Quick test drive: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe
I may be the only automotive journalist on record who didn't fall head-over-heels in love with the new Accord sedan. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice enough car, it's very roomy, and it drives beautifully, but for various and sundry reasons -- which I discussed in my 2008 Honda Accord sedan test drive -- it's not my favorite mid-sizer.
So I wasn't expecting to be won over when the two-door Accord showed up for a week-long test. And yet... and yet. If you've read enough of my reviews, you've heard me deliver the thought-I'd-hate-it-but-turns-out-I-loved-it line several times before. What can I say, it keeps happening to me. So how is it that I'm only lukewarm towards the Accord sedan, but really hot on the Accord coupe? You'll find the answer in my 2008 Honda Accord Coupe test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Hi Aaron. Both the Altima and Accord coupe rated 4 stars. Which one has the edge? Sounds like the Accord has advantages in handling and the fact that it only slurps regular unleaded. The Altima has better interior and exterior styling. Plus it offers a CVT. So if you were spending your money what would you buy? If you were buying a 4 cyl? 6cyl?
Hard to say. I was single, the Altima is the car I’d buy — probably the V6, as it handles better. But I have a family, which means the Accord is the way to go — there’s simply no comparison between the Accord’s huge back seat and the Altima’s lack thereof.
Very nice car…if you are happy with the relative stripper. I know there is no such thing anymore.
My only gripe is with the more desireable model. The EX-L with a manual and V6. This is the model with sporting intentions. Optioned as such it costs over $30000. This encroaches hard on BMW and Infinity levels, not to mention Acura. It’s several thousand more than a Saab after discounts. Forced by Honda to cross shop these marques, the Accord would not rank high on the list.
Ugh, it’s fat and its mother dresses it funny. I was uninspired by this beast. Oh well, one man’s pearl is another man’s swine – or something like that. Basic problem is the current coupe market under $35,000 is pretty uninspiring.
I’m not surprised that you like the Accord coupe better than the sedan. It’s a far better looking car, as most (certainly not all) coupes based on sedans are. There is a reason that two door cars usually end up being more desireable than sedans many years later as collector cars. They tend to be sleeker and sportier looking. Coupes are the only style I’d drive if it weren’t for the fact that I have two kids, and the mid-sized coupe with a full back seat and trunk is nearly extinct today. I yearn for the Monte Carlos, Chargers, Torinos, Impala SS’s, etc. of old……only in modern sheet metal.
A 500lb diet(and 10% shrinkage in dimension) and this car could be perfect! I still love it though.