Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Honda Accord 2 Door EXL V6 NV (Navigation). It is assembled in Marysville, Ohio, USA using parts from the US and Canada 60%, and Japan 25%. It’s in the Compact class and Honda’s lineup includes – Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline and S2000. I’ve tested them all but I don’t have to tell you this is the best looking Accord ever. Well, it is in my opinion.
It was my pleasure to review the car in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Hopping on and off the ferries to the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State we had the opportunity to cozy up to this lovely automobile. It took us effortlessly, in part because of a great navigation system, to romantic historic places like Port Angeles and Port Townsend, Victoria BC and Orcus Island where the film Free Willie was made. Friend Glenn, the FX guy, was the rescue diver on the filming. Lucky guy because that is an enchanting island. From a mountain top on Orcus you get a 360 degree panoramic view and can see many of the Canadian San Juan’s and Vancouver as well. I highly recommend the journey in any make auto, but this Accord helped to make our trip special. The rain forest was very cool too where we stopped on our drive down the coast to Astoria and the Columbia River.
Parts – US/Canadian 60%, Japan 25%,
Assembly – Marysville, Ohio, USA
Class: – Compact
Cars: – Accord, Accord Hybrid, Civic, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Element, Fit, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline, S2000.
Sweet, smooth, powerful, quiet are just some adjectives to describe this lovely car.
Styling:
Bravo Honda. This is a car that Honda has a right to be really proud of. Nice job guys.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Worth the price of admission.
Features and Conveniences:
If you read my column from time to time you’ll know that the most useful feature in today’s cars is the Navigation system. I wouldn’t buy a car without one. However, I will remind you that Garmin and other portables like Tom-Tom can save you money and do essentially the same thing. Yesterday I added Navigation to my Blackberry now with a Traffic Alert feature. Now I can keep from getting lost even when I’m walking. At my age I can’t waste time and it even helps me find a different route if the one I’m on is not doing well.
Consumer Recommendation:
Resource – www.safercar.gov
I suspect if you’ve read this far you know I’m impressed with this Honda Accord. I did test the Hybrid version as well as the Civic / Hybrid and these are wonderful cars. I could own this car but I can’t own all the cars I’ve liked over the past 16 years of testing. But the Honda has never disappointed me. This car is the top of the heap of all those listed below and is priced to make the decision easy. Don’t misunderstand me, all listed here are good cars but when I look at the beautiful styling I can’t help but fall in love. It has a great “bod”, nice lines, clean, silky smooth ride and comfortable to be with… the car as well as my Polish best friend. A Pole and Italian in a Japanese car. Isn’t America great?
Recognized Competition:
Honda Accord $20-31,000, Chevrolet Monte Carlo $21-28,000, Pontiac Grand Prix $22-29,000, VW Passat $24-38,000, Kia Optima $17-21,000.
2009 – Toyota Camry $19-29,000, Mitsubishi Galant $21-27,000, Hyundai Sonata $19-27,000, Chevrolet Malibu $21-26,000, Buick LaCrosse $25-33,000, Saturn Aura Hybrid $24,930, Saturn Aura $21-26,000, Pontiac G6 $20-31,000, Ford Fusion $19-25,000, Mercury Milan $20-26,000, Mercury Sable $24-31,000, Nissan Maxima $29-32,000, Subaru Legacy $21-35,000, Chevroldt Impala $23-30,000, Ford Taurus $24-31,000, Mazda 6 $19-28,000, Nissan Altima $20-29,000, Dodge Avenger $19-25,000, Nissan Altima Hybrid $26,650.
Good News:
This is a 10 for me in all respects Dudley Moore and it doesn’t talk back.
Bad News:
I had no complaints.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 268 hp V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel power ABS disc brakes, stabilizer bars, 100K mile tune ups, front side and side curtain air bags, stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry, security and immobilizer system, child LATCH system, Navigation w/voice recognition, hands free phone, leather trim, stereo w/6 CD/MP3, tilt & telescopic steering wheel with controls, climate control, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, power windows and locks, cruise control, power moon roof, 18” allow wheels, heated power mirrors and auto on/off headlights.
Gas Stats:
$3.43/ Gal avg. October 7, ‘08
for more information.
17 City and 25 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $30,510.
