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2008 Honda CR-V

crvexl2008crvexl2008 Member Posts: 15
edited December 2013 in Honda
I am the proud owner of a 2008 CRV EX-L in Whistler Silver w/ Black Leather interior . I would like to hear from other "2008" CRV owners about their likes and dislikes, mechanical , cosmetic or any other problems that my fellow 2008 CRV owners have encountered. Thankyou in advance
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Comments

  • tdiidmantdiidman Member Posts: 35
    I too bought a 2008 CR-V EX-L with navigation in March and already have about 4300 miles on it (drove it to Florida from Kentucky once). I've overall been very happy with the car so far. I seem to be getting what I would consider to be pretty good fuel economy (21-22 mpg 'in town' and '27-29 mpg 'on the highway'- even better than the EPA estimates). For me, the acceleration seems fine; although other might disagree, for how I drive, I do not consider it to be underpowered. The 'oil lfe' indicator is still reading 60% at this point, which surprised me somewhat (I must drive like a 'little old lady').I think the 'fit and finish' are good, though not quite at the level of my VW Jetta TDI. I think the handling seems better than that of most other Japanese cars I've had. As far as what I would change, probably the thing that I most miss in the car (compared to my new body style Jetta) is the lack of automatic headlights- rather than spending money on the chime to let you know if you're left your lights on when you open the door and having that stupid indicator light on the dash illuminated all the time whenever the lights are on, I just don't understand why Honda just didn't put in auto on/off headlights (how much more would it really have cost?). Wish it could be added aftermarket, but I doubt it. I also miss the rain sensing wipers my higher end Jetta has, along with the power passenger seat, but I do like the power driver seat and the dual climate control that were offered this year on the EX-L models. I had contemplated waiting for the new VW Tiguan to come out later this month, but a loaded up SEL version of the Tiguan (with all the bells and whistles I knew I couldn't resist) would have been pushing the $37K range, with likely no significant discounts. I got my CR-V for $27034 plus the cost of some accessories (got 10% off the installed price of the accessories from the dealer I bought it from). The CR-V gets better fuel economy, at least until, and if, the Tiguan becomes available with the diesel engine already available in the car in Europe (of course, I've heard that Honda may eventually put a diesel in the CR-V). Finally, I got an extended warranty for my CR-V from one of the internet sites for far less than it would cost for a similar warranty on a VW. I researched my options thoroughly, feel that I made a good choice, and am happy with my purchase.
  • crvexl2008crvexl2008 Member Posts: 15
    Yes the lack of an auto on/off headlights were a bit of a shock I just assumed Honda would have included such a common sense feature. Only problem I have been hearing about the 08 is that it "pulls to the right" at highway speeds. I will check out my 08 to see if my CR-V suffers from this affliction. I love the CR-V I believe it is the most appealing of the class. Am averaging 23.9 mixed driving so far. Great vehicle !
  • queenie7queenie7 Member Posts: 1
    Just purchased 08 Honda CR-V w/Navigation and love it. However, I am very disappointed that the navigation system has not been updated. Does anyone know when an update is coming out?
  • kevman3kevman3 Member Posts: 30
    My 2008 EX-L has 2100 miles on it. Paid invoice. Getting 26MPG, 80% highway, around 70 mph. Very happy with that. May even get better. Oil life still at 90%, I am amazed at that too. Should drop to 80% any day now. Would have liked 3rd row seat option, even if they were just for kids. Love how wide the back doors open. Very happy with my purchase, drive 100 miles round trip to work from NJ to Manhattan by day, cart the kids around in it by night.
  • crvexl2008crvexl2008 Member Posts: 15
    Have not tested the "pull to the right at highway speeds" yet, but have noticed some of the concerns of other 2007 cr-v owners have noted which will likely affect the 2008 model owners. The carpeted floor mats are looking like they might wear out quickly, and the driver door pillar is getting scuffed with the drivers side belt buckle. Everything else is A-OK so far ! I just wish they would have put the black or grey leather option on the "Green Tea Metallic" or the Glacier Blue Metallic" color models. I settled for "Whistler silver Metallic" w/ the Black Leather interior, the Whister Silver appears like a very light Blue metallic. Great SUV ...just the right size, great fuel economy, great price, beat resale in class, and that legendary Honda quality !
  • itsmecissyitsmecissy Member Posts: 3
    Have owned for 2 months today. Always owned Toyotas previously, so this is my very first Honda. I love my CR-V and chose it over the RAV-4 because of the CR-V's standard features. I held out for the Tea Green Metallic color and the only options I've added are fog lights and the hood deflector. Purchased really good floor mats at Walmart (of all places). My only complaint is that it -unbelievably-doesn't have Bluetooth!

