2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan

scvfuzz

I called Norm Reeves Honda and they're only offering the '08 Sedan at $500 below sticker. I also checked they're inventory and they're claiming they have 400, but only 3 were being offered for sale. They'll say anything to get you through the doors.

natenj1971

It was in Wood Ridge NJ, traveling Route 17 North. Black EX or EXL - could not tell if it was a V6 or V4 (had 17in rims).
I passed it before I realized what it was..then slowed down to get a closer look. Then she took the U turn exit so while I got caught at the light she passed ahead of me again.
Guess it's a good sign they are already out on the road. To me it didn't look as much like an old Saturn as it does in the photos.

stuartfl

Bought a silver EX 4cyl last night. Cancelled a deal on a 2008 SE Camry to get the Accord and it was worth it. I am still adjusting to it but it fels much more upscale than I expected. Bought the EX because I thought the LX-P felt a little underpowered. The EX is the way to go. Couldn't get any more than 500 under MSRP but they started 2000 + add ons over MSRP and were selling them for that. I wanted it for 300 over invoice but they weren't in the mood for that yet.

stuartfl

When I initially saw the pictures I thought it looked a little like a Saturn also. But, in person it looks nothing like a Saturn, more like a 5 series BMW with a twist of Acura

mattgg1

stuartfl -

You say you bought the EX because you thought the LX-P felt a little underpowered.

However, the EX has only 13 more horsepower, and the HP peak is 500 RPM higher than the LX. Secondly, the max torque ratings are virually identical.

So do you really feel a difference in the extra 13 horsepower? I'd think that would be barely noticeable in daily driving. Expecially if you have to rev that sucker to 7000 RPM to realize the additional HP.

roadglide1

Reading the messages on this car, the auto will be a sucess, living in the bay area of ca., the dealers here know they can get a premium above the msrp for the car's, people here will pay, it has always been that way here and always will, other than that I have my eye on a coupe with the 6 speed, nice.

robertsmx

EX is geared shorter in the middle gears, so that takes care of additional revs (the engine will rev higher for same speed, and have more power at any speed).

In addition to that, it is possible that the EX engine has slightly better low end performance. I haven't gone into technical details of the differences between the two variations.

blackexv6

My local dealer has the same eight Accords now since the release date.

The dealerships are fooling themselves if they think full sticker price will hold for more than a month.

After all, its just an accord. The Camry & Altima can be purchased for a liitle over invoice.

robertsmx

Dealerships can afford to play that game if their inventory is moving. Or, they may be trying to get rid of 2007s first.

That said, here is the fun part. If I were to buy an Accord today, my pick will be EX-L. The MSRP on it is $25,860.

I built a Camry XLE to have leather and stability control (to match the Accord), the MSRP comes out to $27.4K. So, in fact, the invoice would be only a few hundred dollar less than the MSRP on Accord. And if I really liked the Accord, the difference won't be enough to sway my decision.

bluebmx

robr2

Did you buy an accord from Herb Chambers in Burlington? What's your impression about the dealer? I am asking those because I am interested in buying a new car soon.

master_ryu

I visited Bernardi Honda in Natick, MA today and the sales manager told me that the coupe will be in sometimes next in the next three weeks to a month. Has anybody else been told the same thing.

Wow, I saw the 08 sedan for the first time and I was really amazed by its appearance. I've seen pictures of it, and I just thought that the sedan is a decent looking car; but up close everything just comes together and it's quite a sexy machine. Even my bro-in-law who went with me was pleasantly surprised; he saw the pictures and didn't think it would look that good in person. In NO damn way does the sedan invoke images of a Saturn, Hyundai, Saab, or any other car some have accused it of copying. One more thing; the car doesn't seem any noticeably bigger than the previous gen. To me it looks just about the size of any midsize car.

Hmm..before I visited that dealership I already made up my decision to get the coupe. I never thought about it twice. Now that I've seen the sedan, I don't know. I definitely would appreciate the extra space and doors, and it's elegantly sporty enough. Heh

rickem

I echo the comments that it resembled the Saturn or even Sonata in the pictures, but up close its absolutely stunning in comparison to the aforementioned.

