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Midsize car; Built in USA, Japan
  • 2-door coupe
  • 4-door hatchback
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $11,200 – $23,200*


2008 Honda Accord Sedan Front


2008 Honda Accord Sedan Rear


2008 Honda Accord Interior


2008 Honda Accord Coupe Front


2011 Honda Accord Coupe Front


2011 Honda Accord Coupe Profile


2011 Honda Accord Coupe Rear


2011 Honda Accord Coupe Interior


2011 Honda Accord Sedan


2011 Honda Accord Sedan Profile


2011 Honda Accord Sedan Rear


2011 Honda Accord Sedan Interior

Pros:
  • Acceleration (V6)
  • Available all-wheel drive (Crosstour)
  • Cargo room (Crosstour)
  • Front seat room/comfort
  • Refinement
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Small trunk opening (except Crosstour)
  • Ride (Coupe)

This perennial benchmark for midsize value and performance gained power and passenger space in the 2008 redesign. Though Accord is not leaps and bounds ahead of competitors such as the Toyota Camry and Chevy Malibu, its rewarding balance of performance and passenger accommodations make it a fine choice for shoppers in this class.

Overview

Completely redesigned for 2008, the midsize front-wheel-drive Accord boasted more power and passenger space. Four-cylinder and V6-powered coupes and sedans returned, but the gas/electric Hybrid model was dropped. Two engines were available: A 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 177 or 190 horsepower, and a 3.5-liter V6 that made 268 horsepower. The V6 included Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management, which shut down cylinders while cruising to conserve fuel.

Coupes and sedans were offered in EX and EX-L trim levels. Sedans also came in entry-level LX and LX-P versions. An entry-level LX-S coupe also was offered. A four-cylinder engine was available on all models, while EX and EX-L sedans also were available with the V6. A five-speed automatic transmission was available across the board. V6 EX-L coupes were available with a six-speed manual transmission; other models could have a five-speed manual. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather seating was standard on EX-L models, but not available otherwise. A navigation system also was available. Accord faced a long list of rivals, including the Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.

Yearly Updates

2009 Accord
Following its redesign for 2008, Honda’s Accord saw no major changes in its second season. Horsepower/torque ratings for the V6 engine increased slightly this year.
2010 Accord
The returning Accord coupe and sedan saw no changes of note for 2010, but added to the lineup was the Accord Crosstour, an SUV-flavored four-door hatchback with unique styling, a raised ride height, and available all-wheel drive. EX models were front-drive only, but EX-Ls could have front or all-wheel drive. Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission were standard.
2011 Accord
The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan got freshened styling and a new mid-line SE trim level. The 2011 Honda Accord Coupe received freshened styling and some new features.
2012 Accord
The Honda Accord saw few changes for 2012.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Four-cylinder LX and LX-P models use a 2.4-liter engine that makes 177 horsepower, while LX-S, EX and EX-L models get a more powerful 190-horsepower version. Both four-cylinder engines mate with a five-speed-manual or five-speed-automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 in EX V6 and EX-L models works with a six-speed-manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic. Horsepower and torque ratings for the V6 engine increased slightly in the 2009 model year.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 177
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 161
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		22/31
21/30 		23.8
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4/144
Engine HP 190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 162
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		22/31
21/30 		24.0
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/212
Engine HP 268-271
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 248-254
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		18/27
22/32 		19.5

Road Test

With automatic transmission, 177-horsepower Accords exhibit adequate power from a stop but demand some patience when passing and merging; the 190-horsepower engine is stronger in all situations. Several four-cylinder models have suffered from rough idling along with pronounced vibrations felt through the body and steering wheel. Either four-cylinder is livelier with a manual transmission, which offers smooth clutch engagement and a precise-feeling shifter. V6 models with the automatic are stronger still, with plenty of reserve muscle for easy passing. The V6-powered coupe with six-speed manual transmission is especially potent with abundant power from a stop, though one test car had imprecise clutch engagement and an overly stiff shifter.

Fuel economy varies with powertrain. An LX-P with automatic averaged 22.2 mpg in city/highway driving and 25.8 mpg with more highway use. An extended-use automatic-transmission EX four-cylinder averaged 24.5 mpg, while V6 versions with automatic averaged 19.5 mpg. All-wheel-drive Crosstours averaged 20.0-22.1 mpg. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Accords.

Ride quality is generally a plus. All Accords feel refined and solid, with generally impressive bump and rut absorption. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it’s never troublesome. V6 coupes have larger wheels and tires that result in a firmer ride and notably more impact feel.

Accords remain on the sporty-handling side of the midsize class, with light but direct steering and well-controlled lean in corners. Coupes feel somewhat sharper, but not enough to justify their reduced ride comfort.

