Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Honda Accord. Completely redesigned for 2008, and offered in both sedan and coupe versions, but the coupe, of course, has more aggressive and emotional styling to differentiate it from the sedan. The Accord was first sold in the U.S. in 1976 as a compact car and has grown larger and more luxurious, moving into the midsize category in 1998. Remember the Civic that preceded the Accord? That was a pea popper so this Accord was much awaited for and the first breakthrough in reasonable size for US consumption in the 1960s and 1970s.
The good news about the Accord is that I found myself comparing it to the Infiniti M45 I had just tested at about double the money of the Accord. I had to keep coming back to that fact and remember the Accord shouldn’t even compare with the Infiniti, but it did. Yes I did miss all the high tech gadgets on the M45 but it didn’t take long to adjust to not having them. All the while I couldn’t shake off the reality that this car is not only good looking it is socially responsible.
If I were spending your money I’d buy a Ferrari, but since it’s my money I’ll pop for the Accord passenger car.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 60%, Japan 25%.
Assembly – Sayama, Saitama, Japan
Class: – Large Cars
Cars: – Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000.
On the Crest from the high desert to the LA basin I find a great opportunity to observe the public going to work by a ‘road less traveled’ as most desert dwellers go around the mountain. I note that about 500 cars per hour traverse that 35 mile stretch from California 14 to the 210 freeway in La Canada. There is little doubt this piece of highway is potentially treacherous but drivers hone their driving skills each day to avoid the brutal trek around the mountain that adds much time, gas and miles on the car.
I chatted with a young man who had just been cited for speed by a CHP motorcycle officer. The young man went by me as I pulled to the right lane for slower traffic and it all seemed safe and without erratic movement or great speed – “Thank you for your opinion”, said the woman on the other end of the phone line at the CHP office in Pasadena. I had called out that officer as making a bad stop and citation. I said I’d like to appear on behalf of that young man who was cited unfairly and she hung up on me. So much for “public servants”. Guess she didn’t like talking to the press. So much for justice and the American way. If you care to know who the “Napoleonic officer” is send me an email.
Handling & Performance:
Very comfortable ride and my first impression was that the difference in ride feel and quality was nearly imperceptible from the Infiniti. I also did not want for power from the 190 horse Accord. I have to admit I enjoyed double the horsepower performance from the M45 but you can live without it – trust me – and you’ll save on fuel cost too.
Styling:
Nice clean lines. You gotta love this sedan. By the way, did you ever wonder what the designer looks like who crafted an UGLY car?
Fit and Finish:
Very good. Not exceptional, but very good.
Cost:
As equipped this is under $24,000 and for the ride and safety features built in it is in the top 3 of the listing below. Then there is the cost to operate and as the price of gas pushes up to nearly $4.00 per gallon I like the Accord even more.
Features and Conveniences:
Standard equipment is good, but austere by luxury car standards. But you get what you pay for and after testing the super equipped Infiniti M45 for at least $20,000 more I could live just fine without almost all of it.
Consumer Recommendation:
I found I would own this Honda-car after consideration for my general need at this time in my life. I’d buy a good inexpensive Nav system and be a happy camper. The only option would be to consider the Hybrid version. But for the money difference between this Honda Accord and other higher priced classes the cost savings is pretty compelling that it would be better to put a down payment on that second home.
Recognized Competition:
Honda Accord $20-31,000, Dodge Avenger $19-25,000, Pontiac G6 $18-30,000, Nissan Altima $18-28,000, Saturn Aura $20-25,000, Ford Fusion $18-25,000, Subaru Legacy $20-34,000, Volkswagen Passat $24-38,000, Mercury Milan $19-26,000, Chevrolet Malibu $19-27,000, Mazda6 $19-28,000, Kia Optima $16-21,000, Toyota Camry $19-28,000, Mitsubishi Galant $21-27,000, Hyundai Sonata $18-26,000.
Good News:
Priced well, very good fuel economy, nice looking and a comfortable ride with 190 horses responsive to your command.
Bad News:
None noted.
Standard Equipment:
2.4 liter 190 hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed auto trans, brake assist ABS disc brakes with electronic brake distribution, front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension, rack & pinion power steering, front and rear stabilizer bars, front dual stage front and side airbags and side curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist, tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, remote entry system, security system, Immobilizer theft deterrent system, LATCH system for child seats, 160 watt audio system with 6 speakers, steering wheel audio controls, MP3aux. Input jack, air conditioning, driver 8-way power seat with lumbar support, power windows and locks, tilt & telescopic steering column and cruise control.
Gas Stats:
$3.39/ Gal avg. Mar 7, ‘08
for more information.
21 City and 31 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,860.