I'd rank it even with the Altima in good looks in the class.

wayne21

You must work for honda! They gave me the same suggestion and I asked how you put it in 4th gear. Well, you can't "just put it in fourth", but it's the same transmission you had. If I hadn't drive before I may be tempted to believe that, but at 50 years of age with over 1 million miles under my belt in cars, I actually felt insulted. The 2000 accords were not powered for a 5 speed. When mine downshifts on its own on just about any hill it tachs about 3800 rpm at 65 mph. I will but a new car this year, but am reluctant to run into honda transmission issues again.

punkyjunior895

Can someone provide a link, with what the new accord models are at invoice prices?, thanks

punkyjunior895

Anyone know when the coupe comes out? word was the 20th, and they are already advertising it on tv. You can't find the car in dealerships yet, I would really like to see it, and I find it retarded the guys at dealerships don't know

robertsmx

You don't need to work for Honda to know that you could select a lower gear uphill. And this is how you do it...
Select D4 (if your car has 5-speed auto) or select D3 (if your car has 4-speed auto). The idea is to prevent getting into the tallest gear. However, with a Honda, you don't need to do that. It already does it for you, using grade logic. Any time car encounters an incline (ascent or descent), it will pick a lower gear for you.

I'm not sure what you mean by 2000 Accord not being powered "for" a 5-speed. If you meant they were powered by a 4-speed auto, you're right (I have a 1998). At 65 mph, on a level ground, the auto will rev around 2400 rpm. If you see 3800 rpm, you're probably in third gear already (not the top gear).

stuartfl

It is 20 more horsepower according to the sticker and the owners manual and I did feel the difference. Maybe it is the gearing but try it for yourself. The salesperson even admitted the LXP feels sluggish from a dead stop. I felt a big difference in the pickup from a stop and get up and go on the road. It is a BIG CAR. It is much nicer in person than in the pictures. I had a deal signed on a Camry SE at 300 over invoice and the car was in but the EX Accord just won me over with the ride, handling and looks. If I didn't drive the EX,I probably would still be debating the Camry because of the pickup in the LX. Just my opinion.

buffalony1

Hi,

I need your inputs on the following -

I am planning to buy a car in the next three days. I ruled out Camry 08. The three cars that are on my comparision are:-

2008 Accord EX-L Automatic - $25,000.
2007 Accord EX w/Leather - $21,500
Nissan Altima 2008 - Around 23,000K - 2.5L, with the SL Package.

I am not sure if I should put $3,500 premium to the new accord, compared to the 07 accord of the same trim level.

Again I am not sure about the Altima. I liked it, but I am not sure if I should go for it.

punkyjunior895

The answer is simple my friend.

Q:If you are looking to keep this car long term, say 5+ yrs then the Accord is the way to go because of it's quality.

A : So get the Accord

What people seem to forget about the great price on an older model in this case the 2007, is the deprecation value. Look at it this way, the older Generation Accord was out from 2003-2007. If you buy a 2007 now, and keep it for 5 yrs say, then you will be driving a car on the road for 5 yrs, BUT will have 9 yrs of outdated styling [from 03 onward]. Dealers also don't tell you about deprecation. Sure, your getting a great deal today, but that car won't be worth a lot when you want to sell it after 5 yrs, why? because within the next 5 yrs the newer generation accord will be out, so your car will be outdated by 2 generations, this current one and the next one, giving you poorer resale value. Plus the fact since the car is older as your buying it, and considering deprecation value, you won't get a good interest rate compared to an 08 because since the car will drop in value faster, assuming you don't make a payment and they reposess the car, they need to have taken back a good amount of money so they don't get screwed when they gotta resell it at a lower price, get what I'm saying?

Therefore, just get the 2008, it will be a better investment, and you will get the quality you need instead of a Nissan [this comes from a guy who owned 2 Nissan's and had loads of problems from one model was an 03, other an 02]

yeischkob

Buffalony1,

The previous reply about depreciation and the aging of the previous generation makes sense to me. That's worth considering.

I would add the following: if you spend some time looking at Honda's specs and press releases about the 08 Accord at the Honda website, there really are a lot of differences that add up. I had wondered the same thing--maybe a yr-end 07 model makes more sense? But after doing this reading, I say go with the new model assuming you don't mind being among the first to try it out.

Secondly, I don't know about you, but I am consistently annoyed with myself when I go with the cheaper deal when I could have afforded something better or something I wanted more. That's true whether it's a set of kitchen knives or a winter coat, or a car. Assuming you have some kind of trade-in or can make a decent downpayment, will your monthly payments on the 08 really be so much more that you'll regret having the latest engineering? If it honestly fits into your budget, enjoy it.

Finally, I tried to build an 08 Altima on the Nissan website but couldn't add stability control without buying one of their expensive packages (was it technology/navigation?) Maybe just my error. But if stability control is important, note that the Accord has it standard. Just a thought. Someone please correct me if that's bad information about the Altima.

