2008 Accord Worth Well Over $600 More
The assignment was to drive a 2007 Honda Accord sedan and a 2008 Accord back-to-back and report whether the new one is worth the $600 price increase. Now, I did so, and though I'm not above drama and suspense, the simple answer is: of course it is. The only way the 2008 wouldn't be worth $600 more than the 2007 is if it sucked, in which case the headline above would read "2008 Honda Accord Sucks!" According to our Kelley Blue Book values, a 2006 Accord LX is worth $1,245 more than a comparably equipped 2005 model, both with 12,000 miles. Recognize that a never-driven 2008 is worth considerably more than a never-driven 2007 — both available at dealerships now — simply because it appears to be a year newer. Then add the fact that the 2008 is a complete redesign, and $600 is nothing. (This ignores Honda's claim that the 2008 adds $1,200 worth of newly standard features.)
Apart from the new styling, which made the 2007 look like something from the ’90s, the most noticeable improvement between the 2007 and 2008 Accord LX four-cylinders I drove was the ride quality. The main criticism I've had and heard about the earlier generation is that its ride is too firm. The 2008 fixes that, and it handles well, too. Though it seems to have more body lean in aggressive cornering, I'm pretty sure most Accord sedan drivers don't notice or care ... or have ever taken an aggressive corner in their lives. Conversely, everyone feels ride quality, all the time.
The engine has 11 more horsepower, but you have to rev the engine higher to get both it and the 1 pound-foot of increased torque compared to the 2007 model. It seemed to me like the 2007 was quicker off the line, but there didn't seem to be a big difference in the overall sprint to 60 mph. The 2008 weighs about 100 pounds more, so it could be a wash.
Honestly, the interior improvements aren't dramatic, mainly because the previous-gen Accord was already very good, with firm, European-style seats, a woven headliner instead of "mouse fur," and generally good materials quality. The upgraded upholstery in the LX is a little nicer than the same in the 2007, thanks in part to its more textured surface.
The noise level is noticeably lower, which is a big deal for Honda as it has historically favored fuel economy over the added weight of sound damping. I like the wider front armrest, which slides forward and back and has a wide gap for passing iPod and power cords from the audio and 12-volt jacks. The dashboard design gives a more wide-open feel to the cabin, but the actual dimensional increases don't seem dramatic. The 2008 backseat's greater legroom seemed huge until I tried the 2007 and found it to be pretty good. More important is that the new one's backrest angle feels more natural; the previous model seemed to tip back too far as a trick to give more headroom.
One thing Honda oughtta pay you for is the new navigation system's change from a touch-screen to a knob controller (I know I'm losing this crusade). But that's an option, so the upshot is that the 2008 is worth well more than an additional $600. One could argue two, three, even four times that. But the buyer will ultimately decide.
Related
Honda Prices All-New 2008 Accord (KickingTires)
2008 Honda Accord Expert Review (Cars.com)
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But you have to love the downgraded front turn signals, and the gauges in the dashboard.
and the unimproved transmission selector P R N D5 D3 2 1, and the still undersized brakes.
But hey Honda got rid of the drum brakes without EBD for the base car.
and don't forget the federal reserve keeps printing money like it is going out of style.
Yet another appliance from Honda.
I just love Honda's way of getting more advertised HP - just rev the sh*t out of the engine for that additional 11HP and fool the masses that it's more powerful and faster! Now that's innovation!! (Sarcasm)
Also the new Accord's interior is still a 'yawn'.
I'm sure it's a decent ride but nothing ground breaking.
Lets not forget that it is qualified to be a full size car to. Which means it goes against such names as Charger, Avalon, 300, and Impala.
I cant wait to see this car have a giant spoiler and a fatpipe to make it sound like a lawnmower in just a couple of years.
Looks like German-Japanese mutt car. The civic is the best styled car they have right now. Shame. Accord is a middle american car in styling and technology packaging. I can't wait for the new Maxima to come out.
Save us Nissan. Honda and Toyota didn't want to offend anyone so they made a car that looks like everything else out there.
Don't just justify $600. Justify why anyone with a wallet would buy this.
Look mom. A soapbox racer! No. the maytag grew wheels. Wait! The Sable designer found a new job.
Honda Accord....Honda A-coma.
Look mom. A soapbox racer! No. the maytag grew wheels. Wait! The Sable designer found a new job.
Honda Accord....Honda A-coma.
This is so weird because there has been heavy heavy traffic the past few weeks for people wanting every bit of new Accord info out there yet the comments above are all negative. Strange. We have more accord coverage coming so sit tight.
