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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Honda Accord

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Honda Accord

Overview

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2008 Honda Accord Review

By KBB.com Editors

While the Honda Accord-versus-Toyota Camry debate hasn't sparked nearly as many family feuds or bar-room brawls as Ford vs. Chevy, Coke vs. Pepsi or Mac vs. PC, it is nevertheless one of consumerism's biggest rivalries. Their continuous run as the two best-selling cars in America (the Ford F-150 pickup is the best-selling vehicle) extends back to the second millennium, and they combine to account for roughly 40 percent of sales in a segment that numbers about 20 nameplates. As American, Korean and other Japanese manufacturers continue to roll out worthier and worthier competitors, however, choosing the right midsize sedan is no longer as straightforward as flipping a coin.

You'll Like This Car If...

With styling and performance that splits the difference between the sportier Nissan Altima and softer Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord embodies the very balance that attracts so many buyers to the midsize sedan segment in the first place. In terms of all-around quality and refinement, the Accord registers off the chart.

You May Not Like This Car If...

In a category that offers sportier, softer and lower-priced options, the same well-rounded nature that makes the Accord so appealing to many can make it less attractive to some.

What's New for 2008

The all-new, eighth-generation Honda Accord is roomier, more powerful and more refined than ever, but the proven formula remains unchanged (save for decidedly bolder exterior styling). The coupe variant is the sportiest ever.

Driving the Accord

Driving Impressions The refinement with which the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan delivers its distinctive brand of relaxed enthusiasm is almost uncanny. In pulling away from a stop, plodding along in traffic and...

passing on the highway, the throttle responds to your right foot as if reading your mind, seamlessly delivering exactly as much or as little power as you want. Steering, likewise, is perfectly weighted and the car tracks straight down the highway requiring very little driver input, thanks in part to variable-ratio steering that improves both high-speed cruising and parking-lot maneuverability. Rounding out a theme, braking feel, response and feedback are also top-notch. Topped off by a familiar blend of comfortable cruising and eager handling, the 2008 Honda Accord continues to do the same 'ol thing better than ever.

Favorite Features

Excellent Throttle Response
Even though throttle response isn't exactly a feature, the Accord responds so naturally to the driver's gas pedal inputs that we're compelled to note it here.

Voice-Controlled Navigation System
The Accord's intuitive DVD-based navigation system---featuring an 8-inch screen and Zagat restaurant ratings---is further enhanced by an accurate and easy-to-use voice-recognition system.

2008 Honda Accord Details

Interior

That the inside of the all-new 2008 Honda Accord feels so familiar is a tribute to the outgoing model. An interior volume increase big enough to move the Accord into the EPA's Large Sedan category helps provide room for wider seats and a big, two-arm center console. Every Accord features steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a dial-controlled eight-inch LCD display, while EX models and above offer blue ambient console lighting and highway-hushing active noise control. There are plenty of bins and cubbies throughout and the backseat and trunk qualify as roomy in every dimension.

Exterior

A bolder front end, deeper side sculpting and more pronounced fender flares give the all-new 2008 Honda Accord Sedan a crisper, more substantial look. It's also three inches longer than its predecessor and five inches longer than the Toyota Camry. The base models come well-dressed, and climbing the trim ladder nets different wheels, chrome door handles, chrome exhaust finishers, fog lights and a rear spoiler (coupe only). Beneath it all is Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure that improves collision compatibility with SUVs, among other advantages. The 2008 Accord Coupe shares the same design elements but to a much sportier effect.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The standard equipment list for a 2008 Accord LX sedan includes air conditioning, power windows, locks and mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA sound system, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel-mounted audio controls (illuminated). Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, as well as stability and traction controls and a sophisticated braking system.

Optional Equipment

Features not included in the Accord's base sticker price include a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system with voice recognition, leather seats, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone compatibility, a 270-watt premium audio system, six-CD changer and XM Satellite Radio.

Under the Hood

The jewel of the Accord Sedan's three-engine lineup is a new 3.5-liter V6 featuring an updated version of Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that saves fuel by allowing the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders, according to demand. On manual transmission-equipped V6 Accord Coupes, the engine loses VCM and gains increased low- and mid-range power, making it the most powerful engine ever offered in a Honda sold in this country. A freer-breathing exhaust system is the biggest difference between the two four-cylinder engines. A five-speed automatic transmission is available on four-cylinder models and is standard on V6 models. Four-cylinder models sold in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont qualify as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles.

2.4-liter in-line 4
177 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
161 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 (manual), 21/31 (automatic)

2.4-liter in-line 4
190 horsepower @ 7000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 (manual), 21/31 (automatic)

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
248 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29

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2008 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.0

Out of 10

Based on 888 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.2/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.1/10

Styling

8.6/10

great car

By tj3271 (FL) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "tons its a honda"

Cons: "performance from the 4cyl model"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"great car 4 cyl is lacking in performance i had a 2006 tc before this accord figured with the accord having 30 more hp it would at least be equal in performance to my old tc boy was i wrong this is a great family car great on gas and very economical but if u want even a hint of performance go for the v6 which adds another 90 hp to the 4cyls performance and def brings this family sedan into a diffrent performance class 4 cyl does 0-60 in 7.9 sec the v6 does it in 6.5 so there is a noticible diffrence other wise not much bad to say about the car very relaible very smmoth to drive and looks great esp with the face life for the 2011 and 2012 models if your trying to decide on a good priced mid level sadan id def say consider the honda accord"

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Sporty Affordable Sedan

By Hondini (MO) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Quality interior materials, Great MPGs for a V6"

Cons: "V6 power doesnt feel as powerful as specs indicate"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"My 2009 Honda Accord EX-L Sedan is a beautiful car with great quality materials, especially the interior. The V6 gets surprising great MPGs but lacks useable power I expected from a V6 rated at over 270 horsepower. You really have 4 cylinder type power until you get the RPMs over 5K and then the V6 runs like a mad dog. Nice and roomy interior and trunk space for a midsize car, I am 6'2'' and over 220lbs and I have more than enough space. Super smooth automatic transmission! Seats feel sporty but not as plush as some might like for long trips."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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You will love this car

By Charlie (FL) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great looks and performance. A blast to drive."

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is one of the few coupes still available. It is the only car that I have owned and enjoyed the 30 mile drive to work. The sound system ROCKS. I bought it because of the sporty looks and performance. And I was not disappointed."

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Awesome car

By Rich (CA) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Styling, performance, economical"

Cons: "Can't think of any for what I paid."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is an awesome car with lots of get up and go, but gets about 35 mpg in the city and over 40 on the highway (that's what I get, even though it is not rated that high). It's one sweet ride. The bluetooth works seamlessly with my iPhone, and my iPod plugs into the center console (out of sight). The trunk is huge, and there is lots of leg room in the front for a tall guy like me (I'm 6'4). This car rocks. I never had a Honda before. I'm hooked."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Still drives like new with 105k miles

By cw (IN) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "mpg, steering, room, value"

Cons: "road noise, original rear brakes"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Great car for the hiway. Steering feel is good. Averaging 32 mpg (80% hiway). A bit more road noise than some. Plenty of acceleration for passing."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best car- ever.

By Buffalo Bob (NY) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good performance, fuel economy, great appearance."

Cons: "None."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. On the highway I have been able to get 30 mpg with the V6 version. Nothing has ever gone wrong with the vehicle and people still rave at the way it looks. I have only performed routine maintenance in the five years I have owned it. The tires still have good tread and the brakes look like they will certainly last another 25,000 miiles."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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