When Honda introduced the 7th generation Accord in 2002 as a 2003 model, it proved to be one of the most dramatic redesigns in the Accord’s history. The '03 Accord Sedan was much larger than any of its predecessors, it was a good if not excellent performer (in V6 trims), and it offered refinement that was nearly impossible to beat in its class and price range. Fast foreword five years and the Accord has been redesigned once again; can the all-new 8th generation Accord make the same dramatic improvement over its predecessors as the 2003 models did?

Styling: 10/10

With the influx of stylish family sedans from Nissan, Toyota, Saturn, etc. Honda had their work cut out for them when designing the new Accord Sedan. Completely redesigned for 2008, the Accord's sheetmetal can no longer be accused of being bland. The Accord looks much more upscale this year, resembling recent designs from Germany: most notably the new BMW 5 Series. I’m normally not a huge fan of copy-cat designs, but Honda's somewhat pretentious BMW-esque up-market styling works well here. Opt for the EX V6 or EX-L V6 trim levels, and the Accord gets upgraded with more bling: chrome door handles, larger 17” alloy wheels, and dual chrome exhaust tips. Although body appliques like chrome door handles and dual chrome exhaust tips may sound a bit much for what is supposed to be a practical family sedan, in the Accord’s case it’s refreshingly complementary.

Performance EX-L V6

For 2008, the Accord Sedan (a 2 door-coupe is also available) is offered in 6 trim levels, ranging from the base model LX to the top of the line EX-L V6 (as tested). Three engines are offered this year - a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 177 horsepower for the LX and LX-P trims, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder making 190 horsepower for EX and EX-L trims, and a 3.5-liter V6 packing an impressive 268 horsepower and 248 lbs.-ft of torque for the EX V6 and EX-L V6. All engines feature Honda's VTEC technology. Note: all Accord Sedans that are equipped with the V6 engine can only be had with a 5-speed automatic. The V6 Coupe, however, is still available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.


Acceleration 8/10

Despite the Accord gaining a larger and more powerful V6 engine for 2008, acceleration doesn't feel noticeably stronger than the 2007 models. This isn't to say the new Accord EX-L V6 doesn't offer great acceleration, it does (0-60 MPH takes just under 7 seconds); but it's disappointing that all that extra power this year doesn't translate to a marked improvement in acceleration over the outgoing models. There are two big flies in the ointment here. The first would be the Accord's sheer mass. Weighing in at 3,600 lbs. (about 200lbs heavier than the 2007 models), the Accord's extra luggage soaks up most of the extra power Honda has provided. The second problem is the '08 Accord's automatic transmission. This transmission has a tendency to up-shift too soon under full throttle take-off and is slow to downshift when more power is needed at speed. When all is said and done, the Accord EX-L V6 sedan is faster than any family car needs to be, but there are quicker sedans out there for about the same price, i.e. the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE/SL.

Engine Quality: 9/10

The Accord's optional V6 engine seems to get better with each succeeding generation: the new model is no exception. Though the new 3.5-liter V6 doesn't provide much more oomph than last year's smaller 3.0 V6, it's a much smoother power plant. Pushing the Accord's engine to its limit doesn't evoke any more engine noise than many higher-end cars on the market and puts most of its competitor’s V6's to shame when it comes to refinement. Also, thanks in part to noise cancellation technology, there are no odd noises or vibrations that occur when the engine's VCM system deactivates 2 or 3 of its 6-cylinders when full power isn’t needed, i.e. at cruising speeds. If you aren't familiar with VCM (variable cylinder management), it's basically a modest fuel saving feature that allows the Accord’s engine to run on 4 and even as little as 3 cylinders at highway/low cruising speeds. While cars like the Cadillac Deville featured a similar system in the late '70s, the Accord's VCM is seamless: transitions from the engine running on 3, 4, or all 6-cylinders is undetectable.


Transmission 5/10


For 2008 the optional 6-speed gearbox for the sedan has been dropped; a 5-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission that can be mated to the V6. If you must have a manual gearbox, either going with the 2-door coupe V6 (a 6-speed manual is available) or downgrading to either of the two available 4-cylinder engines (a 5-speed manual is standard on 4-cyl models) are your only options.

I normally don't have any gripes with Honda's automatic transmissions, but the new unit leaves much to be desired. As I have already mentioned, the transmission tends to up-shift too soon under full throttle and it simply doesn’t respond as fast as it should to throttle pressure. The Accord's sloppy transmission can be especially annoying when quick passing maneuvers are needed. There was more than one occasion where I found myself wishing for a sport shift mode (offered in just about all of the Accord's competitors), a performance feature that I normally could care less about.

