 less than CRV but it’s very cramp inside.
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January 27th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
i just hate the grill and maybe the rear quarter glass should bemore audi esque then id consider it more
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January 28th, 2008 at 3:07 am
I love most Honda vehicles. I drive a Ridgeline and my wife wants a CRV but I do not want something that ugly in my driveway. I hope that they redesign the front for 2009.
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February 1st, 2008 at 9:14 am
I am very familiar with the earlier models, and was set to buy one - until I saw it. It is incredibly ugly - the double grille looks yank-tankish, the quarter window at the back is just plain silly. Inside, I have to disagree with those who think it is elegant. It has door-handles that look like they belong on a swish hotel, and the handbrake is similar. I wanted a white one, but it comes with the most hideous bilious green interior. The floor at the back is not flat for loading, and has numerous snags, plus ridges for s cargo shelf that doesn’t come with the base model. Doesn’t even come with a cargo blind, so everyone can see what you have got in the back! Overall, it is clearly designed for the US market, and you have to go there to see what ugly cars they have there. All bulk and bluster - nothing elegant. This CR-V is a big step back for Honda. Even the Kia Sportage is a lot more practical and elegant!
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March 10th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
What a bunch of negative nancies! The new CRV is awesome! Just bought one today after 11 years of the original 1997 CRV. Not even similar or close - how could anyone say it’s ugly! The x-trails and other boxes on the road are not even close! Love the feel, drive and look. Must admit, we are getting and drove the luxury and the ivory leather is pretty nasty looking - but black leather is sleek.Upgraded to 20 inch rims - fan bloody tastic! Fuel economy is promising - very real consideration these days! Overall, gotta give it a big thumbs up!!
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March 29th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Discerning beauty is subjective. What may be ugly to you guys is beatiful to someone else. I would say, the design for the new CRV front grille is innovative. lots of car manufacturers will probably be copying it.
I rate the car overall 7 out of 10…that’s perfectly fine with me.
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March 30th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Just test drove a luxury model on the 28th and was surprised by the loud rough sounding idle on start up. the engine was not cold because it just returned from another test drive. did not comment on this to the salesperson just drove off and was impressed with the compact feel of the handling. Would not realise it was a 4w drive if not for the higher view. very responsive and very good on a tight U turn. End up buying the sports model and again was surprised to find out that the only way to decipher between the models externally was by the number of spokes on the wheels. 7 for luxury and 5 alloy for sports. standard has 5 steel spokes. black seems to be the preferred choice of duco, 4 were on display in the yard and was also encouraged by the salesperson to boy the black, go figure?
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April 4th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
the more i look at my 08 model the more it reminds me of just a big van or jeep, especially the back round shape.I preferred the shape of the previous model without the spare wheel sticking out at the back. The handling compensates for the look. Handling is very very smooth and quiet.
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April 6th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Purchased my 4WD, top of the line, CR-V in Dec 07 in Thailand (assembled here). I am an ex petrol head from wayback and now (in my very active twighlight years) wanted something more refined, comfortable, safe and practical.
The vehicle is nothing short of fantastic. and fulfilled vitually all my expectations. The Thai assembly is faultless (and I am bloody fussy) and the Honda Bangkok dealerships service amazing. Economy exceeds published spec. Initally 10.5l/100km and now after 2300km is 8.5l/100km.My reactions to the negative comments ” Drive One !” Looks /design…. in a few aspects… are an aquired taste, but totally nullified by driveability, quality and spec.
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June 8th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
am looking to buy a new car ,,, was happy with Nissan Dualis,,,, but am aiming towards new honda CRV and over stylish mazda cx -7 … any thoughts… have young kids (3.5 yrs and 20 months ) and a third on the way in the next yr or so hopefully…, thanx dc
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June 9th, 2008 at 10:00 pm
I got mine approximately 3 months ago (CRV-Luxury)and started to have some problem. The aircon constantly making noise (coin tossing sound) for bout 2-5 secs of each occurance and will be repeated every 2-5 minutes. This noise only occurs when the vehicle on high rpm above 2000. I tested under heater and normal aircon operation. I had brought in to the dealer attention and they reckons it’s normal, apparently the compressor that making that sort of noise. Does anyone have similar problem? I’m yet to bring this attention to Honda but wouldn’t mind if anyone out there have the similar situation.