    Other than that, I love it! :shades:
  • nowakj66nowakj66 Member Posts: 709
    I also wish the Green Tea Metallic came with black leather instead of tan.
  • tobybtobyb Member Posts: 1
    I noticed that you found car mats at Walmart for your CR-V. May I ask which ones you purchased (the brand)? I can't seem to find any that fit really well, and I really don't want to spend $140 to purchase the ones from Honda. Thanks!
  • cqxcqx Member Posts: 2
    I'm a previous Honda CR-V owner, current Pilot owner, looking to downsize. I hate to give up my rear DVD entertainment system -- not available on 2008 CR-V. Can anyone advise me -- are there any decent aftermarket DVD systems that suit the CR-V well? Pros/cons? Am considering 2008 EX-L.... If it came with DVD available I would have bought one months ago. Thanks for any and all input....
  • tdiidmantdiidman Member Posts: 35
    I saw one on a CR-V at our local dealership in which there was a DVD screen located in each front seat headrest; in one of the units, there was the slot for the DVD. I can't recall the company, though, that made the product- but it exists. Might try an internet search or check with your local Honda dealer or aftermarket auto goodies dealer.
  • kevinaomkevinaom Member Posts: 4
    I recently purchased a blue 2008 CRV EX-L w/ Navigation from Lake Michigan Honda in Benton Harbor, MI. I have about 700 miles on it right now and have driven to Chicago and back. Overall, I rate this car very high with some really annoying little things that I think Honda could have fixed with little to no cost or effort.

    So, the good things:
    Nice interior. I think overall good fit and finish and the "cockpit" has everything readily accesible.
    I like having the "clean" look of factory installed XM/Navi (Performance of this will be in the negatives). I came from a car with a bunch of wires due to aftermarket installation. This is nice.
    IPOD connection is nice.
    Drives well. Like a lot of new cars, everything is "tight" and handles well.
    Great space. 5 can fit comfortably and you can still put suitcases etc. in the back.
    I love the backup camera. Probably will never be without one again.
    Very good gas mileage.


    Now the things which could be improved:
    Road Noise is too much for this type of car. I have a feeling it is the tires and when I posted that in other places, a lot of people agreed with me.
    The Navigation system is horrible. Knowing what I know now, I WOULD NEVER BUY the Navigation system Honda sells. Pure junk. Maps are not updated, too many "unverified areas" etc. Why can't it be at least as good as the ones that cost a measly $300 in Best Buy since I am paying about $1,000 for this one? I will never understand that.
    The "PC-Card" for the audio is hit or miss as to what to do. :confuse: Many boards have people buying exactly what Honda recommends and they cannot get it to work. I am trying a "hit or miss" approach. Try getting a PC card? They are almost always not available anywhere so is this just old technology? Why not just put a slot for a SD card?

    Ok, Overall, I would rate this a 7.5 to 8 out of 10. I like the car, not sure if I could have done better with a RAV-4 or VUE but I am not in love with the car. Would not cause me to buy a CR-V "sight unseen" for my next car. Honda had a big opportunity to get a life long "brand" buyer and they blew it.
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    Road Noise is too much for this type of car. I have a feeling it is the tires and when I posted that in other places, a lot of people agreed with me.

    It's not the tires...the car lacks proper sound insulation like the whole Honda lineup.

