Latest Cars And Bikes Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Honda Accord’

The all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction wîth an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes. Completely redesigned for 2008 wîth increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence wîth sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized wîth an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor. The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined wîth a new level of engineering sophistication. As the Honda brand’s flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations wîth premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord.

An available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268-horsepower – the most ever for any Accord – while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon (Accord Sedan V-6). Also new for Accord, an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility wîth vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags wîth passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.

The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles wîth 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard wîth all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available wîth all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT). Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).

Price: $20,360 – 30,510.
Invoice: $18,455 – 27,630.

Chassis

A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Últimately, the suspension design wîth wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance. The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard wîth 16-inch steel wheels wîth wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, wîth 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe’s available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.

Exterior

Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel wîth the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan’s overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle’s torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel – the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.

The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan wîth a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. (concept carz) Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe’s overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.

Interior

Premium quality wîth a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord’s interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide ‘equal’ seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SÚV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated wîth the finest luxury vehicles.

The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting wîth an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle – including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.
Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord’s sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.

Three impressive audio systems are available – all wîth MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.
The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models. The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System wîth voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

Powertrain

All 2008 Accord engines deliver increased horsepower across the board, along wîth high fuel efficiency and low emissions. In total, these power plants represent the most powerful and advanced technologies of any Accord in history, and are also projected to deliver excellent real-world fuel economy performance. All engines only require regular unleaded fuel.

Safety
Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility wîth other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003. Consistent wîth the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the ACE body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s dual-chamber side airbags wîth a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags (SRS).

Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) wîth brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts wîth an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

The Accord is Honda’s midsize car, which was completely redesigned for 2008. With more dramatic styling and an increase in size, the new Accord sedan offers the most room and comfort ever offered by an Accord. The latest-generation Accord includes three firsts for Honda in North America: next-generation Variable Cylinder Management, interface dial controller and dual-chamber driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags. Offered in both sedan and coupe versions, the coupe receives more aggressive styling to differentiate it from the sedan. The Accord was first sold in the U.S. in 1976 as a compact car and has grown larger and more luxurious, moving into the midsize category in 1998.

Since initiation, Honda has offered several different body styles and versions of the Accord, and often vehicles marketed under the Accord nameplate concurrently in different regions differ quite substantially. It debuted in 1976 as a compact hatchback, though this style only lasted through the 1980s, as the lineup was expanded to include a sedan, coupe, and wagon. By the Accord’s sixth generation in the 1990s, it evolved into an intermediate vehicle, with one basic platform but with different bodies and proportions to increase its competitiveness against its rivals in different international markets.

For the current generation of the Accord released for the North American market in 2008, Honda again has chosen to move the model further upscale and increase its size. This pushed the Accord sedan from the upper limit of what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines as a mid-size car to just above the lower limit of a full-size car, with the coupe still rated as a mid-size car.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour joins Honda’s model lineup as an SUV-flavored 4-door-hatchback version of the Accord sedan. Compared to other Accords, the Crosstour has unique body styling and a raised ride height. The sole powertrain is a 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The engine includes Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Two trim levels are available: EX models are front-wheel drive only; EX-L models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link are standard on EX-L, but are not available otherwise. A navigation system is also available on the EX-L, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

Although the Coupe and Sedan versions of the 2010 Honda Accord appeal to different types of buyers, they both have the more chiseled yet voluptuous look introduced with the latest redesign of this model for 2008. With styling that carries over virtually unchanged, both models still manage to look quite fashionable and contemporary for affordable, no-fuss transportation.

The 2010 Honda Accord has a softer, more conservative appeal than its coupe cousin, but it’s still an attractive vehicle. Edmunds sings the Accord Sedan’s praises, declaring its “eye-catching styling proves that reliable transportation doesn’t have to be bland.” According to Kelley Blue Book, “a bolder front end, deeper side sculpting and more pronounced fender flares give the all-new 2009 Honda Accord Sedan a crisper, more substantial look.”Accord Sedan as “a bit anonymous from certain angles,” adding that it is “as assertive as the coupe when viewed head-on, but it loses some presence as you move around to the sides and rear.

The Accord Coupe is definitely more of an attention-getter, and most reviewers take heed. Cars.com notes the Coupe’s “chiseled look that’s highlighted in front by a narrow mesh grille and bulging front fenders.” Both Cars.com and Edmunds point out that the Coupe’s hindquarters, with a distinctive kink in the C-pillar and taillights that wrap around the side of the body, are reminiscent of the BMW 5-Series.

The Accord Coupe Concept is very close to production quality, in terms of finish and manufacturability, right down to its production-car tires. It has the classic flowing coupe look, with a long hood, fastback roof and short rear deck, yet in certain respects it’s also quite angular. Its prominent honeycomb grille has six distinct edges, and its projector beam headlights are recessed deeply into the front fenders under angular covers. This is also the most aggressive looking Accord yet, with sculpted lower-body cladding and quad exhaust outlets that scream “go fast.”

The auto-show buzz suggested the next Accord coupe will feature another first, which Honda officials didn’t deny: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The recently launched Acura RDX features Honda’s first turbocharged production engine in a car or truck in North America. By its design and performance, that 240-hp 2.3-liter four would be nicely suited to a coupe of the Accord’s sporting intent.

Safety features in the next-generation Accord were established by Honda’s Safety for Everyone initiative, which set a baseline for standard equipment on all future models: front and side-impact airbags for front-seat occupants, curtain-style head protection airbags front and rear, electronic stability control, advanced anti-lock brakes and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. ACE incorporates a front-end frame structure designed to absorb and disperse crash energy over a large area in a frontal impact. It also makes the vehicle more crash compatible in impacts between vehicles of differing ride heights.

A concept car, maybe, but this much is clear. If you like the look of the Accord Coupe Concept, you will probably like the next Accord coupe. You should be able to buy one in this year.

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour joins Honda’s model lineup as an SUV-flavored 4-door-hatchback version of the Accord sedan. Compared to other Accords, the Crosstour has unique body styling and a raised ride height. The sole powertrain is a 271-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The engine includes Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Two trim levels are available: EX models are front-wheel drive only; EX-L models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless cell-phone link are standard on EX-L, but are not available otherwise. A navigation system is also available on the EX-L, and versions so equipped are priced as separate models. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family-oriented sedans and wagons. Our Best Buys include the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Mercury Milan, and Toyota Prius. Our Recommended picks are the Kia Rondo, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, and Toyota Camry.