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August 21st, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Forget about the look as it’s totally in the eyes of the beholders. Something beautiful to you may look f-ugly to me.
I have always been admiring Honda build quality and now time for my next SUV has come. I took a hard look at this new CRV and a bit disappointed with the features.
Where are the GPS and the reversing camera? What about bluetooth handsfree? Should there be a power-lift tail glass door?
In other words, my search for the next car is still on: I want Honda build quality, feature-packed like a Nissan Murano, and perhaps a diesel engine like Toyota Prado’s
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September 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
it looks a lot like the Lexus 400h hybrid - i love :)
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September 15th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Am i the only one who thinks it’s the best looking car since the Lexus 400h hybrid? I don’t understand how you can think it’s ugly????
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October 14th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Greetings all,it’s been 6 months.
For the 5 year warranty to be valid, according to the service manual, a service needs to be carried out every 6 months or every 10,000kms whichever comes first.I have only driven 3500kms in 6mths. Is it worth forking out the $200 plus parts every 6 months even if the kms are not there? I purchased Honda for its reputable reliability so I would not have to service a car every 6mths. Do i really need a service @ 3500kms? I don’t think so. what do you think?
Could Honda afford to give a 5 year warranty on every new car if it was not over confident on its reliability for the first 5 years??? Hence service at every 6 months becomes an oxymoron unless you’ve done the expected kilometres.
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October 28th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Don’t forget ppls, a black vehicle is 30* degrees hotter inside the cab with windows round up, during summer, than a white vehicle.
All you mums and dads out-there, please don’t leave your children in the vehicle while you are just ‘ducking’ inside for a minute.
On average, 5 aussie kids will die this summer inside vehicles, don’t let your kids be one of them.
There is no logical reason for ppl to buy a black vehicle in Australia, apart from undertakers.
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November 19th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I owned the honda crv08 for 5 month but i bring the car back for wheel alingment 4 times because the car pull to the left but the problem still not fix i don’nt know why the honda can’nt fix the problem they blame the the road
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November 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 pm
T Nguyen CRV ‘08 pulls to the left:
Your car was built before June ‘08 - after that time the LH road spring was altered to balance the car.
This mod cures your ‘problem’ and is well known in the UK.
See Honest John website for details (just type Honest John UK into Google and chack car by car details.
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December 6th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
To Chris R and above Mr T, I was told many yrs ago that all australian vehicles are adjusted to pull to the left, it is a safety measure if you let go of the steering wheel.
Give this a try, get the speed up to 60klms, let go of wheel, if it is aligned correctly the vehicle will steer to the left, same goes for english vehicles.
If you were in another country, driving on opposite side of road, the same thing applies, only it pulls to right, that is away from traffic.
This is NOT a design fault, it is built into all right-side driving in the left lane
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December 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
After working in the Sahara in Libya I am a died-in-the-wool Landcruiser fan. The only 4wd of it’s size range to return constantly good behaviour in all types of desert.
I’m now looking at a mid-size but nobody is talking about the ‘real’ raison detre for a 4wd - how does it perform offroad? I live in WA and sand is a major part of going offroad here - especially when surfing north of Perth.
Any thoughts on how it rates offroad?
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December 17th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I love the new design and don’t think it’s ugly at all. I can’t wait to get mine in Jan.
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December 23rd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I can’t answer David’s request re off roadability; but having sold my Landcruiser Sahara 100 series this month and bought a CRV Luxury I can give him some thoughts about comparing both vehicles.
Little surpasses the smooothness of the Toyota V8 and gearbox, but the not yet run in CRV performs seamlessly in the city and appears to be pretty swift, though not startling.
It feels light and airy and space wise it has loads of room, in fact better than the cruiser for second row passangers. Plenty of capacity in the load compartment too, though not matching the albeit huge cruiser.
Ergonomics are excellant everything comes to hand and has a quality feel. Seats are great, very supportive and with a wide range of adjustment.
For a city dweller, like me, the big advantage is parking, agility and fuel consumption. Honda quality is also second to none, including the luxury Sahara; panel and plastics fit are very high quality.
Cruisers,even 200 series have many good features, but it is now yesterday’s vehicle for city drivers anyway and the CRV feels like it will be at home on the beach and not too far off the road.
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