    If you like the car, have a car stereo specialist install dynamat on your floor under the carpet, in the door panels, & can try the fenderwells.

    Make sure they are reputable & not a big box store that may hire people just there for the paycheck.

    I am soundproofing my '08 Accord shorlty (when I have a spare minute) because the car is otherwise great. It's embarassing when you can't hear people on your cell phone because of the horrid road noise.
  • ocotillo10ocotillo10 Member Posts: 3
    I have 9,600 miles on my 2008 CRV and the oil life is just now at 20%. The owner's manual states not to change the oil until signaled to do so at 0 - 5% or once per year whichever comes first, but the dealer says not to wait that long, change it every 5,000 miles. I don't know who to believe. I'm not used to going 10,000 on an oil change.

    Anyone else have any experience with that?
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    Yes, freeway miles are kinder to oil than city driving. I've heard of people claiming 14K miles. I think my '07 CR-V suggests changing at 15% remaining oil life, or once a year.
  • rnlsbrnlsb Member Posts: 1
    I have been very disappointed with the Navigation system. It couldn't find a local Fed Ex or UPS store. It couldn't find the Radio Shack in my area either. These are places that I can easily find on my old Magellan. The Nav System was one of the main reasons I bought this instead of the Vue. It has taken me in circles and doesn't have newer freeway exits. Any idea if a new DVD to update the maps is coming out?
  • crvexl2008crvexl2008 Member Posts: 15
    Had the CR-V for 1 month appr. 1000 miles the drivers side floormat could be a concern already as some in the 2007 forums have noted, lots of shedding in the drivers side carpet will watch closely to see if its excess or actual deterioration of the floor mats, which would be warranted ? MPG so far averaging 23.7 mixed so far! I was checking stats and this CR-V and the Accord share the exact same engine except the Accord is torqued for almost 25 additional horses and gets a higher MPG . ...keep us informed of the floormat issue fellow forum users!
  • kevman3kevman3 Member Posts: 30
    I love my 2008 EX-L with 4K miles on it, but the floor mats really are poor quality. Thet are shedding, and have large indentations in them already from my foot. Are the mats under warranty? Will Honda replace them?
  • cinglemomcinglemom Member Posts: 49
    I am a new owner of a Honda CRV LX 2WD - I've had it for one day and I'm loving it. I traded in my 2007 Dodge Caliber. Boy, I'm glad I did.
    It's plain and could use some additional perks..but comparing it to the Caliber... It's a dream car. :)
  • wstevecwstevec Member Posts: 126
    Hi Folks, have anyone heard anything about the 2009 in terms of a possible re-design or when a re-design may be coming? The CR-V seems great, but it could use a few more ponies under the hood, even another 30 would be nice to get up to highway speeds quicker.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Don't look for any big changes with the 2009 CR-V design. 2010 (4th Year) will be time for the Mid-Cycle Change, which usually changes some details such as headlamp and taillamp design, and a few interior upgrades. The big redesign will be most likely in 2012.
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    If gas prices continue rising, I wonder if automakers may need to rethink their near annual tradition of boosting horsepower. More people may start looking for cars with fewer ponies under the hood.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    These days, getting better fuel economy usually accompanies more horsepower. See the RAV4 V6 for an example. A much more efficient engine than the 2.4L RAV4, since it just about matches it for fuel economy yet makes TONS more power.
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    The ability of an engine with more cylinders, weight, and horsepower to provide better performance with little loss in mpg only applies if the weight of the vehicle is more appropriate to the larger engine. That is, the RAV4 is really too heavy for a 4-cylinder engine to operate efficiently and provide the acceleration people want. Re-gear the engine to operate at max efficiency, which would slow its acceleration, and it would provide much better mileage.

    If all things are equal, more power comes only at the price of reduced mileage.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    These days, getting better fuel economy usually accompanies more horsepower. See the RAV4 V6 for an example. A much more efficient engine than the 2.4L RAV4, since it just about matches it for fuel economy yet makes TONS more power.

