The Urban Dink: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe
I’m not a fan of large coupes that don’t have some kind of performance aspect inherent in their existence. What the heck am I talking about? The Ford Mustang, Pontiac GTO, BMW 335i — they’re worth the two-door, 2+2 seating configuration headaches. Otherwise, I find most coupes — like the new Accord, Pontiac G6, Nissan Altima and the god-awful Toyota Camry Solara — just pointless. Even as an Urban DINK, you might want to go out to dinner with another couple in comfort, and there are plenty of sporty sedans on the market these days.
What does all this spell for my time with the Accord coupe? It has a lot to make up for in my warped mind.
It’s clear right away that the Accord coupe is better for the suburbs than the city. The front suspension is unusually rigid, sending harsh shockwaves right up the spine over the severe road imperfections you find in big cities. I was really surprised that any Accord would have such feedback, and I don’t remember the new sedan being this rough. If there were some clear advantage in the handling department I could live with it, but the Accord is just above-average around the bend.
Now, before I sound overly negative, this coupe carves twisty roads adequately, and it’s a terrific highway cruiser. The V-6 had plenty of power — I averaged about 21 mpg (EPA is 19/28 mpg) in mostly bumper-to-bumper traffic — and that touch of sportiness will keep guys happy behind the wheel. The really luxurious interior will keep the better half happy, too. My wife was really surprised at how nice the leather was, how elegantly the dashboard curved and how the surfaces appeared. The seats are quite comfortable for short or long hauls, too.
The storage for technofiles is also well done, with a compartment up front to hide away garage clickers, cell phones or MP3 players. The AUX jack is hidden inside a well-padded center cubby. Two deep cupholders are great for tall water bottles, but not so good if you’re a grande Starbucks fan. That size latte will fit, but it won’t come out easily while driving.
The styling isn’t for everyone, but I have to say this car looks much better in person than even the best pictures. Just take a look at the wicked-looking chrome door handles. Every time I opened the door I thought, “this is one cool ride.” After only a few days, I was so comfortable with the Accord that it felt like my own daily driver.
My test car was decked out with leather and navigation, bringing the total just north of $31,000 after destination. Ouch. That’s a lot of dough. Granted I could do without nav for $2,200, but still, this is one pricey ride. Believe it or not, though, the rich leather, interior cabin and solid build really back up the price tag. Although I do take back that line about there being a lot of sporty sedans out there; there aren’t many at this price. The best I could find that you’d realistically get at this price point are the Acura TSX, Mazdaspeed6, Subaru Legacy GT and VW Jetta GLI. All the luxury makes will sticker well above the mark. Other coupes, like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mazda RX-8, Nissan 350Z and Ford Mustang, don’t really offer a better experience for urban dwellers, either.
If you’re a Suburban DINK and you need a cool-looking, reliable ride — and you’re not going to miss Autobahn performance — I’d highly recommend the Accord coupe. Urbanites, however, just won’t be willing to put up with the size and suspension, even if it looks good.
Related
2008 Honda Accord Expert Review (Cars.com)
More Honda Accord News (KickingTires)
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Hm, does it remind anybody else of an Infinity, at least from the side.
Looks more like a squashed CR-V. Nicely executed though.
To me it seems that the front half is similar to a 3 series coupe and the back half is similar to the infiniti G35/37 coupe. Very nicely proportioned and a great buy for the price.
To me it seems that the front half is similar to a 3 series coupe and the back half is similar to the infiniti G35/37 coupe. Very nicely proportioned and a great buy for the price.
side view of the back end reminiscent of a saturn Ion crossed with a bit of a M-B CLS class... don't like that trend in tailights.
the interior looks very cool and plush. too bad.
i agree that the mid-section/cabin area looks like an Infiniti G
so how sporty is the driving experience compared to a Mazda6 V6? i don't think it can come anywhere near the 'Speed6... or the Legacy GT. interior probably nicer though i'll admit. i don't think it'll win me over
DL,
to a regular Mazda 6 V6 I'd say the Honda coupe especially is a bit more dynamic and has tighter steering for sure.
No it doesn't offer nearly the thrill level of a speed6 or Legacy GT. Not even close. Better interior though.
The 2008 Honda Accord EX-L reminds me of a new Audi A5, but is at least $10,000 cheaper. Why a coupe? Because somehow 4-door cars became cool instead of the 2-door cars from the old days, except not for me. It would be like having a 4-door Camaro or Corvette. This 4-door car business has come from teenagers who think a giant spoiler and a Borla exhaust make their cars cool. The Accord is terrific looking, has a great engine, nice leather, and many other amenities. Comparisons with a 350Z or an RX8 or an Eclipse are useless. The Honda is a coupe with some sports car attributes, but is not a sports car like the above. By the way, I don't buy a car so that it can hold a gigantic coffee cup. Comparisons with the Altima coupe or the Solara are fine; however, the Honda beats them for several reasons that you can check out. Finally, how about the idea that any decent mechanic or body man will tell you that a Honda is a superior machine when compared to Mazdas, Toyotas, VWs, or Nissans. It reminds of the old days when I rode Honda motorcycles, even though Harley guys were "cooler." My Honda MCs were fast, reliable, and cheaper than the vibrating 100-year-old V-twin design Harleys. Check out the new Honda coupe and pay less than you would for a comparable BMW or Benz or Audi.
I don't see how this Accord has a better interior than a Legacy or any other car in its class. The dash of the new Accord is a complete deal-breaker for me. I have never seen such a messy layout of buttons in my life. I wouldn't want a Camry/Accord in the first place - but if I did have to drive one, I would honestly tear out the whole middle console. I'd rather have an empty hole with a birdsnest of wires. At least that would look less chaotic and be easier to navigate... Another example of McHonda making an appliance instead of an automobile.