Test drive: 2008 Honda Accord
So here it is -- my first write-up of the 2008 Honda Accord, based on a technical briefing and drive event set up by Honda. During this event I had a chance to sample several versions of the Accord, including both body styles, all three engines, all three transmissions, and three of the Accord's five trim levels, all on a fairly short test loop. Next week I'll be taking a more in-depth look at the Honda Accord sedan; I'll be spending a week with a 4-cylinder Accord EX, which is the version Honda expects to be the volume seller. I'll be following up with a test drive of the Accord EX-L coupe with the V6 engine and 6-speed transmission some time in the not-to-distant future -- as you can probably imagine, the line of journalists waiting to drive that car is about as long as the line for Disney's new Finding Nemo sub ride.
For those who think I have a pro-Japanese or pro-Honda bias -- understandable, as I am the very satisfied owner of three Hondas, a 1989 CRX, a 1993 Accord and a 1996 Accord -- my 2008 Honda Accord test drive might come as something of a surprise. For while the new Accord is a very good car, it does have some issues. Will a week with the Accord EX sedan change my mind? We'll see... mean time, check out my 2008 Accord test drive. Got something to say on the subject of the new Accord? Click the "comments" link below and tell us what you think. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Honda
Yep, that’s one hornet’s nest of activity in the center of that dash! But what I’ve liked about the past Accord vs. the Camry was it’s nimble handling for a pretty big car…and this one is bigger. The 3 engine choice is interesting. It’ll be interesting as to what your take is, as to the one that’s best…ALL things considered(cost,mpg,noise, acceleration, etc.)
Good and interesting review. My question is on the rating – 3 stars? Based on the write up, Honda improved many elements in the car and possibly took a step back or two.
I confess, I was looking for nicer styling with this new generation of the Accord. The Coupe looks interesting but the sedan looks, to me, more like a Saturn than a Honda.
Mike
I awarded the Accord three stars because I didn’t feel that it made any huge leaps above its chief rivals, the Camry and the Altima. That said, I did have limited drive time in the Accord. A 4-cylinder EX sedan just arrived today, so who knows — perhaps a week of living with the Accord day in and day out will change my opinion for the better… or for the worse.
I took a brief drive today to top off the gas tank (no trip computer, so I have to measure MPG the old fashioned way!) and was impressed again by how the Accord drives like a small car, despite the fact that it’s bigger than the old model. I really love the idea of a 190 hp 4-cylinder engine. Anyway, my point is to stay tuned. With its smallish trunk and typewriter-like center stack, I can’t see the Accord making 4 stars… but again, you never know!
– Aaron
Aaron,
Pancakes.
Luke
Well after reading about your honda adventures of late and considering we’ve been in the market for a new car, we went out today to do our test drives, the “let’s check out these cars” and drive bys followed by “Naw not for us”, till finally we CAME HOME in a new car! THE DEED HAS BEEN DONE! Any guesses?