2008 Honda Accord sedan & coupe, redesigned

[treg50]

Honda unveils bigger, redesigned Accord

http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules/ew_filemanager/07images/ptalk/roadtest/honda/accord/1.jpghttp://research.cars.com/crp/vp/images/08honda_accord/rearangle_sedan_EXL_V6_mfr.jpg
http://paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules/ew_filemanager/07images/ptalk/roadtest/honda/accord/3.jpghttp://research.cars.com/crp/vp/images/08honda_accord/rearangle_coupe_EXL_V6_mfr.jpg

August 21, 2007
Detriot Free Press

Honda pulls the wraps off its bigger and more powerful 2008 Accord midsize sedan and coupe today.

The Accord is the second best-selling car in the United States after the Toyota Camry. It has become the benchmark by which other midsize sedans are judged in the 32 years since it debuted in the United States. The new model may face its toughest test yet from cars like the acclaimed Saturn Aura, a more stylish Toyota Camry and the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Malibu.

"The Accord is the true embodiment of the Honda brand," company vice president Dan Bonawitz said, extolling the new model's fuel economy and value.

Honda has not announced prices for the '08 Accord, but says they will be slightly higher than those of the '07 model, ranging from the mid-$20,000s to around $30,000.

The 2008 Accord goes on sale Sept. 12. Prices should be announced Sept. 11.

The new model's interior grows to 106 cubic feet, giving it more passenger room than the Ford Fusion, Nissan Maxima and Altima, Camry and Aura. At just 14 cubic feet, however, the Accord's trunk offers less luggage space than any of those models.

Honda believes midsize sedans evolved from family sedans into the vehicle of choice for empty nesters and singles, so it is stressing styling and technology as selling points for the new Accord.

The Accord's new shape is a sharp departure from the short-hood look the car pioneered. Its new technology includes an innovative V6 engine to reduce fuel consumption. The powerplant shuts down cylinders when the engine does not need all its power to become either a four- or three-cylinder. Other automakers offer cylinder deactivation systems to boost mileage, but they offer only one fuel-saving mode.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower, making it the most powerful Accord ever.

A 177-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. The four-cylinder is available with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The V6 sedan comes only with the five-speed automatic. A six-speed manual is available for the coupe.

Fuel economy ranges from 22 m.p.g. city and 31 m.p.g. highway for an Accord with the four-cylinder engine and manual transmission to 17m.p.g. and 25 m.p.g. for a V6 with the six-speed manual. Honda has dropped the slow-selling hybrid version. .

Honda marks the 25th anniversary of Accord production in the United States this year.

[jsn]

I like the front for the coupe. The rear just doesn't do it for me. :dunno:. I personally think the new Altima Coupe is a lot nicer.

[avow]

the 4 door looks very lexusish to me for some reason :S

[LuxCars]

the sedan looks good from the front, but the back end looks like crap. It just doesn't flow right.

can't make up my mind about the coupe.

[toomuchb00st]

The sedan looks like a bmw haha and the couple like an altima.

[JRSC00LUDE]

Honda's hitting their target market right on the button with that one. If their target market is 50 and up......:barf:

[Ferio_vti]

:repost:
Funny, everyone on the last thread loves it:
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/181356/2008-honda-accord/

[SilverRex]

Originally posted by Ferio_vti
:repost:
Funny, everyone on the last thread loves it:
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/181356/2008-honda-accord/

maybe this is what you call the reverse effect? normally a not so good looking car would grow on you over time, but in this case, the car shrinks on you over time haha.

im happy honda made leaps in their engine performence, (expected though kuz of competition) but the style is like a step back wards. It feels as though alot of manufacturers are steering away from their own style making every car a mix of everything hoping it will catch someone's attention.

honda will still sell alot, but they will never gain the extra audiences who loves their car for their exterior beauty.

in a way the bonus for this new honda would be, its one car less for me to consider comes 08 haha

[Super_Geo]

Rear of the sedan looks like a Kia.

New Camry design > New Accord design.

[Xtrema]

17/25 mpg with cylinder deactivation? That seems low.

So I guess the next TL will be 300HP and up.

[CSVT]

The coupe looks like a huge rip off of the Scion TC.

They are both ugly, the front of the coupe is nice.

[dino_martini]

I really like them. New Accord > Boring Camry

The interior looks awsome, it has a nice steering wheel instead of the shit you get in the new Camry. I would rather walk on my hands the rest of my life then grip the steering wheel of the new Camry. Accord FTW.

[BokCh0y]

Sedan looks like a Hyundai Sonata.

Coupe front end looks like a smaller ridgeline.

Accord < Camry

:barf: :barf: :barf: :barf:

[crazydriver]

it seems like Honda chopped the front and rear off a sonata and shoved it onto a body of a 3 series for the sedan. as for the coupe, did just just mesh together a Civic coupe and a ridgeline?

either way, i'm not impressed at that design. :thumbsdow

[Eleanor]

it looks alright, not great. But the new civic is fugly with the worst interior i have ever seen and it's still selling. wonder why....

