Test Drive: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe

[webby]

It was one year ago, almost to the day, that Honda unveiled a new direction they’re taking with the popular Accord. They chose a 2-door coupe to showcase the new design (because coupes are always more attractive than their 4-door counterparts,) but the sedan was being redesigned as well. The Accord Coupe Concept unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show received a lot of positive attention, and it really shows in the final production version - they didn’t change much at all from the concept, only a few details.
We had the chance to test out the new Accord Coupe for a few days, and although the weather was less than ideal, we couldn’t wait to get this thing on the road.
Our model was the EX-L V6, which came in the flagship Belize Blue Pearl paint - the perfect color for this car. The 3.5L i-VTEC V6 boasts a healthy 268 horsepower and 248 ft/lbs of torque, and our model was mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. You can opt for a 6-speed manual (with no change in cost,) and you’ll gain a High-Performance Intake Manifold, but lose the Variable Cylinder Management System, which is why the automatic actually gets better fuel economy than the manual (19/28 instead of the manual’s 17/25 mpg.) The Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) shuts down up to three cylinders as your driving becomes more conservative.
Interior

The interior of the Accord is very attractive with the charcoal leather, almost like you’re stepping into a concept car; a refreshing look you’ll be happy with years down the road. That’s more than I can say about the Accord’s arch-rival - the Nissan Altima - but that’s for a different article.
Inside, the Accord has all of what you would expect in a modern mid-size car: dual-climate control, available navigation and bluetooth connectivity, auto up/down windows - along with a few other “cool” features: blue ambient console lighting, speed-sensitive volume control, Radio Data System, and integrated XM Satellite radio (requires monthly fee.)
Driving

The new Accord is a great driver. The suspension, (double wishbone front and independent rear) is never too rough or too soft. The steering is tight but smooth, and it has plenty of power available. It really is a perfect blend of sporty and practical. Driven in heavy rain or snow (that crappy weather I was talking about,) the stability and traction control is flawless; it’s just as easy to drive in adverse weather as it is when it’s dry.
The seats are comfortable, and with the 8-way adjustable seats and tilt & telescoping steering wheel, even a big 6′4″ fella like myself finds himself comfortable. When you’re in a spirited driving mood, the 268 horsepower engine provides a low, subtle rumbling sound that you don’t normally get with a car in this class. The coupe is altogether very easy to drive, and there isn’t much of a learning curve. Everything seems very logically placed and easy to find.
Exterior

The fact that an onlooker told me the car looks like a BMW should be enough. The Honda Accord, which has previously been known to be bland, has really made an improvement with the 2008 models, coupe and sedan alike. It should also be noted that there is almost nothing in common between the sedan and coupe exterior, which is how it should be. 18″ alloy wheels are standard on the EX-L V6 trim, and 17″ wheels on the rest (16″ on the LX sedan) shows that Honda is really going for a more premium car this time around.
There was more than one occasion in which I’d park the car in a lot and come back to somebody looking it over. “Looks like a BMW,” I was told - “That’s a Honda?!” Practical but aggressive, I believe this is the first Honda Accord that is officially a head-turner.
Complaints

As much as I like the car, there are a few things that bothered me about it. While slowing to stop, the car feels like it shifts into first gear too soon, and while going at slower speeds, the shifting is a bit jerky at times. It’s not a major issue, but certainly something you’ll have to get used to. The car also torque steers a bit, but you only notice it when really stepping on it from a stop; not a problem for most people. Another minor complaint is the unresponsiveness of the throttle. When you’re about to pass someone and need some quick power, it takes a second for the engine to kick in once you punch the gas pedal.
My main complaint about the interior was the shift knob; you activate most cars’ automatic shift levers by grabbing the knob, pulling in the button (to release the lock) much like you’d pull a trigger, then shifting into Drive. With the Accord’s shift knob, you actually have to pull up on the button instead of in, making it slightly awkward each time you need to get into or out of Park. A few other weird things about the Accord’s interior include the dashboard button layout. The modern car’s dashboard already looks like that of a commercial jet with so many features, but Honda’s gone and made every button look nearly identical in size and shape, making it difficult to quickly change a radio station or turn your heat up while driving.
The side mirror controls on the door are also placed in a strange position. They must have run out of space, because they placed the controls for the side mirrors directly behind the main door handle, forcing me to squeeze my hand in there or pull my little finger back to get to the controls. This may not be as much of an issue for women or smaller men; our photographer Christine had no problems with it.
Bottom Line


The all-new 2008 Honda Accord really is a step above previous models, but still brings you the same all-around value and convenience that has made the Accord one of the most popular mid-sized cars available. Even though it’s on the pricey side (you can’t get a V6 Coupe for under $28,310 MSRP,) the flawless blend of sportiness and practicality make the 2008 Accord Coupe a good value. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind the less powerful 190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, you can save a few thousand dollars, but keep in mind you’ll only have the 17″ alloy wheels, and you’ll also have to give up the fog lights, spoiler, and dual exhaust.

