2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan

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Comments

  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    Yes, it looks like all is well because the Ipod's charging icon does not come on when the key's not in the ignition.

    tex08honda - you may not realize that your ipod will never charge using the 1/8" jack on the 08 Accord. Further, if you are playing music through the ipod, it will not automatically shut off when the car is turned off. The ipod will automatically shut down after its current playlist,artist,album, etc. is finished playing.

    When using an ipod (or other MP3 device), the ipod is supplying a signal to the car and you are only discharging the i-pod, not the car battery. So, you can leave the device running for as long as it will run and, as long as the stereo is turned off, there will be no drain on the car's battery. Really, the ipod/mp3 interface on the 08 Accords is nothing more than an auxiliary input to the car stereo.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    You can now longer rely on past reliability for new models.
    CR used to assume new models would be reliable if past models were, but the Toyota Camry V6 and other vehicles from brands that are normally very reliable have proven otherwise.
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Unfortunately I would have to agree with you and that makes a previously "no brainer" decision a much tougher one, and argues for keeping any car you get, that is reliable, for a very long time.
  • shado4shado4 Member Posts: 287
    I saw a press release today from American Honda saying that sales of the Accord were down 12.7% from a year ago, and down almost 10% year-to-date, yet Fit, Civic, and CR-V sales were way up.

    Press Release

    Is the Accord too big and expensive for the current economic climate? Are there other factors at play here?
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Well, across the board the larger vehicles' sales were down, but this is the 1st year of a new generation of Accords - you would think sales would be up. If this were year 5 of the usual 5 year model run and the model was stale that might not be so surprising. Very odd indeed.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    The Fit had nowhere to go but up because there was a very limited number of Fits available for sale the year before.
    I'm surprised that the Accord sales didn't rise after a new design that many people were waiting for. There was a shortage of new Accords the first couple of months, but not anymore.
    Now the coupes are still manufactured in low numbers, so they will be in low supply until the majority of the demand is filled shortly.
    They will keep the coupe manufacturing level low because the market for coupes is much smaller than the market for 4 door sedans.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Well, if Honda continues to have the strict pricing, they will literally lose consumers, though they have great ratings, but the competition numbers looks much brighter than Honda right now. We are always looking for a deal, and with the method Honda is using right now, it obviously not working too well. Also you have to realize they were offering amazing deals on the 07's to get them moving. There is way too much competition! Hopefully, the good reviews, and change in rates will get them moving.

    Also, look at the overall economy, that plays a huge roll too. Honda better getting to working on that strict pricing and rates!

    However, 2 dealers told me today, that the lease rates are changing tomorrow!
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Hopefully, they drop them significantly rather than down to .00225.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Yep, I am convince that I should get the 08 Accord, because it has scored amazing reviews, and rated top in the list in Car and Driver, and is in the high end magazines scoring great reviews there. With that said, I am confident in my decision.

    With warmer weather coming soon, I am getting anxious. Crack open the roof, and roll down the windows, pop in a cd, and off you go! but, you know, the hard part is picking from the dull colors offered... I have not decided on which color that makes it really stand out. I thought, black on black, tint windows, spoiler. Or white, with tinted windows.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    Not everything is amazing in reviews and tests.
    Most important failing: NHTSA rear side impact tests are not good at all.

    Less important annoyances:
    The car is a bit noisy on the highway for a new design.
    Dash covered in a mass of confusing near identical buttons.
    Stereos are weak in sound quality even on the highest trim models, but especially on the lower trims.
    Rear seat folds in one piece rather than split like most other sedans.
    Gooseneck hinges in trunk ready to crush your groceries.
    Issues with VCM engagement being noticeable and annoying on the highway.
    Ivory cloth interior is a poor, yellowish color and is the only way to get white exterior.
  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    I have the 08 4cyl. EX-L and have never really thought much of the 08 coupe. Also, I have a general rule . . . .I hate blue cars. Then, this weekend, I parked next to a new, Belize Blue Pearl, 6cyl, 6-speed manual coupe -- now I'm a believer. Smoke'n Holies! What a great look'n car. Its my car, but with a more cohesive design, a strong engine (w/o the VCM complications) and with a 6-speed manual transmission . . . . . . . anyone with a Blue Coupe want to trade . . . . . i'll leave all 6 CDs in the changer to sweeten the deal . . . . anyone? :P
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Yes,

    but all of those annoyances all pretty minor, now the VCM is another story,
    that does not apply to me since I am getting the 4cyl.

