All-new, the 2008 Honda Accord impresses with what you don't see, don't feel, and don't hear. There's no gee-whiz gadget, two-tone animal-on-animal upholstery, or 400-hp engine to get worked up about. There's also next to no learning curve to operate it, no weak spots in the powertrain, no unnecessary or intrusive noise, no bad manners in how it responds to driver direction, next to nothing bad for the environment, and no excuse for not asking directions since you can do that without winding down a window. It's a case where a lack of superlative aspects (and the frequent compromises accompanying them) is a very good thing. In short, the new Honda Accord is a great midsize sedan. It's also available as a stylish, trouble-free coupe
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent G.R. Whale filed this report from Santa Monica, California.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
Model Lineup:
Honda Accord LX Sedan ($20,360); LX-P Sedan ($21,360); LX-S Coupe ($21,860); EX Sedan ($23,060); EX Coupe ($23,160); EX-L Sedan ($25,060); EX-L Coupe ($25,160); EX V6 Sedan ($25,960); EX-L V6 Sedan ($28,060); EX-L V6 Coupe ($28,310)
Engines:
2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Transmissions:
5-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):
two-stage front airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints; electronic stability control, antilock brakes, tire pressure monitors, daytime running lights
Saftey Equipment (optional):
none
Basic Warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:
Marysville, Ohio; Sayama, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model Tested (MSRP):
Honda Accord EX-L Sedan ($25,060)
Standard Equipment:
leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows/locks/heated mirrors, moonroof, tilt-and-telescope steering wheel w/illuminated controls, heated front seats, power driver's seat, sliding-top console, cruise control, floor shift, active noise cancellation, 17-inch alloy wheels, 270-watt sound system/CD changer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, six airbags, electronic stability control
Options As Tested (MSRP):
voice-activated navigation
Destination Charge:
635
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):
27895
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
190 @ 7000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
162 @ 4400
Transmission:
5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
21/31
Wheelbase:
110.2
Length/width/height:
194.1/72.7/58.1
Track, f/r:
62.2/62.2
Turning circle:
37.7
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
39.0/56.6/42.5
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.2/54.3/37.2
Cargo volume:
14.0
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:
independent, coil springs
Suspension, r:
independent, coil springs
Ground clearance:
3386
Curb weight:
Tires:
P225/50VR17
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
18.5
2008 Honda Accord consumer reviews:
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
I purchased the 2008 Honda Accord 4cylinder and if you really want to now the truth about this vehicle. Go to Yahoo and type in 2008 Honda Accord consumer complaints and hold on to your seat. Every comment is true becuase it's happening to me. I just changed my brakes at 17k and after I left the dealer the brakes started to squeak again. I told the car back to the dealer and they told me that there was nothing wrong with the rear brakes (previously replaced) and that the front brakes were fine. They said they could grease the brakes but the noise would return. After about 2 days after, the brakes started back squeaking and all Honda could tell me was to keep taking it back to the dealer so they can do nothing. I have a job and can't keep taking off to take this piece of junk back and fourth to the shop. I am done with HONDA. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE, unless you like JUNK!
posted by Yolanda on Aug 05 2009
overall rating
value
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Road noise is bad,it causes bluetooth to misinterpret commands which causes great frustration.
posted by Tommy on Oct 24 2008
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have a 08 ex accord 4 door ,car rotors had rust on them ,dealer turned all four ,shutter now gone.car is smooth ,get 25 around town ,31 on trips. tires needed balancing ,now ok .i think v rated ride harder than h rated car handles ,drives fine now. have rattle in the gear consol area, will try an rubber o ring as suggested by another accord owner.have 4000 miles on car ,now starting to enjoy driving it.
posted by banjo man on Oct 18 2008
overall rating
value
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2008 ex 4 door sedan,drives ,handles ,stops fine.the 190 hp.works fine for every day driving,it,s not a powerhouse like my 99 lx v/6 accord,but it,s much smoother over all.get 27 to 30 mpg.,car has 1500 miles 0n it.I would have pereferred michelin h rated exaltos , rather than the v rated tires,I think the h rated ride better.Had a rattle in the gear shift area,I put a rubber o ring around the shifter ,this worked, car now quiet.
posted by anonymous on Sep 07 2008
overall rating
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reliability
This is my first Honda and I am so impressed. The redesign is so well done. This car feels big inside, accommodates four large adults with ease. The trim package with the chrome looks so classy, I have received many compliments already. Door closure is solid, leather seats are very comfortable.
posted by Marienne on Sep 06 2008
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value
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Now the bad, the seats are stiff on the back, Lots of road noise in the cabin, if you dont have the radio on, the nosie will hurt your ears, as the tire sound, like window in down. I traded my new on in for a camry , as the interior noise is the worst accord has every been.
posted by Mike H on Aug 20 2008
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This is my first Accord....... second Honda... and I loved it so far. The V-6 delivers plenty of power and is very smooth. Great leg room in the back and the seats a very supportive. No doubt that it is one of best- selling car in US.
posted by Carl on Jul 05 2008
overall rating
value
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I was really impressed when I test drove it for the first time. It is really smooth drive. The interior and exterior are nice. I will keep this car. The gas mileage is awesome. Absolutely got a great car, roomy, comfortable, great ride for a nice price.
posted by Kevin on Jun 15 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
What a great car! I look forward to it every time I get to drive it. Its a smooth ride. Not a single complaint. The 190 HP 4cylinder is plenty for everyday driving and passing. The car handles very well and doesn't show a difference on wet roads. I would highly recommend this car to anyone!
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