    What is the real world fuel economy in the Rav4 V6 compared to the EPA stated, and same for the 4 cylinder version. How much of a deviation do you get with both?
  • smackldogsmackldog Member Posts: 82
    For those of you who have a 2008 CR-V EX, can you check something for me?

    I have a 2008 CR-V EX (Green Tea Metallic) that I took delivery back in 12/31/07 and with my first scheduled oil change coming up (currently at 20% per MMC), I need to double check on one or two items that may or may not be warranty/service related issues when I go in for service.

    1. Honda's website states that the CR-V EX and above models power moonroof have a tilt feature. Does it really have a tilt feature or is this just a mistake on the website? My CR-V doesn't have a tilt feature as far I can tell.
    http://automobiles.honda.com/cr-v/specifications.aspx?group=exterior

    2. Are your rear speakers (by the doors) softer than the front door speakers when you adjust the fader to fade to the back? Mine is much softer than the front and I'm not sure if this is just by design, or if the front and rear volume should be equalized or the same?

    Thanks,
    David
  • smackldogsmackldog Member Posts: 82
    DOH! I am an idiot! :P

    It dawned on me that I may have missed something, so I looked it up in the manual and sure enough, on page 110, it states that to operate the tilt feature, you push on the center of the button (up towards the roof).

    :blush:
  • sleake1sleake1 Member Posts: 2
    I have had my 2008 CRV for less than 24 hours, got on the highway and home and the TPMS light came on. We checked the tires, the manual said there it was a malfunction and to contact the dealer ASAP. Has anyone else had this issue?
  • darkshierdarkshier Member Posts: 7
    Personally, I have not had this issue with my 2008 CRV EX, I have had it since April 4th. However, my friend just bought her 2008 CRV EX on this past Monday, and she had her light come on, on the way home from work on the next Tuesday. She took it to the dealership and they told he she had lost 1 PSI on one of the tires. That's pretty much all I know, sorry if that doesn't help.

    I love my Green Tea CRV though, I can easily see this car lasting me 10+ years.
  • sleake1sleake1 Member Posts: 2
    Yeah, I took mine back to the dealership yesterday and they said that the sensors weren't communicating for some reason and reset it. We shall see, I love it otherwise. I have been Honda loyal for 16 years, so I hope I will love this Honda as much as I have my civics.
  • njexpressnjexpress Member Posts: 170
    Hi Folks,
    When are the '09 CR-Vs expected to hit the lots? Any input would be appreciated.
    Cheers!!
    --njexpress
  • mquillenmquillen Member Posts: 71
    vtec.net is reporting '09 CR-Vs go on sale Aug 19. No changes except for a couple different colors. No word on price.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    And those color changes are:

    New colors: Crystal Black Pearl (black or ivory interior), Alabaster Silver Metallic (black or gray interior) and Urban Titanium Metallic (black or ivory interior)

    Discontinued Colors: Nighthawk Black Pearl, Whistler Silver Metallic
  • wstevecwstevec Member Posts: 126
    I wounder since such small changes are being made and the '09 will be on sale in mid-August if we might see the 2010 as a re-design by spring of '09 like some other manufacuters do when they have a re-design? Personally, I would love to see another 30 or 40 ponies under the hood.
  • phisherphisher Member Posts: 175
    With gas prices being what they are I can't imagine Honda increasing the HP if it decreases the gas millage. I wouldn't be surprised to see a decrease in HP to increase MPG on some models.
  • wstevecwstevec Member Posts: 126
    Acutually BMW increased both gas milage and HP (from about 184 to 215) when they re-designed the 3 Series in 2006 which I currently have. I would be just a little nervous :( with the current 166 HP in the CR-V when I am trying to get on the Interstate, especially with some trucker coming up on me. I just think a 200 HP engine like the new VW SUV has would be the perfect combination of gas milage and power.
  • phisherphisher Member Posts: 175
    It may well be but look at the MPG on the VW. Honda also boosted HP and kept the same MPG or improved it. Having driven a CRV for a while I can say the 166 HP is more than sufficient to get up to highway speed.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    You won't see a redesign of the CR-V anytime soon since the current model debuted only 2 years ago. A refresh, yes. Nothing groundbreaking in the way of redesign usually comes at the midlife refresh.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I drive a '96 Accord with a worse weight/power ratio than the CR-V and I've never had a problem merging.

