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Comments
In your response to post #3132, you wrote "This is a common problem with the 2008 Accords. When you buy the first year, bugs like this will crop up."
Since the 2008's have only been out for a few weeks, and there have been no other owner comments that I've been able to locate, how can you possibly make such a statement?
Could you at least post some of the (many?) links to support your contention that there is a common problem?
I looked it up on other forums and found one the posts complaining about the same issue (from a few weeks ago) and inserted the photo they used in my post here.
They debated over remote start at that site also, but the poster specifically said the engine was not running, just like the poster here.
So, there are multiple people talking about different Honda Accords at different times within a few weeks and there are not many Accords on the road yet.
I've looked it up, and my 02 Accord LX 5-speed sedan weighs 3031 lbs.
The 08 Accord EXL Navi 5MT sedan weighs 3386.
So, the 08 weighs 355 lbs more, which is more than 10% heavier.
The engine, in the meantime, has gone from a 2.3 liter VTEC with 150 hp to a 2.4 liter i-VTEC with 190 hp. That would seem to be enough of an increase to deal with the added weight, but the peak horsepower of the new engine comes at 7000 rpms, which is quite high (and far beyond where I shift). The torque of the old engine is 152 at 4900, while the torque of the new one is 162 at 4400. The torque sounds good, because I could easily see getting up to 4000 or so when merging onto the freeway. If I wind it up to that in 1st, 2nd and 3rd, I imagine that acceleration in the new car is pretty good.
I've already ordered the car, but only tested it around town and not at freeway speeds for merging and passing. I've got an appt. to test it for that on Monday. I imagine it will be fine, esp. if I realize that large tachometer is not just for show, I'm really supposed to use it!
Thanks for that comprehensive reply -- it made for interesting reading. Silver sounds like a really nice choice and matches up nicely with a black interior.
I suppose I should drive the 190 hp 4 cyl. before making up my mind on the V6. But I've been driving an '04 4 cyl. for almost four years, and it's not bad with the AC off, but when it's on, the compressor drag is noticeable to me and makes the car a little sluggish. Maybe the new 4 cyl. overcomes that.
I hear you on the VCM. On the one hand, if it works as advertised (and there's no reason to think it shouldn't), all should be okay. On the other hand, it does seem complicated. It sets up a potential 3 cyl. harmonic that has to be canceled out by the stereo, and potential 4 cyl. jitters to be canceled out by sensitive engine mounts (all that from the Accord brochure). Arrrgh. I still think I'd rather have a smooth running 6 cyl. that's always a 6 cyl., even though I appreciate the arguments for why you don't really need it to be that when you're just cruising along.
I also liked the handling of the car, but I was test driving a V-6, which is heavier with different dynamics. I thought it was a nice balance of connectedness and sedan comfort.
All in all, you sound like like you're very happy with your purchase, and that's what really counts. Hope you have years of great driving!
BTW -- have you tried to see if the entire sun visor slides out (as opposed to having an extender), the way rob2 suggested?
From what I've heard, the visors do not extend because of side/curtain airbag deployment in that area.
From what I've heard, the visors do not extend because of side/curtain airbag deployment in that area.
They are listed as sliding in my owners manual and they do indeed slide quite nicely.
When I drove an 08 EX-L i4 AUTO sedan with only 5 miles I noticed the steering wheel was very very stiff when I turned (while driving of course not while it was in park). When I later drove the same model at a different dealer that had 23 miles on it the steering wheel was a lot more loose and moved more freely and with less effort than compared to the first car. Is it possible the CV boots break in as the car is driven more?
I'm just not a big fan of the silver trim used in some of the interiors of the car. Maybe the ivory leather interior will go back to the wood like trim. Wood like trim is used in the sedan with the white diamond paint scheme with just a hint of silver elsewhere.
I know they have identical horsepower and torque ratings, but the Camry SE seems far smoother and more effortless to me.