    I am also upgrading my stereo system in it, with Memphis Audio all the around with a matching 4ch amp. I did that to my 06, I had to, I love my music on the road!

    I drive an accord, and it does have some road noise, but I kind of like it, because I feel your connected with the road. It is mainly from the tires, and stiff ride, which I like as well.

    I will also get the leather, although I wish the offered the black leather on the white, its not that I don't like tan,because I do, but the black looks very sleek, and I have black interior now, and love it. It would make the white more appealing.

    Good points, but all minor for me though.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    The crash test results are dangerous and the road noise would get more annoying the longer you had the car.
  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    bvdj84 -- If your replacing the stereo anyway, and don't have to have some of the other EX-L options, perhaps you should considering buying an EX in the color you want and then putting custom black leather in your car. I seriously considered that option before I bought my EX-L. The after-market seats are considerably less than the upcharge for the "L" option and they can be custom designed out of better leather -- its not a bad option -- even more so if you don't need to pay for the upgraded EX-L stereo. Just a thought . . . .
  • glennglennglennglenn Member Posts: 55
    Who Makes the Best Cars?
    Posted: 2008-02-29 21:25:16


    Overall, the best cars sold in the U.S. are made by Honda. That's the conclusion of a recent analysis conducted by Consumer Reports that looks at the reliability, performance, fuel economy, comfort, interior fit and finish, and ergonomics of 262 vehicles we've recently tested.

    Advice You Can Use

    30-Day Free Trial
    Honda, with an overall score of 78, is followed closely by Toyota (75) and Subaru (72). BMW, Mazda, Nissan, and Volkswagen are tied at 71, after rounding.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Last week our District Rep for our Service Dept. visited our store.

    Theis is the "go to" guy who hears EVERYTHING service related.

    I asked him if he had been hearing of VCM complaints and I got the same confused, blank I have received from our Service Advisors and Service Managers.

    He had no idea what I was talking about either.
  • jam1000jam1000 Member Posts: 182
    And yet there are multiple posts on the VCM board (and perhaps this one as well) in which eminently reasonable sounding posters report on conversations with Honda tech people at their dealerships or with American Honda in which the Honda reps say that Honda is aware of the VCM &/or transmission issues and is working on a fix. So, either all of these people are just making it up, the people they are talking to are making it up, or American Honda is doing a poor job of communicating issues uniformly across its dealerships.

    I do find it exceptionally hard to believe that American Honda has not received complaints about VCM. It may at this stage be dismissing customer concerns as either too few to warrant a fix or as coming from overly sensitive drivers. History shows time and again, however, that the successful companies recognize issues early and nip them in the bud, while unsuccessful companies stonewall and pretend there is no issue when there is. Look at what has happened to Toyota's reputation lately. I hope the same does not happen to Honda.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I do find it exceptionally hard to believe that American Honda has not received complaints about VCM. It may at this stage be dismissing customer concerns as either too few to warrant a fix or as coming from overly sensitive drivers. History shows time and again, however, that the successful companies recognize issues early and nip them in the bud, while unsuccessful companies stonewall and pretend there is no issue when there is. Look at what has happened to Toyota's reputation lately. I hope the same does not happen to Honda.