Since this is my first post, I must end it with an emoticar.

thegraduate

You don't need to work for Honda to know that you could select a lower gear uphill. And this is how you do it...
Select D4 (if your car has 5-speed auto)

I think his point may be that there is no "D4" to select. There is, however, D3, 2, and 1.

elroy5

Buff1,

The simple answer really is, which car do you like best? If the 07 has everything you want, why pay more for one that will just "look" newer. As far as resale value, regardless of how many years you own the car, I doubt the resale value difference will be more than the $3,500 price difference at purchase. Is having a "New Looking" car important to you? Is the extra room in the 08 something you like? Only you can make the decision that's right for you. Sorry.

richardga73

Buffalony, let me put my 3cents in. The 2007 accord has had 5 years to work out all the "mistakes" in design and manufacturing and will be the best example of that model made. With the 2008 looming over the horizon you should be able to get this 2007 car considerably below invoice, maybe as much as 2 grand if you wait. All the jumpers are rushing to the dealers for the new design but my dealer down the street was asking 700 above list because of "limited availability" which shows you what asses they are and how stupid anyone would be for buying one now. Everyone knows including any expert you ask (including an article in consumerreports) that all makes the first year or two are going to be flawed. How flawed is a relative term. But even "Honda and Toyota both have significantly more problems, as much as three times, the first two years compared to the third year". My advice is to lease the 2007 for two years and if you are still in love with the new design you can buy it in 2010. Meanwhile you can enjoy your flawless car and laugh at the idiots who have to bring their cars in to the dealers for recalls and inevitable problems.

master_ryu

People have different values and priorities. Just because early bird adopters buy the very first version of something doesn't make them ignorant idiots. They know that they will have to fork more money over They know that the product may have some problems initially; but still there is a very real enjoyment factor of owning something new, something that you know that only you in your neighborhood will have for a while. Some people want to be different, even if for several months. They know that it's not economically sound to pay $3000 for a car that is only superficially better. But again, this is all relative. $3000 means different things to different people in terms of value. The prestige of owning the newest thing is part of that value, and you can discredit that.

luv_my_job

The MSRP on the above two models are 22160 v. 25860 a ditterence of 3700. There appear to be 18 feature differences,

LX P EX L Difference

22160 25860 3700

My Value
177 HP Engine 190 HP 150
16" alloy Wheels 17" Alloy 100
Auto ON Headlights Auto ON/OFF 10
NONE Sunroof 1000
na Ext Mirror Heated 25
Single Zone A/C Dual Zone 25
na S Wheel Leather wrap 15
Std Int Accents Premium 25
na Auto Dim Rr View mirror 25
na Blue Ambient counsel light 5
Cloth/vinyl Seats Leather 600
na Seats Heated 25
Manual Seats Power Lumbar support 25
160 watt am fm Stereo 270 Watt am fm
CD single Stereo CD 6 disk 100
6 speakers Stereo 7 speakers w/sub woofer
na Stereo XM w/sub 0
na Compass 25
na Ext Temperature indicator 25
2180

While I'll still buy the EXL around Turkey Day when the car can be had for 250 over invoice, IMHO the marketing gurus at Honda have again enhanced their margins on the EXL. Based on historical markup/margins the invoice on the EXL 4 cyc AT should be 23429 v the LX-P at 20077 excluding fgt but I don't have confirmation of those numbers yet.
For those who don't want a hole in the roof or the leather( my soft spot) the LX-P is relley a better value

hkl

Sounds like you got pretty good trade in value for a 99 !
Congratulations.

tallman1

Therefore, just get the 2008, it will be a better investment,

I'm sure you didn't mean it this way, but a car is NOT an investment... at least, not this car.

maxamillion1

Ummm..Civic sales the first year were actually...disappointing

Further if the Camry, which OUTSELLS the Accord is heavily discounted, the Accord will be too.

natenj1971

Swung by Joyce Honda in NJ. They have a lot in stock (all sedans). Sat in an EXL with Navi (4 cyl) in the show room. I don't fit comfortably in the 2007 sedan (6'4, 220). My right knee/leg bumps into the curve of the dash/center console. The 2008 has a MUCH more spacious layout. My right leg fit with no problem. I am hopeful the coupe will be as spacious.

cookster

I dropped by my local Honda dealer today and drove an 08 EX-L V6. It feels like a much bigger car than my 07 Accord. The dash layout is more cluttered looking than the previous model. Some of the fit and finish items ie. centre console storage bins are flimsier feeling. The trunk does not seem to have as much usable space as it narrows down more at the pass through. The ride seems a bit better though there seems to be a bit more body roll than my 07. It does not feel as nimble as my 07 I guess because of the extra mass and length. It seems to be moving around more on the supension. Very solid feeling car over rough roads. It definetly looks better in the metal than in pictures. I am still undecided on the styling - it looks good from the front and side but the back end is a bit generic looking. The doors don't close with the solid thunk that my 07 does. I guess this is nit picking on what will probably be my next car.