Has anyone else test driven these two vehicles? If so, what are your impressions of the two when comparing side by side?
Mackabee
Mackabee
What model coupe did you decide on ? The LX-S, EX, EXV6? I ordered (had a dealer allocate) an 08 LX-S coupe in San Marino red- with a stick ... did they give you an idea as for a time frame of arrival ?
The cloth looks great, but I am still probably going to get the leather this time. I'm glad they've upgraded though.
p.s. - Took my new Accord out for a romping this weekend on a very twisty road between Denver and Estes Park, Colorado. Sure enough, its not a race car. . . but I was surprised/impressed with its handling. . . . very little body roll with surprisingly precise steering. I love the small and thick steering wheel. I was equally impressed with the bolstering in the front bucket seats. More supportive than I expected. I continue to be very satisfied with this car.
BTW - I have had no sticking tachometer problems with my car.
ANC operates on its own, not thru the stereo. The idea is the same as it is in Acura RL (which has ANC but no VCM). ANC works on the principle of "taking in" a noise and creating a completely out of phase "anti-noise" wave, and they cancel each other out. As I understand, it would work on a range of frequencies, not all. The effect is minimized noise (not complete elimination of). Have you used ANC headsets (like those from Bose)? The effect is supposed to be similar.
I haven't tried this in the new Accord yet (have only seen them from outside), but the new visor design may be similar to my TL's which doesn't have extenders but the visor itself slides out (unlike my 1998 Accord which had extenders).
On the one hand, if it works as advertised (and there's no reason to think it shouldn't), all should be okay. On the other hand, it does seem complicated. It sets up a potential 3 cyl. harmonic that has to be canceled out by the stereo, and potential 4 cyl. jitters to be canceled out by sensitive engine mounts (all that from the Accord brochure). Arrrgh. I still think I'd rather have a smooth running 6 cyl. that's always a 6 cyl., even though I appreciate the arguments for why you don't really need it to be that when you're just cruising along.
ANC operates independently of the stereo (which you can have off, while ANC still works). And as is the case with EX/EX-L trims in sedan (and LX-S, EX and EX-L trims in coupe), Honda has put it without VCM. Interestingly enough, Honda left EXLV6/6MT coupe out, which doesn’t have VCM and ANC. The idea with the 6MT coupe may be to let the driver feel the noises (sportier intentions than the rest of the Accord lineup).
Active Engine Mount is, again, something that several automakers have been using in their vehicles, especially by luxury brands. While Honda is coupling it with VCM (not sure if non-VCM models get it) Lexus does it in its lineup and they don’t have VCM.
I don’t mind a well-tested new technology (although, VCM is far from being new now, since Honda has had it for five years in various vehicles). And I do hope it to show up well in real world scenarios. But, perhaps, Honda should have offered a non-VCM trim on mainstream V6 for those who aren't comfortable with the idea.
So, even at 5000 rpm, you would have 10% more power in the new Accord than you did in 2002, which will basically get cancelled out due to added weight. So, at lower speeds, you may not feel any difference (although, I think the new Accords are geared shorter than before, so it may feel friskier than the old). If you go beyond 5000 rpm, which you will while merging on highway, then the new Accord will be faster.
While I think the coupe is the best looking Honda in years, there's one thing that looks odd in pics- the front seam of the hood stands out. On the sedan, it's the joint with the grille, so no problem, but on the coupe it's sheetmetal on both sides. Kind of like the big gap on the last Integra. Is it less obvious on the street?
That's one reason I like black on cars-it conseals the gaps and contrasting black trim.
Anyway, to respond to the idea that the 08 EX/EXL 4 cylinder 5MT is sluggish, I just have to differ.
This engine is smooooth and loves to rev high! In my 02 5MT when you go above 4000 rpms it feels, to be blunt, a little like a sewing machine working overtime. The 08 EX MT is just getting its second wind at 4k, and it purrs like a happy kitten. I took it up to 5k a few times (well below the redline of 7100), and it just felt like this is what this engine likes to do.
