2008 Honda Accord Coupe - Review

The Basics:

The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is one of the most satisfying vehicles you can own, which makes it more difficult for TheCarConnection.com's car experts to fill out the "dislikes" section above. How do you criticize a car with good looks, good fuel economy and performance, and a great reputation for satisfaction?

The Accord Coupe is new for 2008, and it's difficult to find much wrong with the new model. For the first time ever, it gets a unique look and completely different body panels from the four-door. The two-door is markedly sleeker, with a sexy curve to the roof, and the bold character line, sweeping from front wheels to rear lamps, gives the coupe a sense of constant motion. The new Accord's cockpit is definitely among the best, too--the dashboard is laid out in a sort of dual-cockpit mode, and gauges and controls are particularly well placed.

The top engine in the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is a beefy, 3.5-liter V-6. It hits a solid 268 horsepower and comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The base car gets a 190-hp in-line four and a choice of five-speed manual or automatic. Honda's powertrains are gems, and the V-6 Coupe is a particularly happy performer, with acceleration times of about 8 seconds to 60 mph and 19/28 mpg fuel economy (the four-cylinder gets 22/31 mpg).

Though bigger, the new Accord's center of gravity is lower, thanks to Honda engineers. They've modified the double-wishbone front suspension geometry and gone with a multilink rear. The result is a very supple suspension package that seems to soak up bumps almost imperceptibly, without numbing its road feel. The new, variable gear ration steering is precise and supple, with a clear, on-center feel. The Coupe has standard 18-inch wheels, too.

The new car comes with sportier seats, but ones that are quite comfortable over long distances. Among other advantages, they feature an expanded range of motion. The larger cabin means more space between front-seat occupants, filled with a larger center armrest. The backseats aren't easy to get in, but are reasonable for short trips for two adults. The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is available with XM Satellite Radio, a navigation system, and Bluetooth.

Anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and active head restraints are standard. The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA rates it at five stars for crash protection, save for a four-star rating for passenger side impacts.