Handling: 8/10

With some exceptions, big family sedans costing less than $30,000 typically don't handle very well on twisty roads. Classified as a "large" car this year by the EPA, the Accord handles better than most of its smaller competitors, i.e. the Camry XLE. With a wider track, lower center of gravity, wide 225/50 all season tires, and an updated rear multi-link suspension for 2008, the Accord is more competent at tackling twisty roads than the smaller outgoing models. The Accord exhibits minimal body roll through harsh turns and tracks well even on twisty roads with severe surface imperfections: I can't say the same about the Camry XLE or the new Taurus. Steering response is also much quicker this year, and despite the Accord's V6 making around 250 lbs.-ft. of torque, accelerating through sharp turns results in no noticeable torque steer: uncommon for such a powerful FWD sedan. Note: all Accords come standard with Honda's vehicle stability control system.

Braking: 7/10

I am not 100% in love with the 2008 Accord’s brakes. While the new Accord is outfitted with rather large 4-wheel disc brakes and ABS as standard equipment, stopping power is merely adequate. I imagine the Accord's hefty 3,600 lb. mass has a lot to do with its mediocre braking, as last year's lighter EX-L was able to stop with far less pedal effort.

On the highway: 8/10

The Accord doesn't just look more upscale for 2008, but it also rides much more like an upscale sedan than the mid-level family sedan that it is. The outgoing V6 sedan was already one of the quietest sedans in this class, but this year Honda has pulled out all the stops by making the new model the quietest Accord in its 30 + years of being in production. At freeway speeds the Accord's cabin is dead silent, exhibiting virtually no engine or wind noise. But I digress, the Accord hardly receives a perfect score in this category. To explain, with 268 horsepower and nearly as much torque under the hood, the Accord shouldn't have any problems passing big semi trucks or making it up steep hills: but this isn't the case. Though the Accord's engine remains whisper quiet in just about any situation and offers tons of power, the automatic transmission becomes fussy on anything but flat surfaces. Even on modest inclines the Accord's transmission would downshift for no apparent reason and would hesitate to downshift when I needed it to. With that being said, if traveling over mountainous terrain is part of your daily commute, you may want to check out the Camry or Nissan Altima, both offer great engines coupled to automatic transmissions that are better suited for mountainous terrain.

If you thought hat last year's Accord was a little too harsh on rough road surfaces, the new models supple ride should be appreciated. Though the new Accord has a tighter suspension than its predecessors, comfort on rough roads has improved. Moderate pot holes, bumps, etc. are absorbed with near perfection: exhibiting a solid thud over bumps that’s more reminiscent of an Acura or Lexus product than a lowly Accord. It should also be noted that nothing in the cabin rattles while driving over rough terrain: a problem that continues to plague a few sedans in this class, i.e. the 2007 Mazda Mazda6.

Fuel Economy:

While the Accord EX-L V6's fuel consumption is below average for this class, an EPA rating of 19 MPG city and 29 MPG on the highway (21/31 with either of the two available 4-cylinders), isn't exactly putting a dent in the US's dependency for oil. It would have been refreshing to see at least a hybrid model offered, especially since Honda claims to be the most fuel efficient car company. The Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry both offer smooth and quick hybrid trim levels that achieve close to 40 MPG. It should be noted, however, that a "clean diesel" model is rumored to be out in 2009 and is said to get around 60 MPG: we'll see.


Interior Accommodation:

Styling: 9/10

Honda has always put much more emphasis on functionality than style when it has come to the Accord’s interior... then came the 2008 model. The interior styling of the new Accord looks as upscale and sophisticated as any Acura product. Honda has done an excellent job incorporating a perfect amount of titanium accents (wood grain is also available) without the cabin looking funky or cheesy. The materials in the cabin also look rich: the leather looks expensive and the dash and door panels offer a nice textured look giving the appearance of softer plastics typically found in higher-end sedans. Sitting in the Accord can be a bit intimidating, though. To explain,the new model's dash is chuck-full of big buttons, knobs, and more entertainment gadgets than any family sedan in this class deserves. If you are upgrading from a 7th generation (or earlier) Accord, it will most likely take a few days to get used to all of the new buttons.
Ergonomics: 7/10

With so many high tech gadgets and embellishments, the Accord’s interior can no longer get by with just a few buttons and knobs. Get behind the Accord’s wheel and it becomes apparent that Honda no longer employs their original philosophy of simplicity. The simple center stack found in the outgoing models has been replaced by a broad section of buttons and knobs. Though the outgoing Accord also featured lots of switchgear, it wasn't nearly as overwhelming as the new model’s. For 2008 the buttons on the center stack are lined up in a convenient rows, but because the buttons are so close, overshooting a button while driving is all too common. There is also a new LCD screen for the clock/audio info, that is situated on the top of the dash, however it's a bit hard to read during the daytime. Gripes aside, most of the Accord’s interior is well organized: typical of Honda. It should also be noted that the instrument cluster maintains a conventional design this year (unlike the digital cluster in the Civic), with analogue gauges that are backlit for better gauge visibility.