[hks]

ew
:guns:

[gpomp]

Originally posted by Xtrema
17/25 mpg with cylinder deactivation? That seems low.

So I guess the next TL will be 300HP and up.
that article in the OP's post looks like it was written by a 12 year old. who says m.p.g. anyway??? that article is so bad that they didn't even include the NEW 2.4L 190 hp engine.

the 17/25 is for the 6MT coupe which doesn't have cylinder deactivation. the v6 sedan AT with deactivation gets 19/29. mind you these are the 2008 EPA estimates which lower than the pre-2007 numbers and also it's US MPG whereas the cars up here are imperial MPG. after all the math, there is a ~30% difference. so the canadian ratings for mpg will be like 25/38

here's the actual press release:

08/21/2007 - TORRANCE, Calif -
The all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.

Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.

"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."

An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower - the most ever for any Accord - while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV*) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29* miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6).

Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.

The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).

Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).

Interior

Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.

The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle - including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.

Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.

Three impressive audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.

The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

Exterior

Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan's overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle's torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.

The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe's overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.

Chassis

A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.

The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe's available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.

Powertrain

All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel. Powertrain highlights include:

2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)

177 horsepower at 6500 rpm, 161 lb-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm
5-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission
Estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/31 mpg City/Highway** (Sedan, Automatic)
PZEV* or ULEV-2 emissions
Accord Sedan EX, EX-L; Coupe LX-S, EX, EX-L includes:

High-flow exhaust system with variable-valve silencer
190 horsepower at 7000 rpm, 162 lb-ft. of torque at 4400 rpm
3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6, EX-L V-6; Coupe EX-L V-6: 5AT)

268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
5-speed automatic transmission
V CM for improved fuel efficiency
Estimated EPA mileage of 19/29 mpg City/Highway** (Sedan)
PZEV* or ULEV-2 emissions
3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX-L V-6: 6MT)

268 horsepower at 6200 rpm, 248 lb-ft. of torque at 5000 rpm
6-speed manual transmission
VTEC provides two intake cam profiles for increased low- and mid-range torque
Estimated EPA mileage of 17/25 mpg City/Highway**
ULEV-2 emissions
Safety

Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).

Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

History

The Honda Accord was first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the United States and calendar year 2007 represents the 25th anniversary of its manufacture here. The first Japanese-built Accord was introduced as a 1976 model, and by 1982 it was being manufactured both in Japan and in a brand-new automobile assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio. The success of the Accord set a path for Honda, and conclusively proved that assembling cars in America was a viable proposition. Seven more Accord generations followed, leading to the eighth-generation 2008 Accord.

*PZEV models are automatic transmission only, as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB), are available in California and some Northeastern states.

**Based on 2008 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle

[guessboi]

not bad. at least it is much better than the current generation! :thumbsup:

[FatalError]

When did Chris Bangle switch to Honda?

[b_t]

25mpg for the V6 Accord? jesus, my truck gets better mileage! And it doesn't have cylinder deactivation!

[gpomp]

Originally posted by b_t
25mpg for the V6 Accord? jesus, my truck gets better mileage! And it doesn't have cylinder deactivation!
the 17/25 is for the 6MT coupe which doesn't have cylinder deactivation. the v6 sedan AT with deactivation gets 19/29. i feel like im repeating myself here...

and here's your truck's mileage according to the EPA:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7506/untitledrv9.jpg

16/20 is not better than 19/29

[Aleks]

The new EPA estimates have gone too far to the other side IMO, but at least now some people will actually get the EPA ratings or better ;)

[viff3r]

Coupe looks decent, sedan is very blah. Reminds me too much of a Korean car. But what bugs me the most is that line/groove from the front to the back?? Kinda ruins the look of the car. Hopefully they look better in person.

[treg50]

I like the Canadian L/ 100 km better personally. I feel like I can estimate how much further I can go on a tank, but maybe it probably just psychological.

I sometimes forget the difference when I'm reading articles and think everyone uses L/ 100km

mpg = distance per 1 gallon of fuel used.
L/ 100 km = number of litres of fuel used per 100 km.

Example:
8.0 miles per gallon = bad
but
8.0 litres per 100 km = good

[b_t]

Originally posted by gpomp

the 17/25 is for the 6MT coupe which doesn't have cylinder deactivation. the v6 sedan AT with deactivation gets 19/29. i feel like im repeating myself here...

and here's your truck's mileage according to the EPA:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7506/untitledrv9.jpg

16/20 is not better than 19/29

The mileage I actually get is quite a bit better then 16/20 (23mpg combined), and most importantly, it is not a Honda. If I got the kind of mileage they have on the EPA website, I would be pretty pissed.

[Daan]

im used to european designs, this is crap in my books
but to the american market of 40+ and retarded kids, maybe this design is a blessing compared to the short hood 2007 one

personal opinion : honda's design is like the guy at work who you ask what to do, just so you can do the opposite; it sets the standards of what not to do in a design. the groove on the side takes away from overall aspect, the doors on the sedan look like they were stole of a matrix while the foglights ... look like zits that are about to pop

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by BokCh0y
Sedan looks like a Hyundai Sonata.

