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Comments
I drove my 08 EX-L I4 1200 miles this past weekend. I was headed west and traveling against a very stiff headwind for 350 miles or so. My travels took me on a very long stretch of Interstate 80 . . . lots of hills and relatively high elevation (5000' -9000').
I made some discoveries about my Honda on the trip: Foremost, I learned that the 4 cyl. engine is inadequate when trying to deal with 20mph headwinds, high elevation, gradual hills and interstate speeds. The car could not climb even gradual inclines without shifting down. Normally thats not a big deal. But, here, the slope was not sufficient to convince grade-logic to keep it in the lower gear. So, instead, the otherwise impressive automatic transmission was doing way to much shifting. I've liked the fact that my Accord transmission is quick to shift so as to keep in its power range. However, here, it was aggravating. The I4 simply didn't have enough reserve power so it was constantly down-shifting to maintain my 80mph cruising speed. I've driven on these roads several times before in my new car without such significant issues -- but never with a consistent and strong head-wind. It was too much for the little I4
I realize that I was demanding a lot from my car (hills, stiff headwind, high elevation, fast speed, etc.). But, I think my observations are notable because my 98 Accord would have done better. My 98 had a manual transmission - which makes a HUGE difference. But, I still believe the 150 ponies in my 98 provided more umph than do the 190 ponies in my 08 (and the power in my 98 came at a more useable rpm range (i.e. more power at lower rpms) ).
Interestingly -- with all these negative factors, I checked my fuel economy very carefully with 459 miles between fill-ups. I got 29.89 mpg!!!! I am very happy with that!! On the way home, I had a stiff tailwind and the transmission barely shifted at all. I have yet to fill up so I'm unsure of my fuel economy. However, I have 469 miles on this tank and the gauge is still reading about 1/4 full. So, I'll bet my fuel economy on the way home was WAY up there!! [update: I put another 50 miles of city driving on the tank and then filled up -- I got 33mpg.]
I might also note that, despite the various complaints on these boards about how firm the 08 Accord seats are, I found them very comfortable. I was sitting for 7 hour stretches and I was pleasantly surprised with the seats. I even, for the first time, used the lumbar support (which I normally don't use since the seat has such a "lump" around the lumbar area even without the lumbar supports). If you notice, airline seats are usually very hard -- but you can sit in them for a very long time without getting too sore. I think the same applies to the Honda seats --- not soft, cushy and luxurious, but I think I prefer them for long rides!
My final observation concerns wind noise: When I arrived at my destination, I hopped right into an 05 Honda Pilot and drove it 50 miles on the interstate. Unfortunately, I instantly recognized that the Pilot, is MUCH quieter than my 08 Accord. The engine/road/wind noise was much less in the Pilot than in my new Accord
All-in-all, with over 7500 miles on my 08 Accord, I'm happy with it. But, as much as I like the interior, the handling and the looks, I'm reminded -- its a Honda, not a BMW
Too much road noise may be an unsolvable a problem. Camry and the new Malibu are choices that don't have that issue.
Actually is several Db higher than the last generation...Honda has really screwed this up again. Consumer Reports will cite their usual complaint again...excessive road noise.
Here's the link link title
Hey Honda are you listening yet?
For people who really want the quietest similarly priced sedan, they will need to get the new Malibu or a Camry.
Also people commenting that the gas mileage of the new accord is not as good as the old model, need to remember that the 08 Acoord is larger and heavier than the 03-07 model.
about the road noise, I wonder if Zeibart's rust proofing/sound deadning treatment will reduce the road noise. I will do that this summer and report back.
My only complaint continues to be front seat back hump. I can't possibly see how that thing is comfortable. I have driven a lot of cars/suvs, none has had Accord's annoying seat contour. I must be in a very small group of people that has this issue.
Joe
(Yes, I've looked in the manual, and it does not address my questions.)
That takes care of the air still blowing out when turned off.
roger
To those thinking the non-VCM V6 is a lot torquier, it'll explain why.
I was able to locate one for 2005-2007 models, part# 08E71-SDA-100.
Joe
I am thinking I want the white, which comes with the nice Tan leather, very nice and open. Plus, I think it would look good with tinted windows. The white is the brightest color out of the bunch, and you don't see it as often on the Accord, I thought black, but it has its draw backs. I am really liking the tan interior, when at first I wanted black, it makes the interior seem so open, spacious, plus, on a warm day, roof open, windows down, it would be awesome! The gray looks nice, but I see many of them. The problem is that Honda did not offer too many outgoing colors. I want something that makes it really stick out!
Let me know what you guys think are the best colors for this car.
So... I suppose my color choices would be white/ivory leather, mystic green/black, polished metal/black, nighthawk black/ivory leather. Of course, if you're talking coupe, then it's red or blue all the way!!
I could just get crazy and get a RED EX-L coupe, which is absolutely HOT!
Tint the windows, and you have one sporty looking car!! I am really considering that, but it has only 2 doors, but then again how often do I take passengers, and if I really need to take them... Well, they'll have to find a spot in the back. It is fairly spacious. Either the Blue or Red look so awesome!! Literally,
I am really considering it! People have sorta talked me into it.
I am a 23yr old guy, shouldn't I live a little..... Ah... so many choices.
Still not sure, If I want 2 doors.
I am currently looking at the
Accord EX-L 4cyl Navi - dealer is offering around $25,500 or so on this. 4 doors, spacious, more practical.