Interior Quality: 7/10

While interior style may not have been a priority for Honda over the past 30 some-odd years, the Honda Accord is known for consistently having high quality interiors. This year, however, there was definitely some cost cutting. The materials in the Accord don’t feel nearly as rich as they look,. While the front of the dashboard offers some high quality soft plastics, the door panel trim, the top of the dash, and the interior compartments are "thrift-store" cheap. I imagine most Accord owners won't be feeling-up their cars every time they drive it, but the lower grade plastics in this year's Accord isn't a step in the right direction, especially when both the Camry and Altima have improved their interiors tremendously for 2007. The leather in the Accord EX-L (cloth is standard on lesser item levels), however, remains high quality in the new model. In a class where leather usually feels ridiculously cheap, it is refreshing to find the Accord's seats haven't also been sent off to the cost cutters.

Standard Amenities: 10/10

The days when you could get a bare bones Accord with crank windows and manual door locks are long gone. Even the base LX comes well equipped with power windows & door locks, audio mounted steering wheel controls, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, traction control, a CD player with 6-speakers, AC with air filtration, and dual front/ side/ side curtain air bags. While there are 4 in-between trim levels that offer a host of added amenities (LX-P ,EX, EX-L, and EX V6), the top of the line EX-L V6 trim (add approx. $7,000 to the base price) is the car you want if you are a gadget junky who also appreciates a strong V6 engine. The EX-L V6 comes with basically everything the Accord has to offer; there are virtually no options for the EX-L except for a navigation system (approx. $2,000). In addition to the standard amenities found in the LX, the EX and EX-L gets heated mirrors, a power sunroof, and automatic climate controls. Exclusive to the EX-L is heated leather front seats, a leather steering wheel, 8-way power driver’s seat/ 4-way power passenger's seat, and an upgraded 270-watt 7-speaker premium sound system w/Satellite Radio. The upgraded sound system for the EX-L offers a blend of smoothness and oomph that should satisfy all but the pickiest of music lovers. Note: there are a ton of other standard amenities that would surely make you eyes bleed if I listed them all; I highly suggest checking out Honda.com for more detailed information on equipment for specific trim levels.

Interior Room: 10/10

The Accord Sedan is both longer and wider this year, translating (in this case) to increased interior volume. Last year's Accord Sedan was already fairly cavernous, but this year is, by far, the most roomy Accord to come from Honda's workshop. The Accord seats 5 adults easily: the front driver and passenger is offered more than enough room for stretching out and relaxing. And, for the first time, three full-sized adults can sit in the back without rubbing elbows or touching their knees on the front seatbacks.

Storage: 7/10

The Accord offers very good interior storage. The Accord's cabin features a large center console, a large glove box, and a cubbies around the driver seat for smaller items. The Accord’s trunk is about the same size as last year’s, but this year the 60/40 split seats have been traded in for full folding bench seats. While this doesn’t sacrifice storage from the trunk into the cabin, it does make it impossible to carry a rear passenger if the rear seat needs to be folded down for increased storage.


Price/Warranty:

Whether you opt for the base LX or the top of the line EX-L V6, the Accord is still an affordable sedan. The base LX sedan starts out at $20,900, the LX-P starts at $21,360, the 4-cyl EX starts at $23,060, the 4-cyl EX-L start at 25,060, the EX V6 starts at $25,960, and the mother of all Accord's- the EX-L V6 tips the scales at just $28,060. Since you get everything you need in the EX-L V6, minus the navigation system and Bluetooth ($2,200), this is as much as you will pay: not too shabby for a car boasting so many standard amenities. Standard warranty for all Accords is a 36,000-mile/3 year bumper-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. Honda clearly needs to improve on this standard coverage. I have seen longer warranties on telephones and TVs: certainly a $28,000 purchase deserves a better warranty than what Honda currently offers.

Overall: 7.5/10

In many ways the Accord has improved for 2008: it's roomier, more powerful, offers more standard amenities, and sports a more upscale look. However, there are almost as many negatives. The interior materials feel cheaper than its competitors from Toyota and Nissan, the new 5-speed automatic is fussy, and although Honda has updated its VCM technology this year, fuel economy isn't as good as it should be during a time when gas prices are soaring to 3 dollars + per gallon. The price of the Accord is also higher this year: nearly 600 dollars higher than the 2007 EX-L V6. When all is said and done, the Accord continues to be a good value, but I am not so sure its time to trade in your 2007 models.

- Happy Car Shopping!


Amount Paid (US$): 28,060
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: EX-L