    Exactly, they may not be receiving any more complaints about VCM, than say the lumbar support in the driver's seat. If you read the 08 VCM Accord reviews, the driver seat (lumbar support and head restraint) get more complaints than anything else. So Honda may be more concerned about fixing the seat problem, than working on the few customers with VCM issues. Some people have a problem with VCM, and some don't. But everyone seams to hate the head restraint.
  • cstilescstiles Member Posts: 465
    Hey, I like the seats in my 6speed coupe! =)
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    And some people like VCM. Every car gets complaints. I'm just saying the number of complaints about VCM, may be small compared to others. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Many VCM owners may have some issues, and are just living with it, and not speaking up.
  • jam1000jam1000 Member Posts: 182
    I think you have taken that one sentence of my entire post out of context. The point I was making, perhaps not sufficiently clearly, was that, assuming the accuracy of the multiple posts to the effect that some Honda reps. have indicated that Honda is working on fixes to the issues we have been discussing, other Honda reps' public dismissal of these issues as non-issues is a false pretense that will come back to bite Honda in the [non-permissible content removed], just as similar tactics are doing to Toyota.
  • st1300st1300 Member Posts: 59
    The exact same thing with the headlights...people are just living with it..wait til spring and A/C 's click on..watch the complaint boards light up then.can anyone say Nissan Maxima.
  • rog2867rog2867 Member Posts: 34
    I have the ex-l v6 nav. I have no problem with headlights, or vcm, and what is the problem with the seat? I had more problems with the seat in my old 05 ex. So far my wife and I love the car and have not had any problems.
  • angieandrohanangieandrohan Member Posts: 9
    Honda misses this year, I am not surprise I am a Honda Accord mania but I wasn't feeling the 2008 Accord at all definitely don’t like the look the back looks as simple as a 2002 Saturn, it just doesn’t even looks like a Honda. :(
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    To each his own. Looks are strictly subjective and most people disagree with you.

    No matter how great the changes are between models there are always a few people who think the older model was better.

    I hear this every model change.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    "Does Honda offer an HD Radio option?"

    No.

    "If not how easily can it be added to the 2008 Accord?"

    Fairly easy if you know how to do installs.


    That's like saying it's fairly easy to perform surgery if you're a surgeon. :confuse: Anything's "fairly easy" if you already know how to do it.
  • coolkatj5coolkatj5 Member Posts: 4
    On that note... has anyone switched out their XM radio for Sirius. I've heard of a chip change but not sure how this works, especially on the new accords. I'm hoping they allow the two to merge soon, because I really hate all the extra wires I need to run in order to listen to Sirius. If you have any info it would greatly be appreciated.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    I have the ex-l v6 nav. I have no problem with headlights, or vcm, and what is the problem with the seat? I had more problems with the seat in my old 05 ex. So far my wife and I love the car and have not had any problems.

    Many owners have complained that the head restraint is too far forward, and not adjustable. Others say the lumbar support, or the shape of the seat, makes it uncomfortable. The point was that owners are complaining to Honda about various problems, and the owners who complain the most, will be the one's to get the most attention. Owners who say "others have reported the problem, and brought their car to the dealership, with no resolution, so why should I waste my time bringing my car in, or contacting Honda?" Because the more owners who complain about the VCM, the higher it will be on the list of priorities at Honda.
  • bearblackbearblack Member Posts: 8
    Funny thing is that your statment is entirely true. Honda, including the reps and especially the dealers are just blocking their ears to these numerious reports of unhappy customers. Just remember, made in America says it all!
    I now believe Honda Japan is never gets the facts about these numerious problems. Here no evel, See no evel!
    Hay, here is my 2 cents, don't buy a Honda. Me, never again. And that comes from a 2 Honda owner. (07 civic) (08 Accord) And this was my 9th Honda car over 20 yrs.
    Funny but just today I picked up my Civic from the dealer who replaced the drivers door inside handle (broken return spring) and a new winshield wiper motor. Now it's gotta go back, as the dealer (service) screwed up the job and the wipers no stop 1/4 way up the windshield. More frustration!
  • st1300st1300 Member Posts: 59
    Well folks the numbers don't lie

    From American Honda
    same month sales
    jan 2008 compared to jan 2007..sales of accords down -6.7%

    feb 2008 compared to feb 2007..sales of accords down -12.7% with one extra selling day.. effectively doubling the loss from jan. to feb.