    The CR-V has never been quick (how about the first 126 hp 4-speed model!). If you can hit 60 in under 10 seconds, you're fine. In fact, the 4-cyl CR-V actually out-accelerates the 3.0L 200hp Escape V6, because of the CR-V's more flexible engine and better gear ratios.
  • wstevecwstevec Member Posts: 126
    Thanks Phisher, I was somewhat concerned about the acceleration. I guess the best thing to do will be to try one out myself.
  • mtwalitmtwalit Member Posts: 12
    this happened to me every 2 weeks and I kept needing to have the tires inflated.Went to the dealer twice.Not sure what they did (or didn't do ) the first time but the second time there was a nail in one of the tires and I haven't had a problem since. Now I've driven for months and no TP light comes on and tires haven't needed air. I can't believe I had a tire with a nail in it the whole time and I wonder if the gauge was adjusted somehow at the dealer.

    Keep taking it back till it's fixed. I know others had this problem also (sans nail)
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    Acutually BMW increased both gas milage and HP (from about 184 to 215) when they re-designed the 3 Series in 2006 which I currently have. I would be just a little nervous with the current 166 HP in the CR-V when I am trying to get on the Interstate, especially with some trucker coming up on me. I just think a 200 HP engine like the new VW SUV has would be the perfect combination of gas milage and power.

    Didn't the Tiguan post like 8.5 seconds to 60?

    My 2005 CR-V goes to 60 in 8.0, and still break 30 mpg on the highway.

    Where did all that extra horsepower go in the VW? Internal losses, I assume.

    As to being nervous getting on the highway, perhaps cutting in infront of big rigs is not such a good idea !!!!
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I wounder since such small changes are being made and the '09 will be on sale in mid-August if we might see the 2010 as a re-design by spring of '09 like some other manufacuters do when they have a re-design? Personally, I would love to see another 30 or 40 ponies under the hood.

    There will be a mid model refresher, but not a re-design until the current CR-V has been out there for 5 years.
  • arizgeorge1arizgeorge1 Member Posts: 19
    Just gort my new CR-V last week and right away I noticed a wheel shimmy (or vibration) at 50-60 mph. Of course, I assume the wheels needed to be rebalanced. However, the dealer tried rebalancing the wheels which didn't help. They then sent the my CR-V out for "specialized balancing" and still no help. They also switched all 4 wheels with wheels off a demo and it solved the problem. For a final solution, they then switched the Bridgestone tires off my CR-V for Continentals and again no shimmy problem. The dealer had 4 more CR-Vs on the lot and had a similar problem with both Bridgestone and Continentals. The service manager is speculating that the suspension is very touchy with CR-Vs (and Civics) making tire selection very critical. Furture buyers of CR-/Vs witll need to be aware of this potential problem until Honda has a permanent solution!

    Oh yes, I pulled out those cheap factory mats and replaced them with indoor/outdoor carpet runners with rubber backing from Home Depot. I cut it into 4 pieces to full size thus protecting all of the base carpet. I had similar custom cut carpets in my old Highlander for 6 years and they worked great!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You didn't say whether they put your original wheels back on. If not then it would seem to be a wheel problem and not a tire problem.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • arizgeorge1arizgeorge1 Member Posts: 19
    As I indicated my message, they just switched my tires from Bridgestones to Continentals. No change in the wheels --- just the same ones as delivered with the CR-V.
  • kmausskmauss Member Posts: 72
    Hi there,
    I have a broad list of vehicles I'm considering when the lease on my Impala runs out. Basically I need a practical, inexpensive, not too huge, decent to drive vehicle that will haul "stuff." And a really big consideration is that I don't want big maintenance costs. All of this puts the CRV high up on my consideration list. They're a good size, laid out well, not too expensive even with decent options.