The new engine feels Acura all the way. I would not be surprised at all if it's basically a version of the TSX engine.
Anyway, acceleration onto the freeway with an uphill ramp is no problem at all. Just hold it in each gear a little longer, and it has nice and smooth power.
Someone used to a 6 cylinder might feel it's not enough, but to me it felt great. I like the big tach, because it's not just for show you really use it on this machine.
On the rest of the car, I have to say I felt pretty much only positives. The EXL has nicely padded armests and leather (or leather looking) sewn padding on each door. Classy. I like that they've returned to the covered cup holders.
Oh, and the premium stereo is great! I brought in a CD that I knew, and tried it just before we got there on our 02 LX stereo--which is certainly ok. The premium stereo was like opening up a new world of sound--the highs were clearer and crisper, the vocals warmer, the bass much more authoritative. So, imho, the premium sound system rocks (at least compared to the stock stereo systems on most other competitive cars).
Again, I'm feeling like this car is the Acura Legend or RL that I missed out on.
And yet the sporting quality is still there. When I accelerated hard around a corner (with my wife grabbing the "oh Jesus!" handle) the tires gripped much better than my 02. Not surprising, since my 02 has thin 15" tires while the 08 EX has fat and wide 17" V-rated tired and wheels.
The one-touch sunroof/moonroof was a big hit with me and the kids. Slick!
Overall, the 08 Accord is a very impressive car. I thought that with the first test drive, but the 2nd and more extensive test drive confirms it.
The 7th generation is and was a great Accord. The 8th generation may not be for all tastes, but I think that those willing to put it through its paces will find it to be worthy, and in many ways the best Accord ever.
The styling seems fine to me. I love the side view, and I'm steadily warming up to the front and rear views.
Now I need to wait about 2 months while the factory builds just for us a white with Ivory interior EXL 4 cylinder with Navi and the 5 speed manual. I can't wait....
Mack
The quality of the materials disappoints. Honda did the same thing Toyota did. You can see it in the smaller power window and power lock switches, harder door panel plastics, etc. It's a shame that these two fine automakers have to resort to cost cutting by using inferior materials that ultimately hurt the consumer. (gets off soap box)
:shades:
Mackabee
Q
You did spend lots of time and pages on explaining the gear ratio, span etc., they are informative to those that might be interested, and the theory you stated are all correct -> except perhaps the most vital part: suggest you get the gear ratio number right (I checked that). With wrong data, all derived result are cooked.
Also you missed out on one crucial - perhaps the most crucial part - the 6 years old Honda 5-speed is (ok relatively) slow in downshift.
What I want to say is simply, while the V6 powertrain on all these major competitors are all acceptable (as your earlier comment, who "needs" more than 200 hp and 4-speed for family sedan?), Honda is falling behind on its V6 engine and transmission (against Toyota, Nissan) at this moment, and they need to correct that. You can spend 10 pages trying to tell people otherwise, but the fact that this much convincing is needed says it all.
Are you saying 0-60 time is for "normal person"? Are you telling me a normal person understand the point of 6-speed transmission, or is it just the count of cogs (read: marketing) that they go by?
I'm assuming you're one of those normal people. Let us start with you.
What advantage does a 6AT hold over 5AT? Let us begin there.
The Accord performs just as well, gets just as good fuel mileage, and is just as or more reliable. So where are they falling behind? Honda has always matched their engines with the transmissions to get the most out of them. Doing more with less, has always been the Honda way.
Actually made out of RUBBER not vinyl....desiged for good fit and have deep grooves which hold a lot of sand (from the beach)snow/ice/water if you live in that climate like I did in the past. Took the included carpeted matts, Std feature in 03, out of both my EX's upon delivery and replaced with Weathertechs. When I sell both of the above I have new carpeted matts to put in the vehicles