While I'm not personally enthusiastic about the new design, let's try and judge this for what it is: one of the most practical, most reliable, and most well-behaved family sedans out there. That's why it was and will be one of (if not the) most successful cars around.
Maybe its because people are finally realizing that it isnt the greatest thing in the world as you would like them to think.
All it takes is one person to stand up and say I'm not buying that for everyone else to listen to their points and validate them upon that.
I think the '06-'07 taillights looked cooler with their LED's! The interior is nice but Honda sure does like funky steering wheels. I am glad more manufacturers r making steering wheel radio controls standard.
i just think they 2007 looks more modern and refined and the new one looks old and dated...not the right move honda!
Honda could solve the problem with the auto transmission selector by adding an Autostick-type system. I think transmissions are now electronically controlled, so that shouldn't cost them anything, but I guess that's a feature they reserve only for their premium Acura models, even if adding it to the Accord would cost nothing.
"This is so weird because there has been heavy heavy traffic the past few weeks for people wanting every bit of new Accord info out there yet the comments above are all negative. Strange."
Dave,
Nothing strange. People who likes the Accord is already at the dealership checking it out. Check out what time those negative comments were posted will tell you why.
Honda owners knows if they want wacky new designs, they are going to shop at Mitsubishi instead. Toyota, Honda, Striking design? Never appears on the same sentence anyway. (Newest gen Civic and Prius are exempted.) They are known for conservative styling adding reliability.
I dont understand why Toyota and Honda are going backwards in quality. I have an 06 Civic and it does have some quality issues but if you look at the 05 Civic it clearly has better materials. Why is this? did they switch suppliers? change quality control? what? 07 Accord has nicer quality than the new accord what is going on? the same with the camry and the tundra,both of those have cheap interior bits compared to their older predecessors which had higher quality.
Who copied a Hyundai?
A lot of people will buy 07 because you can have better discounts by the dealer.
By the way, someone can tell me why Toyota is offering 10k discounts in the big Tundras?
They are offering so much because people who are in the market for a truck won't buy it. Most true truck buyers stick with one brand and rarely sway from it. On top of that they may have had all kinds of a campain showing that it was made here in america but the money still goes over seas. When it comes down to it, it is cheaper to buy a Silverado or a F series then it is to get the toyota and to be known around the workplace as a import buyer.
Their quality ratings are dropping because they now have suckered enough people into beliving that their cars are the best in everything. If you look at most domestic car companies they have been doing everything to create a better image and so far have compared to new hondas and toyotas.
Hmm, well, I love the new Accord. It's exterior has finally got some character, and the interior is really nice!
Even though the knob for the navi isn't that great, it is still cool looking.
I don't get the first comment about downgraded front turning signals though.
I am shocked though that it can come with factory fog lights though, unless the ones in the pictures are dealer installed. Honda usually never has fog lights in it's cars....
You're right. The new 2008 Malibu will be well worth the price increase and it doesn't look like a Hyundai.
No hitman the Malibu wont and the back of the malibu looks weird likes its cut off or something. Remember GM still has crap interiors as does ford and dodge. The 08 Mazda6 will be the one clearly that people will want to wait for.
No jon. I suggest you go check out interior of the 2008 Malibu at www.chevrolet.com. The Saturn Aura has a very good interior as well.
Most reviewers today throw in the totally subjective "material quality" comments just for good measure these days. Its right up there with the "the engine does not sound as refined as the best of Europe and Japan" garbage comments. If I had to go import, I would by a Mazda. They are good cars.
With Toyota and Honda taking steps back in quality people need to stop drinking the kool- aid and consider the domestics again.
Most domestic brands are incresing their over all quality and the imports are losing their market now. Just give it a few more years and you will see even more Domestics on the roadways because people know better then to spend more money over at toyota when at chevy u get more features and a friendly attitude at the dealership.
" the imports are losing their market now."
Oh man, KC, are you a complete idiot or what? Up until today, if you can find one piece of statistics that has shown the domestics recovering from year to year sales...then I'll believe you. On the other hand, i would GLADY show you reports on any websites that says the utter opposite!
Oh wait...I recall now, you say things from your heart, not from your brain...if you do have one...
Stick with the post! And stop the BS are money going overseas. Quote from a financial advisor and then people will believe you. This country really needs less ignorant folks like you, so that we can be more competitive with people from around the globe :(
"This is so weird because there has been heavy heavy traffic the past few weeks for people wanting every bit of new Accord info out there yet the comments above are all negative. Strange."
Dave
That is because most of the people who post on here are into cars and most people like that like cars such as the Mazda6.