0hms

I've already bought the EX-L V6 6MT w/ Navi, and it's not coming into the dealership until late October-1st week of November. The order that the dealers put in last week comes in last week of November-1st week of December. These dates were regarding my car, but if you're looking for the auto or the 4 cylinder, they will be coming in sooner.

ezshift5

...bought the EX-L V6 6MT

.....your 6M performance perception is solicited herewith.

2008 6M coupe really appeals (but my GenVII 6M coupe has both performance and fuel economy - - - - so the lack of 6M VCM has killed my new car lust............

best, ez....

richardga73

Master ryu, what are you a chinese rapper? Just kidding. Look, I'm really not a snob as you can tell by my last post about the 2007 accord but I'm going to say something snobby but with an eye on practicality. I dont know about you but a Honda is an economy family vehicle. People dont see you drive down the street and think "only he is the only one in the neighborhood that has one". No, they think "oh thats the new honda, ours is just fine, whe'll wait for the prices to go down in a few months and grab one". You are in the wrong thread. You should be in the luxury section!!!3000 dollars is 10 per cent of the price!

buffalony1

Hello All:

Thanks for your suggestions; they were really helpful.

Today I had a tough day, full of negotiations; I am not sure if this is a good deal, but this is what I got:

2008 Accord EX-L, Automatic for $24,500.

I went through all comments on the Accord. After going through all the posting, I thought $24,500 wouldn't be a bad bet on this car.

Though invoice price is not out yet (at least I do not know it), I guess it would be between $23,800-$24,200; this is purely a guesstimate as the 2007 Accord with same trim has a $23,300 Invoice). I guess I might have bought this at a 300-700 above the invoice. I guess that should be reasonable;

Did anyone else buy it at a better price?

I am not sure how I am feeling about owning this new Accord, but I am feeling...proud that I did negotiate a good price on a product, for which others are paying a $2000 premium.......;)

jet10000

For those who haven't got to test drive yet, here's a video from one of the dealerships of their first test drive:

http://www.diyhonda.com/podcasts/episode76_accord_first_drive_large.mov

master_ryu

Lol, I didn't get the chinese rapper part....it doesn't matter what kind of car it is, styling and the freshness in the design play an important role in the purchase process. Otherwise, Honda and every other "family sedan" makers wouldn't be redesigning every five years. Besides, the Accord now isn't just a bland "grocery getter". Its offering a whole slew of vehicle advances and gadgetry that people actually enjoy driving it. Plus, relatively speaking, it ain't an "economy" family sedan by any means when high end models of the competitors' offerings can be had for thousands less.

0hms

If you're buying a car for it's performance, then why would you want VCM kicking in? And as far as the Gen VII coupe, there are plenty on the lots still if you want to purchase it. I wanted the new model, and I bought it fully loaded and discounted. I can't complain. The performance of this car is yet to be fully tested, but the new suspension combined with the 18" tires and larger displacement means that this car will have a completely different feel. It already has an undeniably more aggressive look. If those aren't reasons enough, the 1" larger Navi screen with the Handsfree Bluetooth makes for an easier driving experience when you're driving a manual transmission. I'll be sure to let you know how it drives in the next few weeks. Wait, I forgot to mention the 8" subwoofer, heh heh. Man... perhaps the things I lust for (improved technology, +24 bhp, improved suspension, largest tires fitted on a Honda production car) just don't turn you on. Haha. Let's see if the new coupe garners more than 5% of Honda's total auto sales like the Gen VII you so proudly taut did.

