A 2.4L four-cylinder engine and five-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain combination offered on the 2008 Honda CR-V. The engine makes 166 horsepower and 161 lb-ft of torque. A drive-by-wire throttle control matches with the transmission for better drivability on hills. Front-wheel drive is standard on the CR-V; the optional Real Time 4WD system is tuned for on-road driving, with power going to the front wheels during most driving but with some sent to the rear wheels as needed on slippery surfaces.
With a four-wheel independent suspension (MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup in back), plus a rigid body structure, the CR-V has good handling for its class. The interior has several storage compartments and numerous clever features, such as a retractable center tray table, dual gloveboxes, and various cup holders. Two rows of seating can accommodate five passengers.
Three trim levels are available: LX, EX, and EX-L. There's no stripped-down base model; the LX includes a wide range of standard equipment like air conditioning, a CD sound system with MP3 compatibility and auxiliary input jack, tilt/telescopic steering adjustment, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The EX adds a moonroof, chrome trim, a dual-deck cargo shelf, upgraded audio with six speakers and a six-disc changer, among other additional equipment, while the top EX-L brings leather upholstery and a top audio system that has XM satellite radio compatibility and a subwoofer. A navigation system with voice recognition and a rear-view camera is available only on the EX-L.
On EX and EX-L models, a dual-deck cargo shelf can hold up to 20 pounds of cargo on top while leaving space for full-size grocery bags on the bottom. The back seat is split 60/40 and can fold forward as needed to expand the cargo floor.
The CR-V adopts Honda's ACE Body Structure, which improves frontal crash performance and allows better crash compatibility with vehicles of varying sizes. Front-seat side air bags and full-length side-curtain bags are standard on all CR-Vs, along with active head restraints. Vehicle Stability Assist and four-channel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution are standard on all CR-V models as well.
Honda's compact, carlike CR-V sport-utility vehicle was completely redesigned for 2007, and thus remains mostly unchanged for the 2008 model year. The EX-L trim now includes dual-zone air conditioning a premium audio package, as well as an eight-way power driver's seat.
The 2008 Honda CR-V boasts impressive ride and handling characteristics, along with a quiet, comfortable interior. Available all-wheel drive provides confidence in inclement weather, and cargo capacity is outstanding. The CR-V's four-cylinder powertrain is impressively smooth.
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