Ripping CDs illegal?

It's a grey area, and this is not a legal opinion. Technically it probably be illegal to do this, though there have been discussions about copying in this way, but in any event it's done all the time and as long as it's kept entirely for your own use and not in any way shared with anyone else it's ignored by the copyright holders. (All this is one reason why in theory you can't copy songs out of an iPod, though of course people always manage to find ways round these things.)

Ripping CDs is not illegal. Consumers (you) are protected by fair use rights as long as you are ripping CDs that you own, for the purpose of your own personal use (not sharing with others). You already paid for the content and you can use it on any device you want, however you cannot use it for public performance or distribute it to others. Furthermore, there are no DRM mechanisms in place with audio CDs, therefore no potential violations of DMCA rules. The UK has acts in place similar to those in the US with small variations in the details. If in question, consult your country's particular legal code.