Road noise is fairly pronounced, with less sound isolation from traffic din than might be expected. Larger coupe wheels and tires contribute to a small amount of additional road noise. LX and LX-P models with their 177-hp four disappoint with their crude-sounding engine. The 190-horsepower four-cylinder is slightly more pleasant, and the V6 is the most refined of the group, purring modestly during acceleration and being nearly mute while cruising.

Though redesigned for 2008, Accord interiors will feel familiar to repeat buyers, and that’s a bonus-though some testers have bemoaned the overwhelming number of individual controls. Big dials and gauges are easy to read. Most major controls are logically placed and have a substantial, quality feel, though a few climate functions are just beyond reach for some drivers. The large navigation system screen (if installed) is generally easy to read, though it’s recessed deeply in the housing, obscuring sight lines. Despite that recess, the screen can wash-out in certain lighting conditions.

Continuing in the Accord tradition, good quality materials match solid assembly quality-though it’s no better than the previous generation. Cabin impressions vary widely based on interior color palette. Depending on color, EX and EX-L sedans have been available with woodgrain accents that go a long way toward creating a warm, upscale ambiance. Some testers felt that models without woodgrain trim lacked character and looked lifeless. Coupes have unique interior accents that impart a sportier feel.

Sedan and coupe front seats grew for 2008, and are more supportive and better bolstered than in the previous generation. Headroom and legroom are ample even for taller adults. Larger door openings and a higher roof make entering and exiting easy. Visibility is generally good, though thick rear roof pillars compromise sight lines to the back corners, particularly in the Crosstour. Coupes offer similar visibility, though their rakish roofline further obscures views to the rear.

Accord grew longer for 2008, and much of that space went to the rear seating area. Sedans have good rear headroom, vast legroom, and comfortable seats. Again, larger door openings and a high roof contribute to easy entry and exit. Crosstour is similar in this regard. Coupes offer more space in this generation as well, though seating is still best left to children.

Sedans have a large, deep, usefully shaped trunk, though the rather small opening may prevent loading of bulkier items, and intrusive hinges force cautious loading of crushable items. Note that the folding rear seat is now one-piece, not split 60/40 as in the previous generation. Coupes have a smaller trunk with a somewhat smaller opening. Sedan and coupe interior storage includes a roomy center console with handy divided compartments, a 12-volt power outlet, and an MP3 port. Crosstour has a more flexible cargo area. The rear cargo hatch has an integral two-piece cargo cover that can be removed for hauling larger items, though Crosstour’s rakish rear roofline cuts into space for extra-bulky cargo. The nicely finished cargo area includes three underfloor storage bins that can be removed and washed. The rear cargo-floor panels are reversible, so the carpeted surface can be swapped to washable plastic for hauling messy items–a nice touch. Integral tie-down hooks, side-mounted lamps, and levers to release the split folding rear seatbacks are other handy cargo-area features. Note that the seat backs can also be folded from the rear bench. Interior storage includes a roomy center console with divided compartments, 12-volt power outlet, and auxiliary stereo input port.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2009 Accord EX 4-cylinder sedan w/automatic

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 65

Specifications

2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
107.9 190.9 72.7 56.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
11.9 18.5 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.1 35.9 42.5 33.0
4-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.1 196.8 74.7 65.7
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
51.3 18.5 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.5 37.5 42.2 37.4
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
110.0 194.1 72.7 58.1
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.0 18.5 5.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
41.4 38.5 42.5 37.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Accord 2-door coupe

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 3
60%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Manual transmission
Description: The manual transmission may be hard to shift or grind in third gear or may pop out of third gear due to faulty synchronizer or shift sleeve. (2008)
Steering noise
Description: The power steering may moan or groan when cold, but eventually stop, from air in the fluid due to a faulty inlet O-ring. (2008)
Timing belt
Description: A chirping noise may develop from the timing belt area of the V6 engine due to a cocked idler pulley which requires an angled shim to fix. (2008)
None
Description: On cars with navigation system, the clock may randomly display the wrong time requiring a replacement navigation unit. (2008-09)
Brake lights
Description: The parking brake light may stay on due to a defective circuit board in the hands-free link in the roof console. (2008-09)

Recall History

2010 Accord
Description: The outer race of the secondary shaft bearing may be broken during certain driving styles. A broken outer race may cause abnormal noise, the malfunction indicator light to turn on, and allow contact between the transmission idle gear and an electronic sensor housing within the transmission. This could result in a short circuit causing the engine to stall. Additionally, broken pieces of the outer race or ball bearing from the secondary shaft may become lodged in the parking pawl resulting in the vehicle rolling after the driver has placed the gear selector in the park position.
2010-2011 Accord V6
Description: The spindle nuts for the axle on the Accord V6 may not have been tightened properly which may result in excessive noise and/or loss of steering. Loss of steering increases the risk of a crash.
2012 Accord
Description: Side curtain airbag inflator may have been manufactured incorrectly and may fail to deploy.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 15, 2014.
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