2008 Honda CR-V
A good DogCar gone bad
Fri, May 2nd 2008
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - small, 4wd |
| msrp | $28,400 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 20mpg/26mpg |
| rating |  |
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
* * *
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.
Comments
I have a 40 lb. rescue dog and a 2008 CR-V. I bought an aftermarket adjustable barrier that I insert between the cargo area and back seat. He rides on the shelf in the cargo compartment and is happy as he can see out while laying down and has plenty of room to move around. When we go on trips we can pack under the cargo shelf giving us maximum use of space. Of course, he has to be lifted in and out, but that is no problem. It works great for us.
2010-07-22 18:17:06
We have a 2010 CR-V and a 75 lb Lab Mix. I don’t know if her crate will fit in the cargo area, but it is no problem. She loves riding in the cargo area: looking out the windows, putting her head over the back seats (she can’t jump over the seats :-) and lying down. Once we put a big dog bed back there she will love it even more.
2010-07-10 21:39:16
Totally agreed, the redesign ruined the CRV as a dogmobile.
2009-07-20 10:05:48
Anyone know if the 2009 model is any more crate friendly? I have a 50lb dog who needs crating for her comfort/anxiety. We are also planning on adding another dog to our family in the near future so the more room the better!
2009-07-15 07:57:53
Our dog car is a 2007 CRV (old style) and we transport 2 English mastiffs and 1 Irish Wolfhound to the dog park or the vet – a short trip. But the IW is ruining the back seat and the old mastiffs need a lower entry so I’m looking at the Element. But I loved the CRV for 2 giant dogs before the IW joined us.
2009-05-12 13:28:54
This article doesn’t give credit where credit is due. My 4 lb yorkipoo LOVES the 2008 CRV. She has a dedicated dog car seat which is usually affixed to the front seat, those easily moved to any one of the rear seats due to the way the seats split. The dual climate controls in my EX-L means that I’m able to get her at a temperature she’s most comfortable at while still being comfortable myself. I couldn’t ask for a better car and I think my dog would agree.
2009-04-10 21:24:18
The writer of the article must have very large dogs. For the casual dog owner with 1 average size dog – the rear of the CRV is perfect for a crate.
2009-04-08 13:53:15
we have a 2002 CRV and we put a sling type seat liner in the back seat and our 40 pound terrier mix dog loves it. It is a little tight on space to put other stuff in the Vehicle including the dog.
2009-01-20 09:25:46
I drive a 2006 crv and its worked out great for me. my 70# doberman (rip) loved it. he rode loose with the back seats folded up. i only use kennels if dogs aren’t well behaved! my jrt rides in her elevated car seat seemingly as comfortable in the car as home
2008-12-24 22:26:13
We own a 2007 CRV and have two Border terriers Their crates fit in the back nicely.
2008-11-29 15:49:38
My 40# dog gets seatbelted in the back seat and we carry all of our agility trial gear in the back. Works great!
2008-08-31 07:39:03
I have a 70lb Labradoodle who LOVES my new 2008 CRV. I put a big cushy dog bed in the back with a removeable/adjustable bar system to prevent him from jumping into the rear seats. It creates the perfect “crate” for him.
2008-08-15 18:31:28
“How would you like to be stuffed in a crate that’s probably too small anyway”
How would you like to be tossed around the inside of an entire car during a crash? Do you wear a seat belt?
or
How would you like to have what feels like a sledge hammer hit you in the back of the head during a crash?
2008-07-29 12:46:30
5 paws! My Mom has a glacier blue one and I love it! It drives so smooth so my dog,Digger doesn’t even notice! She doesn’t whine half as much as she did when we had a Honda Pilot! Honda pilots do not go smooth at all! My dog used to gonuts when she rode in the Pilot! Crvs rule! Best dog car EVER!
2008-06-10 15:13:07
Can you tell me what size (length x width x height) crate will NOT fit in the new CR-V? I have a 45 pound dog. Her crate is “large”, and I’m hoping it will fit. Thank you.
2008-06-06 09:27:49
I do not use a crate for my 48 lb rescue dog. He jumps right in the back, where I have it set up with a doggie bed. I put the headrests up when I need to run in somewhere (briefly, when it is not hot out) so he doesn’t jump into the back seat. I also like how there is no paint on the back bumper for him to scratch up when he jumps in.
2008-06-04 15:29:55
if all you guys have to worry about is a crate, try not using one. how would you like to be stuffed in a crate that’s probably too small anyway?
2008-06-02 18:11:26
We own a 2007 CR-V. We have a 45 lb. dog. We secure the crate in the back seat with the middle seat belt. We put our luggage in the rear. We have no complaints about it. By far not the best dog car in the world, but definitely not the worst.
2008-05-29 16:59:40
We own the CR-V and have a 36+ pound dog. So far, so good. When the dog stands on the seat, he still has lots of head room. And we’ve never had a problem putting our crate in the back. The nice thing about the car, is that it has a plastic cover for the back too keep from scratching up the carpet, plus you can turn it over for two levels of storage. NICE!
2008-05-29 12:56:43
My GSD and Husky jump right into the back and are happy car riders. The second row seats easily fold forward and secure in place when I need to move their large crates and beds. I agree that a crate is not needed. I have the EX-L and the leather seats are very easy to wipe down stray fur.
2010-07-27 16:08:59