    With a brand new model this has to have Honda wondering what they did. Anyone remember the anticipation of the new model?
  • sparklandsparkland Member Posts: 121
    To emphasize the negative, if the terrible weather in January 2007 is taken into account, effectively driving car sales down--the sales numbers for January 2008 are even more disconcerting.
  • stereosucksstereosucks Member Posts: 5
    Can anyone tell me the easiest way to remove these from the 2008 honda accord. Thanks
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Well, remember, the 07's had amazing lease rates and numbers on them, so they were flying off the lots. I would not say the 08 is really doing anything, but sit on the lot and collect dust.

    Also it has been a bad winter, so it does play a roll in that, I am certainly not getting a new car in the worst weather.

    This is all quite normal to an extent for a slow down, but if they do not do something soon, then they will lose people. It does make us all wonder why more people are not going after the 08. I have seen like maybe 2 so far!

    But, really the numbers show the 07's had some unbelievable deals, and it was the end of the model year.

    I want to buy an 08 EX-L 4cyl, navi soon, but I am not throwing my money away.
  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    Numbers are definitely down --- but, aren't they down across the board -- all manufacturers? I'm not sure it doesn't have everything to do with a potential recession and election year -- and not so much to do with the hardware :confuse:
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    ALL manufactures are down. Most are WAY down.

    Often a new model takes awhile to build momentum and I'm sure sales will soon take off. The 1999 Odyssey was agreat example of this. they had a sluggish start and suddently we were taking orders on cars that took two months to receive.

    Sorry, but the sky isn't falling.

    The stock market lurches haven't helped either.
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Sales of products with generally greater MPG are up across the Honda line - Civic, Fit, Element, and sales of larger products are all down. More likely than not a reflection of rising gas prices, or the economy with people looking to cut their fuel costs, than anything in particular about the Accord.
  • khoeykhoey Member Posts: 35
    For what it's worth, I'll say again I couldn't be more pleased with my EX-L V6 MT coupe with nav, black on black. And I've driven it thru the central NY weather since Thanksgiving. I really appreciate the touchless car wash!

    It's sleek, fast, comfortable and the headlights don't flicker. The nav and bluetooth are phenomenal. I personally like the fact that are very few around, and I appreciate the remarks from those who ask what kind of a car it is, that's a Honda, WOW what a sharp car, etc.

    Not perfect, since it was made in Ohio. Gas filler door doesn't always open on the first try. Gas mileage is horrible, which I expected because I don't drive as much highway as I used to, and I like to wind 'er up.

    That's it for defects.
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Curious - what kind of mileage DO you get if you drive it "normally' without winding it out a lot? Or on the highway?
  • st1300st1300 Member Posts: 59
    ..just got off the phone with American Honda (they called me) they had cancelled their original appt back on feb 13th with the engineering dept because of scheduling..today they told me that their will be no engineering appt. because they feel the car is working normally and does not need to be seen..in other words " we aint fixing nothing"..so for all you people who think honda is a wonderful company guess again.

    I have told them of my plan to post a video on the web and put lemon signs on the car and send copies of the video to every major media outlet. They don't seem phased by that at all ..by Monday if nothing is taken care of the blitz will begin..

    It's a shame that a company that I have given approximately 115,000 dollars to since 1984 should treat customers this way. I can afford whatever car I want, but have always been dedicated to Honda..that dedication is now gone.
  • st1300st1300 Member Posts: 59
    you are absolutely correct..you got the right car..the V6 MT has no VCM and since you got the 6 you have no flickering headlights...good choice..if only I had known then what I know now.
  • cstilescstiles Member Posts: 465
    Only at 1500 miles so far, but I'm averaging 18.7mpg in my 6speed coupe, with about 75/25 split between city and hwy. I am guesstimating about 16-17mpg in town and 23-24mpg at cruising speed. It should improve as the engine is broken in. And I'm shifting up as often as I can and have not really gone WOT or tested the redline (not yet anyway).