[Tybeedon]

Had a nice test run with the new coupe, Auto-tranny, Navi. loaded.

This is a very nice machine. The quality of the interior and the comfortable seats are significant positives. Although not a sports car, the handling is good, with a spirited engine that pulls willingly. It looks good, but it's larger than I thought it would be in person. I prefer the Civic Si Coupe with its sportier feel, but this new coupe will likely gain lots of fans.

The sticker price of my loaded "sample" was $31,125. This is getting a bit "dear" for my tastes, but the car would be a good choice (IMO) if the bux fit within your budget.

Unfortunately, this top-of-the-line Honda does NOT have HID headlamps. In this price range I think the Halogens are an unforgivable mistake. C'mon Honda, you can do better!

Just my two-cents'-worth.

[00MaxSE]

I agree. HIDs would be a big plus. I don't think they'll add them as an option in the coming years, but I'm sure LED tails will be standard with a refreshening.

[Freq18Hz]

So I'm considering buying a V6 coupe.


First off just to get them out of the way...


DISLIKES:

1. Shifter lever sits way too high, shift action is spongey with long throws.

2. Suspension is too soft, and the car sits up too high.

3. Clutch is mediocre at best, with the engagement point WAY too high off the floor. Clutch travel is very long, with poor feedback.

4. Arm rests slightly too low.


LIKES:

1. Engine has plenty of torque down low, and revs silky smooth all the way to redline.

2. Virtually no torque steer.

3. Even though the car is pretty heavy, it feels nimble. Not as nimble as the SI, but close enough for weighing 600 lbs more.

4. Given the ride height, and soft suspension, the car corners well. Again, not as tight as the SI, but grip is much better than I thought.

5. Seats are very comfortable, with the support of the SI seats, but more luxury/plushness.


Overall impression:

It's obvious that Honda has intended this car to appeal to the automatic transmission crowd, as the clutch and gearbox seem almost like an after thought in such a high horsepower honda. All this said, the car is very comfortable, and has more than enough power for an all around sport duty. Sure we are not talking 135i power, but given the increased gas mileage and reliability, its a fair trade off. Civic SI or S2k owners who want more low end grunt, without stepping up to the fat curb weight and price of the TL will be pleased.

Honestly this car could end up a tuners wet dream. As an SI owner, one of the things that somewhat sucks about the SI (from a tuning perspective) is that the car is already tuned within and inch of its life from the factory. Most bolt-ons available add little performance, and create a much poorer driving car. The accord feels like the opposite. With a lower redline, and needy clutch/gearbox, it seems like the perfect playground to add intakes, exhaust, firmer suspension, short shift kits etc.

It is unfortunate though that Honda didn't make the V6 manual version more of an SI/Type-S/R car, and engineer factory tuning in, as they did with the SI, because the end result is a somewhat sloppy sports car. I do think however, that this car will eventually be wicked, and I can't wait to see a twin turbo version. I guess time will tell if the ECU is as locked down on this car as the Civic's? Time will tell...



-Freq

[wbb1211]

I traded my 06 si coupe for the 08 V6 6MT Accord. I don't think it was intended to be like the si. I traded my si because of much of what you listed. I just got tired of driving the loud not so comfortable si. It was a cool car but just got sick of it as a daily driver.

[Freq18Hz]

Originally Posted by wbb1211

I traded my 06 si coupe for the 08 V6 6MT Accord. I don't think it was intended to be like the si. I traded my si because of much of what you listed. I just got tired of driving the loud not so comfortable si. It was a cool car but just got sick of it as a daily driver.

I agree, the no torque gets tiring. I've actually fallen back in love with my SI since I put it back to stock.

The accord is gorgeous however IMO, and could prove to be a much more fun tuner car.

-Freq

[wbb1211]

I miss my si as well at times but for long trips and sitting in traffic for the 90 mile round trip to and from work every day I wanted something a little more comfortable. The Civic by far is not a bad car! I was going to trade mine for a Altima coupe till I went to looked at one and test drive it. It was cool but had no room in the back seat and you couldn't put much in the trunk. Because of that it was a no go. So that car if you want a back seat and a trunk to put something in is terrible. My accord sort of reminds me of my old 1983 mustang GT but front wheel drive and much nicer on the inside. The 8th gen si is more like a speedy better handling car. I couldn't believe how much more room there was in my si than in the new Altima coupe.