2008 Honda Accord Sedan

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By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

Side view of 2008 Honda Accord Sdn 4dr I4 Auto PZEV Red
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TheCarConnection.com has read the best reviews on the new 2008 Honda Accord to produce this comprehensive review. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven and evaluated the 2008 Honda Accord, and they used their impressions here to help differentiate the Accord from other sedans.

Likes
Very quiet and well-isolated cabin
Tight-as-a-drum build quality
Big-sedan poise and good roadholding
Wide price/equipment range to fit all budgets
Long-standing reputation for reliability and high resale value

Dislikes
Exterior styling looks derivative
Rear headroom limited by swooping roofline
Fuel efficiency is good, but not improved

The 2008 Honda Accord, which has been one of the best-selling mid-size sedans for many years, has been completely redesigned for 2008. It's slightly larger all around than the 2007 Accord, and it has bolder styling inside and out, as well as a roomier cabin that's notably taller. As before, the Accord has front-wheel drive and is powered by a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines. The Accord Hybrid, which was offered in previous model years, is no longer available. The four-cylinder models can be specified with a five-speed manual transmission; otherwise, both engines get a five-speed automatic.

Many buyers will find the smooth 177-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's standard on the 2008 Honda Accord LX models perfectly adequate; the step-up 190-horsepower version on the EX models brings a little more pep to passing but doesn't have any additional oomph off the line. The especially refined V-6 makes the Accord feel like a luxury car, and it's the choice if you plan to haul around full loads of people and cargo or do much driving in the mountains. There actually isn't a big difference in fuel economy between the four-cylinder and V-6, with the four delivering up to 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and the V-6 at 2 mpg less with both. The V-6 incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which helps improve fuel economy.

The Accord has a very settled ride that soaks up all but the biggest bumps, yet it has some level of sportiness when pushed hard into corners. The steering feels a bit heavy, but the 2008 Honda Accord handles confidently. Build quality is top-notch, with no creaks or rattles, and the swooping, dual-cockpit instrument panel is in a class above. The front seats are very supportive and comfortable, and the backseat has plenty of legroom, although headroom might be limited for some. Top EX-L models pack in the luxury features, including dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sound system with active noise cancellation; a navigation system is also available.

Standard safety-minded features on the 2008 Honda Accord include electronic stability control, front side airbags, side curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes. The Accord performed very well, with top ratings in most crash tests, except for one hitch; in the federal government's side-impact test, an Accord sedan was given only three out of five stars--typically the lowest score awarded in the testing program. Regardless, the 2008 Honda Accord is an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2008.

The Bottom Line: Whether you're looking for a comfy commuter in the $20,000 range or a luxurious, powerful $30,000 family sedan, the newly redesigned 2008 Honda Accord should be on your shortlist.

Other Choices
If you like the 2008 Honda Accord, also consider:

Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fusion
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Volkswagen Passat

The 2008 Honda Accord is still one of the most well-rounded mid-size sedans, but the new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is an especially formidable competitor, with a more distinctive style inside and out and performance to match the Accord. The best-selling Camry is competitive with the Accord in most respects, but its ride is more comfort-oriented and less sporty, and the quality of the interior materials is disappointing relative to the competition. The Fusion appeals to a different type of buyer, with its lean, more masculine design and firmer, more athletic driving feel; it's also a bit smaller. The Passat remains a good competitor, especially with its base 2.0T four-cylinder engine, but spotty reliability and somewhat higher running costs lessen the appeal. Perhaps the closest competitor to the Accord is the Altima, which provides a similar mix of sporty road manners and well-controlled ride quality, plus good styling inside and out.

Buying Tip
If you're looking at a top-of-the-line 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6, you should be aware that the new 2009 Acura TL has similar mechanical underpinnings and an even more stylish package, for just a few thousand dollars more, and it brings the advantage of superior Acura dealership service.