Coupe front end looks like a smaller ridgeline.

Accord &lt; Camry

:barf: :barf: :barf: :barf:

Exactly what I thought!

Why do these cars have to be so freakin big now?


Originally posted by Eleanor
it looks alright, not great. But the new civic is fugly with the worst interior i have ever seen and it's still selling. wonder why....

:werd: I drive my moms from time to time, terrible blind spots, I can see wires in the drivers side footwell while sitting in the backseat, ugly interior, just a big POS. The damn thing is the size of my Benz with what feels like half the interior room, coupled with poor visibility. :thumbsdow I have nothing good to say about the civics.

[lilmira]

Not a fan of it at all, too last generation GM or Kia -ish. Hope the new TL doesn't go this direction.

[Canmorite]

Altima Sedan and Coupe. Nice.

[murd4]

this car is going to be pimp shit
my dad drives the 07 right now and its nice
cant wait for him to trade it in for the 08!!

[4doorj]

i dont think im feeling the fronts any more... looks like a truck grill on it...
guess i have to wait and see

[treg50]

Sept. 24 /CNW/

Retail Prices ranging from $25,090 for the well-equipped Accord LX Sedan to $38,290 for the sporty Accord EX-L V6 Coupe featuring Honda's satellite-linked navigation system with bi-lingual voice activation.

Base prices for the sedan are $25,090 for the 177 hp version, $27,490 for the 190 hp version, and $31,690 for the V6 model. The coupe, which will be available at the beginning of October, is $27,990 for the 190 hp four-cylinder, and $35,490 for the V6 version.

Edited: updated to include the second quote about base prices.

[asifka]

presedent of honda japan was in calgary for last couple days for the launch of accord.

[dino_martini]

I saw a couple on the back of a truck heading to the dealer in Red Deer. The sedans looked really good.

[Sorath]

hi guys, if anyone wants pricing or any info on them u can contact me,

fyi the new accord bumped up its class to fullsize sedan,

the fully loaded v6 is looking to be somewhere low 40s to mid 40s

[sputnik]

Originally posted by Sorath
hi guys, if anyone wants pricing or any info on them u can contact me

How about an EX-L coupe with an AT.

Also what is the price difference to get navigation?

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Sorath
the fully loaded v6 is looking to be somewhere low 40s to mid 40s

Is Honda on drugs? The make these in USA, how can they go over 40s?

I just having trouble paying $40s for a car that ha little exterior difference than the $26k base model.

[gpomp]

the most expensive model in the states is $30k. EX-L V6 with nav.

[Revhard]

The coupe looks ok, the sedan is rather Kia indeed.
My 2007 frontier gets 22mpg city, and 28mpg highway.
The car will far exceed the ratings.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by Xtrema


Is Honda on drugs? The make these in USA, how can they go over 40s?

I just having trouble paying $40s for a car that ha little exterior difference than the $26k base model.

It looks like the Accord tops out at $38k (V6 EX Coupe w/AT and NAVI).

[yellowsnow]

I'm gonna start working at T&T honda soon, and i got a first look at the new accord sedan today. the 4 cyl and 6cyl models. From my first impressions, the car handles really well. I'm not a big fan of the rear taillights, but i'm diggin the new front end and side body panels. They've added lots of new technology from the 07 model, which makes it so much more fun to drive... and the interior.. wow.

all i can say is, come in for a test drive once they arrive, and when u compare it to it's competitors, it's outstanding! the coupe won't arrive until mid october though from what I heard, but the sedans should be out in the beg of oct.

[SilverRex]

i saw the accord today and must I say, looks better in person. It is actually not bad at all.

the interior seems to got some idea off the tsx, and it looks good. I cant wait to test drive the v6 and wonder how well it goes.

=]

[4doorj]

saw the 4 door v6 08 accord at t&t today! its very nice looking! way better in person!

[Sorath]

test drove the car at a seminar, the v6 is very laggy at the start, at least thats what i found it to be, other than that it is well equiped and lots of power top end, the 4 cylinder really surprised me though, it is very quick for what it is

[sputnik]

Originally posted by Sorath
test drove the car at a seminar, the v6 is very laggy at the start, at least thats what i found it to be, other than that it is well equiped and lots of power top end, the 4 cylinder really surprised me though, it is very quick for what it is

I have been a big fan of the 2.4L iVTEC since I bought my Accord.

[yellowsnow]

Just saw the new 08 accord coupe.... and wow! :eek: nice job honda! definately love the new look! i should snap some pictures of it at the dealership

[Sorath]

hehe we just got it at T&t honda on saturday, it was sold in less than an hour

[writhen]

The sedan looks like a hyundai and the coupe looks like they hired too many designers and used all of their ideas.

Oh well, at least they'll be reliable:nut: