2008 Accord Review - test drives

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Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 2dr Coupe w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6M)


Review
Honda really got it all right with the 2008 Accord. From the interior finishes to the flawless way the V6 engine moves from 6 to 3 to 4 back to 6 cylinder operation. This vehicle has all the pep to move with the best of them on the interstate and still provide the gas mileage we need with high prices at the pump. Honda seems to have thought of everything by packing the Accord with every imaginable feature including XM radio that the Toyota dealer wanted $700 for to install in a new Camry I have driven the Accord on an interstate and the acceleration to merge was immediate without the hesitation I found when test driving a Camry 6 cylinder. 2008 Car of the Year!


Favorite Features
The voice actuation for the navigation, climate control system and radio/CD functions. The VCM feature is great as I have the power I need when necessary and go automatically into economy mode at other times.


Suggested Improvements
Haven't found any yet other than perhaps a memory feature for seat, steering wheel and mirrors for families with different height drivers.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)


Review
I considered many vehicles; test drove a few and "settled" on the Accord EX-L V6. Is it a pure drivers or enthusiast car? No, it's not. Instead it just offers a very solid feel, more then competent acceleration, tons of very comfortable space, great sounding audio, decent fuel economy and handles more Germanic then Japanese. It brings a smile when I look at it parked, and the smile only widens as I move down the road. Visually appealing, great tactile feel from all that you touch in the cabin, and if your right foot develops an attitude, you'll find both what’s under the hood and all the chassis components more then up to the task of keeping that smile in place.


Favorite Features
Solid feel. Great audio. Interior room. Handling. Acceleration


Suggested Improvements
Larger trunk

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)


Review
I just purchased my 2008 Honda Accord V6 this past weekend. As a previous BMW owner i was extremely impressed with Honda's finished product. The new Accord shares some design cues with BMW on the sides, trunk, and front headlights. The fit and finish are top- notch, and the performance is good as well. I dont think im going to miss my BMW.


Favorite Features
Interior, navigation voice commands, comfort.


Suggested Improvements
Automatic transmission should have a manual shift mode or shifter paddles to make the driving experience better when you want it.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 2dr Coupe (3.5L 6cyl 5A)


Review
I gave my 2000 Accord Coupe to my daughter with 196,000 on it and with only 200 miles on the 08 Coupe and I love it. It's the first car I bought sight unseen and no test drive. I knew I was going to get it when Honda first previewd the concept at the Detroit show in Jan. I was a bit apprehensive wrt the VCM and the new polished metal metalic color. The color is awesome looking good in all light environments, but especially at night. I'm surprised how much the VCM kicks in. I know I can milk mileage with my driving style and requirements. Going from 200 hp & 16" whells to 268 hp and 18" wheels is a huge difference in handling. Cockpit/Cabin looks great at night. Looking forward to it.


Favorite Features
Motor, 270 W stereo, Phat wheels, good brakes, the little blue light that lights the console at night. Best of all are the looks and thumbs up from surrounding drivers.


Suggested Improvements
Woofer makes the rear-view mirror vibrate the image, but it does it to the beat. The trunk is a little smaller making a scary moment when I thought my golf clubs wouldn't fit in. They fit in the width and not the length which is opposite of the 2000 Coupe. I couldn't rate anything but 10...

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)


Review
After 12 years of a BMW 3-series convertible, I looked for something with the same excellent driving characteristics and handling. I do not drive 10/10ths, but enjoy responsive handling and a decent compromise between comfort and firmness. This is it. 3-series BMWs have very little, if anything, to offer for someone like me over this car. It has great cornering, excellent acceleration, and a great interior. I personally love the exterior styling - YMMV. I expected to miss the touch screen navi that we've had for 4 years on our Acuras, but I'm even happier with the new model -- seems to do a much better job of speech recognition than our 2006 MDX. I couldn't be happier with it.


Favorite Features
Bluetooth (one reason I waited for the 2008 model to come out); power; handling; nav


Suggested Improvements
Light in the rear seat; ventilation that you can direct for rear seat passengers. Protection for the doorsills.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)


Review
Picked up my silver EX-L with black leather and a spoiler last weekend. I love it! I'm a fan of the exterior styling, but what most impresses me is the interior and the way the car drives. The interior's design, looks and quality have grown on me since I first drove the car. The automatic transmission is smooth and very predictable. I hate auto trannys, but think I'm going to be able to live with this one. I love the responsiveness of the throttle. The car's handling is very competent and even a little sporty when you push it. After looking at almost every car on the market under $35k, I think this is the best bang for the buck - certainly not perfect-but a very nice car for the money!


Favorite Features
Standard features, automatic transmission performance, ride/handling, wheel design on the EX models, interior design, and getting that much zip out of a 4cyl. engine. I also happen to like the exterior design.


Suggested Improvements
No pleaded leather (it creases and doesn't look as good as stretched leather in the long-run); better upgraded stereo (where's the mid- range?); painted front grill (or chromed); very hard to get 5speed manual in EX-L; get 190ft/lbs of torque out of the upgraded 4cyl-then you'd have a real performer!

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord LX-P 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)


Review
This new Accord is absolutely amazing! The ride is great, the noise level is low, the features are ergonomic, everything is perfect. This is without a doubt the number one car in the segment!


Favorite Features
The long list of standard features: TPMS, VSA, 4-wheel discs, side airbags, attention to detail, power!


Suggested Improvements
Bluetooth on all trim levels.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L V-6 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)


Review
Waited until this car was released to purchase new car. Was considering Lexus IS350, Acura TL, and Toyota Camry. This car was so impressive that I am glad we waited. We were a little leary of the Toyota engines since we already own a 1998 Lexus ES300 and have had engine sludge problems that seem to doom several of the Toyota V6 engines. Very impressed with the added room with the new body style and the power of the new 3.5 L engine is a nice step up for Honda. Was curious to test the VCM to see if it was noticeable but was very impressed with its ability to drop and add the cylinders as needed without notice to the driver or passengers. Very impressed with this car!


Favorite Features
Everything! Especially the added horsepower, body style, interior design, and the awesome White Diamond Pearl color available on the EX V6 models.


Suggested Improvements
Computer calculated gas mileage and distance to empty display.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)


Review
The styling is not perfect, but this car has style (even if you hate it). The interior finish is acceptable for the price range and durable. I dislike the number of buttons on the center console, but find them well-placed and logical. I'm 6' and find the front seats to be very comfortable. I dislike pleaded leather; it looks great, but tends to crease. The wire throttle is incredibly responsive, the brakes predictable and the auto transmission is flawless. The 4cyl. engine feels much more powerful than in the 08 Camry and I find the shift points to be more appropriate. Handling is sporty, not racy, but much more responsive than the Camry. I bought mine below MSRP


Favorite Features
190hp I4 engine; throttle response; handling (given its intended purpose); driver seating position; standard features; steering wheel design; price; exterior styling


Suggested Improvements
Stretched leather seats; better base- level stereo (the stereo in my 98LX Accord is nicer than in the 08 LX); fewer dashboard buttons; better quality interior "accents" in the black and grey interiors; needs sport mode and gear selection mode on auto trannys; less plastic looking front grille fins.

[webby]

Vehicle
2008 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A)


Review
This is the BEST! It is real comfortable, holds the road well, and has great pick up. I purchased a Polished Metal Metallic color with gray leather inside. Since I've gotten it, I have been stopped by many people asking if it was the new Accord. Some say it looks like an Acura RL, others say that it looks like a BMW. Whatever it looks like I am happy that I purchased it. The feel of driving in the car is great. I look forward to driving trips to the grocery store. The car gives the ride of a much more expensive car. The interior is appointed very nicely.


Favorite Features
I love the XM radio, leather heated seats, and the design of the dashboard. The exterior is also very sleek. Honda outdid themselves this time. Why pay $5000 more for an Acura, when you can buy this car. I love the new 190 HP engine in my EX-L. I feel like I'm driving in a 6 cyl not a 4 cyl.


Suggested Improvements
None except that there needs to be an adjustment made to the brakes. My car has a slight squeal when you first apply the brakes. It is not a safety issue, just an annoyance. I had my car in the service area for this issue. They said that there was a service advisory but they have not released a fix.