The Accord is a feminine looking car anyway.
http://wardsdealer.com/ar/auto_domestics_gain_satisfaction/
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116311932087619301.html?mod=home_whats_news_us
http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0,20384,22208991-21822,00.html
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070815/OPINION01/708150309/1008
Once again you have taken my words out of context to try to make your own invaild point.
Most domestic brands are incresing their OVER ALL QUALITIY and the imports are losing their market now."
I was talking about QUALITY MARKET as was most people on this comment site. If you acutally decided to read peoples post instead of twisting them into your own view to make you feel better about yourself then maybe you would have seen that. I was sticking to topic about QUALITY. Stop just looking for my posts to argue with and realize that the majority of people on here think this accord is a flop.
When I was talking about money going over seas it was answering a question on why the tundra has 10k off. American truck buyers won't touch it because the money goes over seas and does not stay here. That is their belief and while you may not like it, just consider the fact that most truck buyers buy american because it is the brand they trust. American trucks have been around for many years and people in the market for them will trust a company who has built them for so long over a company that just wants to try to be something.
It's really sad that you feel the need to argue with me everytime I post something with your own "wisdom". You bring nothing to the table for this site.
For once I was on topic and you are dragging me off.
I'm glad to see that most people on here are considering the Malibu over the Accord. You would have never seen that 3 years ago.
As an owner of a 07 EX-L V6 I must say I really love everything about my vehicle I have tried to own Fords & GM's (Not Good) I have had no troubles with this vehicle. I got it late last year great great vehicle I must say. I guess the design of the 08 will have to grow on me as I love my rear LED tail lights but the 08 has a few features I wish my 07 had as standard fog lights, tire pressure monitor and cylinder deactivation but all in all I really love my 07 My wife drives an 05 and she adores it she came from an 00 Maxima and her only vice is no auto off headlights So if honda redoes the rear with led lights maybe in a few years I will move up but for now I'll enjoy the one I have which to me is ONE GREAT VEHICLE
KC,
(1) you don't know English; please go back to school and learn how to write a sentence in proper form. What the heck is a quality market? it's so funny to see you put your foot on your mouth and try to rebound from it;
(2) you are the one that's off topic MOST, if not ALL, the time; this post is about Honda Accord well worth over $600, and see what you are talking 'bou? I just had to laugh when you said, "[F]or once I'm on topic!" And to say contribute nothing to this posting, or even the entire blog...
(3) Most people likes the Malibu in this post = most people that are DOMESTICS lover in this post...
(4) Rather than lecturing you, I'm just kicking your butt now, because you just love to challenge everyone here (other than domestics lovers) with your domestics point of view. That includes your various challenges to Dave T. and such.
From now on, I'll just ignore your post, 'coz it's really a waste of my time on you any more.
P.S. Only idiots and domestics supporters will use "money goes overseas" statments. Many finanical reports and analysts have already pointed out the flaw of this hypothesis, and let me tell you this, I work for one of the top 5 companies in the WORLD. It's a US company, and we make multi-billions dollars per quarter. Guess where the money has gone to? Our stockholders, and not us. And not only that, we aren't allowed to hire any more within America to help us out, and a lot of our positions have moved to other countries. Wait, did I tell you that we are a US company?
Now wake up and smell the coffee, or if you wanna, continue to be an idiot for the rest of your life.
1 more thing - none of your posts suggests domestics are gaining market share (and there's NO SUCH THING as QUALITY MARKET!), with 1 actually stating that the market share continues to decrease, and none of your post really say that domestics are having better quality. They all used the recent JD Powers statisfaction index - and that's NOT an indication that quality is actually better; it simply says that according to the research, owners are more satisfied with their purchases, according to the OWNERS of those vehicle - which there are MANY factors to be involved, such as how picky the owner is, what model he/she is buying, etc. The only exception in your post is the one from Detroit news, which is an editorial. So read your things before you use them, 'coz you don't seem to know what the articles are about, do ya?
The main topic is supposed to be if the new accord is worth $600 more than the current so I will try to keep my points related to that, but really any accord is not worth purchasing at all. Being in college I cant afford a nice car so I started off with 2 older but low mileage Honda's (15+ years old less than 100,000 miles). They were by far the most unreliable vehicles I have ever owned, parts were expensive and they were hard to work on. Then I got a GMC sonoma with 200,000+ miles and drove it for years. My point is no Honda is worth buying and I will never buy one again due to my poor expierence with their vehicles.
The Chevrolet Malibu is my choice, plus it has a nice appearence and its not a Hyundai look alike.