Accord Coupe 4cyl Navi- Not sure what they would offer or excuse they would give me. Throw out practical and drive!
Info on VCM, Lumbar support, dash buttons, etc. now at 9,000 + miles.
I think you should definitely get the coupe over the sedan- if there is ever a time to be less practical it's when you're young.. I am 28 myself and bought an 08 EX coupe in October when they first came out. It is San Marino red with tan interior- and I added the wing spoiler-
Shortly before my purchase- my mother traded her 99 Accord LX sedan for an 08 LXP in the polished metal metallic - which looks very nice also.. but in terms of style- the coupe blows it away-
just my two cents
Now keep in mind this is just an offer, and I am still really thinking about it, but I am thinking I would be crazy not to do it.. I would be trading my leased 06 SE Accord in.
I truly love my Accord!! but, I want to lease, the Accord leases are not very good right now, pretty bad actually, with the Passat, I am looking at just signing the contract, pick up my new keys and go! Ahhh, I don't know what to do though... I really love my Accord, but I am torn between both, and I don't actually own the Accord, it is leased, so if you had a choice....lol It is a toughy for me atleast, I am sure others wouldn't have this problem with choosing, but I guess you get used to a car, but I really don't feel that I want to fork over literally $2k for a an Accord lease, and only be at around the same payment for the Passat. Well, sorry for the longer explanation, but that is whats going on with my lease situation...lol :surprise:
As the owner of 2003 Honda Accord LX V6 sedan, I have great interest to find out the new 2008 Accord. I read several articles on the car magazines. As usual, they sound more like infomercial rather than real critique. Generally they feel the car has been improved. It is larger – one says it is now classified as a large car, only 4-inche shorter than Chrysler 300 sedan, but I read later from New York Times that Honda plays with the fine print of EPA regulation a bit on this subject, only the LX sedan, which is without sun-roof, is classified as large car due to its slightly larger overall interior volume. Either way, this is long way from its original root as the compact sporty sedan – the Japanese car of yester-year. It is also more powerful, more room, more features and etc and etc than the replaced model. These are general trend for Japanese car companies – increasing Americanization of its products to capture more market share from US-based auto makers.
I finally saw the new Accord in the dealer. My first reaction is that it is not that large after all, but it is definitely larger than the replaced model. My initial impression of its shape is totally lack of originality – you can feel right away it is a comprised result of focus-group data interpreted by Honda California Design Center. It side view has the shape similar to the BMW 5-series, although as seen on the advisement on some print media the side view of new Accord looks like a new C-class Mercedes sedan. Its trail is very ugly, it does not fit into the overall design theme of the car body, for me its trunk deck looks like some Hyundai products of late 1990s, and the taillight design and arrangement alike to the last generation of Saturn Ion – this look is very obvious for the light color car. The front portion looks like the upcoming Chevy Malibu, but its front bumper seems coming from GM part bin on 1990s. If this is the Honda approach to product globalization, what are they thinking? But some of Honda virtues are still there – the fit and finish are good, the interior is really improved from the last model and the driver seat seems comfortable – my Accord has a very funny seat, it feels fine for short trip, but very tiring for long trip. I like to have a chance to drive the new Accord on the road, and hope they fix some of deficiency on the previous model -- improve the brake, enhance the body dynamic during the turn. I always feel the tail of my Accord acting a bit awkward during the turn. This problem is very obvious if you got a chance to drive an all-wheel drive car like Subaru or Audis. According to the interview of chief engineer of the new Accord in Automotive Engineering International magazine, Honda seems aware the problem, and has made change on the rear suspension to let the car turn better. Also hope they keep the goodies on the previous model. I really like the steering on my Accord on most of time, but it still feels vague for high speed driving. I think overall it is even better than the steering on the G35 coupe, which is a more driver-oriented car and more expensive to own. More choice of color is also desirable.
Anyway, Honda Accord always aims to US market. So after 30 years since its introduction, it is now a truly American car, and it will be no doubt that Honda will sell lot of them in the next four years.
I was wondering if anyone here has installed the window visor deflectors on a 2008 Acord Sedan. If you have, does it really help to diminish the wind buffeting against your head when only the front drivers side window is open?
http://www.collegehillshonda.com/storeart/8thgenaccsedan/doorvisors.jpg
Regards.
Tom
Most red cars are flashy looking. This one is classy all the way.
Go for it...get the San Marino RED coupe !!!
The black is really a challenge, and I freak out over every little knick or what looks like a nick, but there's nothing sharper when it's cleaned up, and I don't mind it.
It's a really nicely equipped rocket.
But, my local dealer still has coupes from months ago, winter time on the lot, so they tell me they are moving, well, not fast enough, its either their approach and service, which I know they lack, or it is simply not drawing any attention..... my thought is they haven't worked on treating there people right... I asked about the Accord 1 last time before I make a decision on a car, and they were sooo rude. So it really comes down to the dealer! I work in customer service, and that inspires me more to treat people right.. make them happy. I have had 2 dealers now force their opinions on me, and I am like WOW, did they just say that.. Now mind you I do go alone, I am only 23, and look quite young, so I must say that makes a difference... they stomp all over me, make me feel stupid, but I am well informed! Oh well, in the end its about me, and what I want. If I was some huge, tall guy, Im sure they would approach him differently.
So point is, it really has to do with overall service of the dealer, its like they don't even want to try to be nice and down to earth. That can be a sale or no sale!