    It would be nice if this car had a trip computer that gave MPG readings (like my Odyssey, RL, and CR-V all do), but it doesn't do that so I need to verify at each fillup.
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Thanks!
  • jb_turnerjb_turner Member Posts: 702
    If your issue is as bad as you infer why dont you contact an attorney? If your car is a "lemon" just contact an attorney? If legaly it does not meet the critera as a "lemon" and you do not contact an attorney why look foolish driving it?
    Please post the youtube video with your lemon sign on it ;)
  • cstilescstiles Member Posts: 465
    Doesn't look like you got an answer to your question.....most of the previous generation Honda wheels will NOT work with the new Accord.

    The stock tires on your Accord are 225/50 R17, which are the largest wheels/tires ever fitted on the Accord sedan. These tires require 17 x 7.5 size wheels. The previous generation 2007 Accord V6 sedan and 6speed coupe had 215/50 R17 tires, which required 17 x 7 size wheels. And prior to that (in 2006), the Accord came standard with 205/60 R16 tires, or 16-inch wheels. You can upsize the wheels and tires (plus one), but I do not believe you can interchange 17 x 7 wheels in place of 17 x 7.5 wheels, or at least pull that off in a safe manner.

    Even if the 5 hole pattern may fit, you would have to go with slightly narrower tires to make it work with the 2008 Accord (215 vs. 225). You may be able to make some of the Acura wheels work, but then you'd have the caliper logos instead of the "H". For example, my 2005 RL comes with 245/50 R17, so these are same diameter but too wide for the current Accord. The current TL comes with 235/45 R17 (not as wide and a slightly shorter sidewall). Many of these switches may work, but it will change the handling characteristics (and possibly speedometer readings) on the current Accord. My recommendation is to stick with the proper wheel size and go at least the same size tires (not smaller, but you could go larger).

    If you don't mind spending $1000 to $1500+, try the Tire Rack. They have lots of great aftermarket options. I'm about to order some new wheels/summer tires for my 6speed coupe. The tire pressure monitoring sensors should be interchangeable between different size wheels. Good luck.
  • st1300st1300 Member Posts: 59
    I seriously considered the "lemon law" for the car but the dealer now refuses to even look at the car because its been there twice and as usual they state..its normal..you must have three visits with no success to be even considered under the lemon law rules.

    Working on video...should be up and posted next week.
  • khoeykhoey Member Posts: 35
    All I can tell you is I have had the car since Thanksgiving- it has 2100 miles on it- I have not had a tank of gas that got over 18MPG yet. The little highway driving I do now I can sometimes get the trip computer to show over 20MPG for short periods. Highest was 23 MPG.

    I used to commute 68 miles per day 5 days a week and put 42K on an '04 EXL V6 AT navi coupe in two years- I got about 23 MPG on that baby with probably 75 % highway driving.

    I am not upset- I went back to the Accord because my commute situation changed.
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    Oh, I was not concerned about your being upset - let's face it, a real 268 HP coupe with 6 speed? I am green with envy but because of my circumstances must get an automatic. It does appear that the V6 with VCM is getting better mileage than your without it. Has to be somewhat disappointing though that you are not getting at least what you got on the older model. Progress? :confuse:
  • according2u06according2u06 Member Posts: 95
    I agree with you re the design. I like the rear end better than the front end though. The rear end is fine, it'd be better with the LEDs(they're probably saving it for later). Something just doesn't look quite right when it comes to the front, ie. the bulging headlight, and, it just looks like some sort of hybrid between older Sonata & BMW. Heck, I even like the 'refreshed' Sonata better, at least it's more original to me. While there is no doubt the new one is probably the better car, it somehow just doesn't look like a Honda to me.

    And no, I'm not just saying this because I'm a 7th Gen owner and jealous of the new design. I like the designs of both 6th & 7th equally. I even like the design of the 5th Gen too.

    But like others have said, the lower sales probably has more to do with the current state of economy than anything else. :)
  • according2u06according2u06 Member Posts: 95
    I can't wait to see the video... :D

    Anything else wrong with your car besides the flickering lights?
  • itochuitochu Member Posts: 107
    I have been looking at other cars and surprisingly enough think the front end resembles the 2006 MBCLS, or the 2007 S class, with the bulging fender/headlight assembly..
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