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2008 Accord
I drove two versions of the 2008 Accord sedan while discovering the riverside charms of Ladner and Westham Island: the topline EX-L V6 Navi (pictured), and the equally luxe four-cylinder EX-L 4 Navi.
New this year, it's bolder, faster and stronger. "Sweet," as my six-year-old granddaughter would say.
This eighth-generation Accord sedan has grown in size from the previous iteration (2003-2007), with increases in overall length (by 76 mm), width (26 mm) and height (23 mm), resulting in a substantial 93.5 L of additional interior space. It's even a bit longer than Acura's flagship RL sedan, which has an identical wheelbase and an equal beam. Honda's market researchers reasoned that Accord sedan buyers wanted equal front and rear seating comfort; accordingly, because of its expanded 3,002-L passenger and cargo volume, it is now considered a large sedan by the EPA, while its exterior still fits into the midsize category.
You can tell the difference between the V6 and the four-cylinder by sight: the six has a prominent lower lip at the bottom of the front bumper cover, chrome door handles and big-styled twin exhaust tips. At highway speeds, especially in the mountains, the difference in performance between the two sedans is obvious, but many who have driven both, including me, find the Four sufficiently quick, smooth and responsive. It also has the advantage of better fuel economy, although the V6 has a nifty new system that allows operation on three, four or six cylinders.
SUMMARY
With improved performance and handling and excellent crash-test results, the 2008 Accord sedan is tough competition for the best-selling Camry and the fashion-forward Altima. The starting price for the base model 4-cylinder Accord LX is $25,090.
Starting price: EX-L 4 Navi (automatic) $33,890
EX-L V6 Navi (automatic) $37,790
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