Regards,
-Ohms

mitchflorida

"I am not sure how I am feeling about owning this new Accord"

Oops, that's a red flag right there.

blackexv6

Interesting comparison. The EXL is a good value in my opinion considering all of extra features. The 270 watt sound system with subwoofer is one option I really want. However, can live without leather seats. (Camry offers the JBL system in the LE & alloys for $24k)

The LX-P (last year's SE) vs. EX cloth is really a head-scratcher. I'm trying figure out why to spend an extra $1700 for a sunroof, 17" wheels, & 10 extra HP. Although, historically EX models retain their value than LX or SE models.

jaxs1

JBL on the 4 cylinder Camry LE is listed as an option, but you are unlikely to ever find one that way or even be able to order one and ever receive it.
That is a phantom or paper option in the majority of the country the same a VSC on 4 cylinder Camrys.
Only compare real and available choices you can see on lots.

orangelebaron

Not all new cars have bugs. I have one of the first of the new style 2005 Subaru Outbacks (built April 04).
I have 47,000 miles and have had no real problems yet (other than an uncomfortable seat)

orangelebaron

Is a vast improvement. In the 03-07, my knees are way up off the seat. In the 08, I'm sitting higher up with all of my upper legs supported by the bottom cushion. It would be nice if all new cars could have a comfortable back seat like this new Accord.

robertsmx

If you're buying a car for it's performance, then why would you want VCM kicking in?

For similar reasons that you don't drive around in only first (~45 mph) and second gear (~75 mph), and an occasional third gear.

beedublu

I haven't test driven one yet, but I did swing by my dealer on this Sunday afternoon to get my first close-up look. My brief impressions:

2) Bigger interior, as others have pointed out, and more comfortable seats. Really very comfortable.

Yes, it does look more spacious than before.

3) Looked nicer on the outside (to me) than it does in the pictures. More stylish than the previous generation. Not nearly as bland as others have complained about. I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I liked it just fine.

More stylish than before? I didn't think so when I first saw the pictures online, and I still don't think so. I can just picture my parents (or grandparents, even) looking at it (from inside their Oldsmobiles) and thinking "My, what a pretty car!"

4) Gauge display looked good. Not as bright as the previous generation, but I was driving in the day, so didn't see what the display would look like at night.

5) Way too many buttons and knobs for the radio, temperature, etc. Looked like a rocket ship. They should work on reducing the clutter there.

Gauge cluster does look nice, sort of like the CR-Vs. The previous generation's speedometer was larger, I think. I agree with you on the buttons, although the LX and LX-P models (without the navi and auto temp control) seem well organized to me. And at least the buttons are large and labeled with readable letters.

One thing that really turned me off were the wheel covers on the LX. Ugh. Go for the LX-P, at the least, if only for the alloys!

CSF

A few months after leasing my 05 Honda Accord v6 w/Navi, I swore I would never lease or buy another one.

There's an aggravating popping noise in the windshield/A pillar area on the driver's side in cold weather, the paint chips and scratches WAY too easily, and I've had problems with the tray covers in the interior not working properly.

Now, it's almost time to turn the 05 in, and I find myself really liking the looks of the 08. (never say never, right?!)

So, I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has an 08 on how you feel about the overall quality of the vehicle.

Also, anybody who has an 08 that can compare the Navi system to that of an earlier model I'd like to know more about any improvements to the Navi System.

0hms

That's clever, Robert. You should stay away from manual transmissions if you think that redlining is standard practice when driving. The lack of VCM improves low and mid-range torque. If you want the coupe with VCM, then buy the automatic. I intentionally bought the 6MT to avoid the VCM. I wanted a faster car with an obvious hit on the mpg. 17/25 isn't much different than the 07 Accord coupe. If you convert to the 2008 standards, the 07 is 18/27. Not that big of a difference.

walterquint

Well, that's the thing...the Accord's competition has gotten so much better nowadays. The new Altima is really good, esp. the coupe. And Toyota deals aggressively on the Camry.

Except for Ferrari and Porsche, I can't think of any car co. that dares charge over sticker for an extended period. I can't envision a scenario where anyone would pay $37k-$40k for any Accord, and they surely won't drop $30k on a 4cyl version.

Maybe another reason the 2008s aren't moving so quickly is the gas mileage: it's lower than the previous model. Only 21/31 for the 4cyl?? What gives?????

keitha3

Regarding the mileage, I don't find it too far off the competition such as Altimas (23/31 probably due to the CVT transmission), Camry(21/31), or Sonata (20/31).

It's right in there with the competition.

keitha3

Also, the 6 cylinder beats out all of the above with the Nissans and Toyota both getting 19/28 and the Hyundai getting 20/26.

beedublu

Maybe another reason the 2008s aren't moving so quickly is the gas mileage: it's lower than the previous model. Only 21/31 for the 4cyl?? What gives?????

Remember that the 08 EPA figures are computed differently from previous years. If you go to the web site www.fueleconomy.gov, they provide a "translation". I think the 21/31 is actually equal to or slightly better than the 24/34 for the last year's 4 Cylinder/auto.