Cars.com Reviews the All-New 2008 Honda Accord

Honda lifted the embargo on the all-new 2008 Honda Accord sedan and coupe last night, and now we bring you the full Cars.com review. Mike Hanley recently spent some quality time with the new sedan at an undisclosed location and tested out both the four-cylinder and V-6 engines. His impression overall was very positive, but make sure you read his full review to learn about this new full-size — yes, full-size — sedan.

2008 Honda Accord Expert Review (Cars.com)

Comments

Nice job, Honda. The new style looks great. This new Accord will give a lot more competition to the Camry and Altima.

I guess I was looking for something a little more revolutionary. The styling is nice on both models but the look is "now". The Civic and CR-V have the "future" look. Each time they have introduced a new model, the competition had to go back to the "chalk board". The "Standard" is just competing on this one. A 300+ HP V-6/V-8 might cause a change of heart though...

Looks great, but what happened to some of the smaller details?

Like:

LED taillights
Electroluminiscent gauges

Looks good, but a bit on the sleepy side. But then again, that's the reaction that I've had to every Accord since the late 1980s.

It'll be interesting to see how Honda jazzes this platform up with the new Acura TSX. If the previous generation was any indication, they'll a) cut down the size and b) sharpen the styling. I just hope they offer the VTEC 4 cylinder rather than installing the V6 across the board.

Am I the only one who is wondering if Honda recently hired a head designer from Hyundai?

Well, Gillyweed, the current generation DID look like the previous Accord, so maybe it's heading back to back with the designs.

Yeah, I was thinking it looks like a slightly more stylized version of the Sonata too. I know I'll probably be branded as an import hater here for not falling in love with it, but I don't really think the exterior is attractive. I think the interior is great though, just like the last Accord's interior, and I think that's primarily what sells a mid-sized family sedan.

The question you maybe asking yourselves is: Why do all these mid-sized cars look alike? Well, it's a Japanese culture in what is called: Steal the answers. I've worked at a Japanese manufacturer for over a couple years now, and everything is 'borrowed', and reverse engineered to fit their manufacturing needs, along with re-amping it with their technologies.

In another note: I've always wondered where they do these photo shoots. The car is plated California, but those are definatly Northeast harbors.

I know a lot of cities between Stamford CT. and Newport RI. Doesn't look like any of them.

Boston? Maine? New Hampshire?

Anyone?

The numbers on the Engine spec are different from Honda's own site.
Cars.com says 180, 200, 273hp.
Honda says 177, 190, 268hp.

Which one is correct?

I don't think it only looks like a hyundai sonata. I think the front looks like a cross between the sonata and the G35. The back from the side looks exactly like the avalon or the 5-series

The design screams Acura. You people must be blind.

J,
which honda site?

J--

Honda apparently overstated the performance specs for its engines in the press kit we received and has since revised them downward slightly. Honda's numbers are correct, and the review has been updated to reflect that. Thanks for the tip.

will there be a youtube version of the review soon?

Thanks, Mike.

I guess the error was due to convertion of ps to hp, since the 2 units a bit similar, but different. Or maybe Honda was still using the old method of testing before the S.A.E. standard was implied. :)

Dave,
This one: http://automobiles.honda.com/2008-accord/

But one thing does gets my attention.
How did Honda make one same engine (2.4L) with 2 different horsepower output(Similar torque though), but with the same fuel economy?
Or shall I post this on ask.cars.com? :P

“How did Honda make one same engine (2.4L) with 2 different horsepower output(Similar torque though), but with the same fuel economy? “

I don't know all the specifics of these two engines, but I know they both have variable valve timing. Under easy driving, like in the EPA's tests, the intake and exhaust valves open and close when their respective pistons are at a certain position; under spirited, high rpm driving the cam profile changes so that the valves are open longer with more overlap. This gives the engine more high end power without ruining low end fuel economy or creating a rough idle. The two engines most likely have the same cam profile for normal driving but different high-performance profiles. Notice that the 190 hp engine reaches it's maximum hp at 7000 rpm, while the other engine tops out at 6500 rpm.

Did that make any sense?

hyundai sonata with the rear sides of a chrysler sebring? this isn't like honda! I was looking to getting into the new car market and was hoping for a good looking accord, but now im looking at either the new malibu or an aura..not sure though

honda lost me on this one

Lil'Tom,
I was on the same track thinking about that. Honda just need to raise the redline a bit, and tune the high rev cam profile. But I still don't think that the fuel economy should be the same, since the EPA has included testing jackrabbit start from a dead stop in 2008's ratng.

Ok, who copied the Hyundai design? But I have to admit that it looks way better than a Camry and probably is more reliable.

Take a look at the just out Mercedes Benz models-- especially the smaller cars, take a look at the BMW. Same visual themes-- front side, back side, rear view, side slash, pillars, lights, all the same.

The new honda has so many bells ans whistles its un real. I test drove the Dodge Charger and i was really dissappointed in the ammenities. i even drove the pontiac solstice ruff ride but back to the accord it is a smooth ride ,limited cabin noise and great on Gas!!! The body style of the 08 Honda is very BMWish. Try it u wont be dissappointed ,i have owned 4.