    I briefly test drove a CRV and really liked it, but my biggest issue is that it only comes in 4 cylinder. I may be wrong about this, but it seems like if you put anything much heavier than groceries in them they'd be helpless. I have had two 4 cylinder cars in my life and you could step on the gas and read a Russian novel before you felt any kind of response. This vehicle seemed a lot peppier, but it was just two people on a brief little test circuit, no big hills, obviously not carrying any significant weight. Of course the dealer was very enthusiastically telling me that I was quite mistaken and the little critter would all but tow a yacht. I suspect reality is probably somewhere in the middle.

    Also, I have always owned American cars, and have had pretty decent luck with them, but I'm not opposed to switching for the right thing. I know Hondas are supposed to be such wonderful trouble free vehicles, but is that really true, or was that true 15 years ago but no longer? I've heard it both ways.

    Would appreciate input from those who have had them awhile. Many thanks! :)
    Karen
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    I don't have a new CR-V, but I just took 2 adults and two teenagers on vacation for a week... and, of course... all of the assorted luggage.. No issues... 1400 mile round trip.

    This is with an '02 CR-V that has basically the same engine, though with slightly less horsepower, and a 4-speed automatic vs. the new model's 5-speed automatic..

    Unless you live in the Rockies, I doubt you'll have any problems with the 4-cylinder.. It can carry just about all it can hold... I have no towing experience, however..

    just my $0.02
    kyfdx
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  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    Nobody will confuse the CR-V with a fast vehicle, but it is certainly adequate for the majority of sane drivers. I've driven one, with two passengers, and punched it (it was a test drive). It tends to open up in the higher RPM ranges (above 3,500 on the tachometer). It'll feel very different from your Impala (the Chevy will have more low-end power but runs out of steam by the time the CR-V is just starting to really pull).

    That being said, look at the Nissan Rogue. I liked this vehicle more than the CR-V, and I'm a two-Honda owner. :)
  • cqxcqx Member Posts: 2
    My last four cars have been Hondas. My spouse formerly drove Dodge pickups and now he is in a Ridgeline. Maintenance costs have been almost nil. Reliability became my big issue when I was single. I love the fuel economy too.

    I had a '92 Civic hatchback, a '98 CRV, an '04 Pilot, and now an '08 CRV. I drive sanely. I had more power than I needed in the Pilot; hated to trade so quickly this time but CRV is a better size for me. Love not filling up as often. Back end is designed nicely, still much room for hauling stuff. My 5-speed Civic Si was indeed peppier but it's apples and oranges.... CRV is a great car, good compromise for size and such. I'm extremely happy to have downsized.

    Good luck!
  • ykckbyykckby Member Posts: 30
    Coming off a Murano lease I just spent considerable time comparing the CRV, RAV4(V6) and Rogue. I wanted to downsize a bit but admittedly wanted as "cushy" as possible. (I show dogs, space is important but if I didn't need an SUV i would definitely have a sedan). I looked briefly at comparable american cars but didn't feel the long term value was there at all.
    I purchased my CRV last night after driving all 3 and talking to others who owned each. I found the CRV has plenty of pep but it is fairly irrelevant to me whether my car when floored makes it to 60mph in 7.8 seconds or 10.3 seconds. The ride of the CRV is far softer in my opinion. I didn't care for the RAV4's ride...a bit harsher...or iits nterior as much as the other two.
    I liked the Rogue alot but there are two design issues I believe. First is cargo space which is about 40% less than the other two - for me that was the breaker. It also has a limited rear view which for some could be annoying. But it has much more immediate pep and is fun to drive.
    I don't think you would go wrong with a CRV and the 08's are priced very attractively and competitively now. Coming off an american car, you may find it to be alot closer to the ride than either of the others. And, one can't take issue with Honda's reputation. Good luck and let us know.
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