2008 Honda CR-V

A good DogCar gone bad

Fri, May 2nd 2008

It was with great anticipation that we finally got a chance to test drive and review the recently redesigned Honda CR-V. Of course, we already know that this automaker makes great DogCars (see the “Best in Show” Honda Element), so the arrival of this small, crossover sport utility vehicle into our kennels was truly welcome.

However, it was not puppy love at first sight with the CR-V. In Honda’s total makeover of the CR-V in 2007, the designers followed the same path that others have chosen by rounding off the rear tailgate, giving it a sleeker look, but causing us owners of medium-to-large dogs to cringe.

A rounded rear takes away critical crate space for dogs, and the CR-V’s new design basically knocks it out of the running for any DogCar honors. In fact, it ruins it. That sloped rear ceiling takes away nearly 14 inches of valuable crate space, thus rendering it useless for the final foot of crate space.

It’s like being forced to live in the upstairs attic of an A-frame house, where the sloped ceiling makes the sides virtually worthless as a living space.

This realization is a disappointment, because the CR-V is an otherwise very capable vehicle. The four-cylinder engine produces plenty of power and achieves fuel mileage in the mid-to-upper 20s on the highway. The seats are comfortable and the dashboard and climate/audio controls are all logically placed. There’s even a digital display in the center of the dash -- between the speedometer and tachometer -- that provides instant mileage and range to empty estimates. This is particularly helpful when trying to judge fuel needs while traveling long distances.

An optional color back-up camera and monitor helps the CR-V negotiate tight parking spaces without the fear of accidentally backing over an unsuspecting pup at a crowded agility competition. There’s even a handy second flip-up glove compartment that is perfect for storing cell phones, keys and doggie treats out sight from prying eyes.

To make the best use of the CR-V’s cargo space -- which maxes out at 68 inches long by 37 inches tall and 37 inches between rear wheel wells -- is to completely remove the second row seats and use the in-floor hooks to secure your crates. A removable dual-deck cargo shelf in the rear is strong enough to carry a sizable load, essentially doubling the storage capacity for odds and ends in the rear.

But there's little space for crates -- and that’s a shame.

-- Gina Spadafori

Carguy Comments: For 2008, the Honda CR-V is available in both two- and four-wheel drive with four trim levels (the base LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L Navi), all of which come with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and is emissions rated as a ULEV-2. In 2007, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rated the CR-V as the top safety pick for frontal and side crashes making it one of only two SUVs to achieve five-star ratings in both categories.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car

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2008 Honda CR-V: Curvy design ruins it

Barking Lot Banter: The 2008 Honda CR-V makes it difficult for dog owners to love because the curved rear design takes away critical crate cargo space.