Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

2008 Honda Accord Coupe and Sedan

15253555758107

Comments

  • rkelonrkelon Member Posts: 17
    What an awful looking design. This looks like it was designed by an old fart bureaucrat. This must be Honda's test that American's will buy anything Japanese...if it says Honda or Toyota.
  • vietviet Member Posts: 847
    You must be kidding. Honda engineers/ management are the best, highly innovative and top leaders in latest automobile technology. Sadly and objectively, American and European car manufacturers cannot compete with Japanese cars, especially Honda and Toyota. We, knowledgeable customers, have authority and credibility to say that. Please look at 400K - 500K Accord or Camry that have been sold in the US every year. I just looked at some Volvo '07 and '08 same class of Accord '08. No way I will buy Volvo. Asking prices are about $10K higher than Accord. The interior amenities are so simple, basic and so primitive compared to Honda/ Toyota. They offer better warranty and sale discounts. Look at their limited sale units and you figure it out immediately.
  • accordguy0325accordguy0325 Member Posts: 169
    My parents ended up trading my mom's 1999 Accord LX sedan with only 38,000 miles for a new Accord LX-P sedan today, in charcoal... she picks it up on Friday and it was a made in Japan model. P.S.- she got $ 7100 for her trade

    I wont comment on the negative comments on the Accord design, posted most likely by just a heckler / troll looking to stir the pot ;)
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    I know there is one under the center armrest.
    Where is the other one and are they on all the time or do the power off with the ignition?
  • scvfuzzscvfuzz Member Posts: 3
    I visited Power Honda in southern CA this past Saturday and was hoping to purchase the 2008 Sedan. The dealer would not budge on the MSRP and I know that before the end of the year that price will be negotiable.

    I called Kolbe Honda in Los Angeles and asked them if they were going to stay with the sticker price and I was told the they were going to mark-up the price!

    It's insane that people will pay those prices, but they're out there or else the dealerships wouldn't be doing this.

    Needless to say, I'm holding out for a reasonable price. I've been waiting for this car for a long time, but I'm no sucker. If anyone has any feedback on any good Honda dealerships in Southern CA it would be greatly appreciated
  • luv_my_jobluv_my_job Member Posts: 33
    Drove one yesterday..... impressive, now have 03 EXL 4 and 03 Pilot EXL ...impressed with many refinements from 03-07 series Still want to drive Cpe which will arrive in 7 to 10 days in our market DFW Metro

    Also drove MB C230 while nice It's just different... not the equal to 08 Accord EXL
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    I just went to my local dealer (which is literally down the hill from my house). The dealership was closed, but I found two unlocked examples; an LX-P and an EX cloth (4-cyl). I came back with results I didn't expect.

    For those who don't know by the way, I have a '96 LX Accord and an '06 EX cloth Accord.

    Size/Exterior: The car looks stately, grown up, but still looks aggressive (more aggressive than my 06). From inside the driver's seat, the car didn't feel noticeably longer, but I did notice the extra width big time (a good thing to a big guy like me). The LX-P's wheels sure look small when compared to the others' now.

    Interior: I spent most of my seat time in a silver LX-P. First, the plusses...

    Good headroom, kneeroom, and I think the rear seat would almost be bearable for three with the extra hip and shoulder room. Five across in my 2006 model is tight, and darn near impossible in my 1996. The gauges are gorgeous (and weren't even lit up, mind you). Nice detailing; a definite classy upgrade from my 06 (although my 06 is ultra-legible, so I'll call it a wash).

    For the cons...

    The wonderful dampened-tactile feel present in the previous Accords is almost gone. Push a power window switch and you meet a very stiff and cheaper feeling "click" as opposed to the more damped switches in my 06. The LX-P's fan-speed knob had LOTS of play (I could wiggle it up and down and change its gaps in a major way - HUGE disappointment to me). The seat fabric was nice, but overall, I am glad I only have 24,455 miles on my 2006 model. That way I can drive it a long time, then go back to the drawing board in picking a model of car once again.

    The Accord may offer more features for the dollar than they once did, but the interior quality seems to have suffered because of it.

    For giggles, I sat in a 2006 Malibu Maxx on the used lot; it did make me feel a LOT better about the 2008 Honda. I got in the car and I swear I heard birds going "cheeep cheeep cheeep."
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    What a nice guy! Letting the wife drive the 13 year old Accord. ;)
    Mackabee
  • vietviet Member Posts: 847
    I told wife the Accord '08 is great implying we should buy one. She said there is nothing wrong with her 13 yo Accord and there is no need to get rid of it to buy a new car. Its 2nd engine has less than 100K miles on it. Chassis and body are solid like new, new tires, Mobil-1 synthetic engine oil, 4-tip Bosch spark plugs. I drove it this morning and still liked it. Its leather seats have worn out but it still accelerates real good. What a Honda!
  • amiramir Member Posts: 115
    hi accordguy.
    just wanted to ask one question.You have mentioned (Made IN Japan).seems like u were preffering that over Ohio built.is that true and if it is can we all know why. i am confused between which one to go with.thanks
  • accordguy0325accordguy0325 Member Posts: 169
    Amir-

    I read through previous posts in this room- and some other Honda rooms and it appears that Accords made in Ohio are less problematic than models assembled in Japan ironically.

    The Accord my mother just purchased however- was made in Japan - I hope that its quality is what my family and I have come to expect from Honda - but was merely stating where it was made for anyone who might have been interested.
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    My guess is the second is in the storage bin under the center console controls. I have not been able to confirm this. Honda's power outlets usually go out with the ignition.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    That's what happens why you try to buy a new car the first week they are released. Even then, not every dealership will markup above MSRP. You just may not be able to get lower than MSRP until their lots fully stocked with 2008s.

    They probably only have a few 2008s on their lots to sell right now, so why discount on a 2008 when the lot is still full of 2007s that need to go out first?
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    Would you care to be more specific? Sounds like a very "unscientific" study....would love to see the data to support this claim.... :confuse:
  • vietviet Member Posts: 847
    People said Honda cars made in Japan are under tougher QA. Also, a guy in other room said Honda builds Accord '08 on the RL's chassis. Good news if it's true. Whatever people comment I will try my best to buy an Accord '08 within a year.
  • marltonfjmmarltonfjm Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know if an accessory is needed from Honda to connect your iPod to the auxillary port. I have the port on my 08 Accord but I'm not sure what is needed for the connection.

    Thanks
  • z71subz71sub Member Posts: 5
    I'm hoping to buy an LX-P this spring, but is the White Diamond color only available on EX and higher models?

    RJ
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    This link has a video, possibly with the answer to your question. It looks like the iPod connects directly to the aux port.
  • odymikeodymike Member Posts: 23
    Here is what I found while browsing Friday night - not sure if this is the rule.

    All models of EX and higher were built in Ohio. All LX's on down were built in Japan.

    I did drive an 2008 EXLV6 w/Nav, and liked it, liked it a lot...
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    It appears to be a V6-exclusive color (EXV6, EXLV6 and EXLV6/NAV). Other trims get Tafetta White.
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    Does anyone know if an accessory is needed from Honda to connect your iPod to the auxillary port.

    No, you just need a simple cable with a plug at both ends. One plug goes in your ipod, one goes in the aux jack. They sell them at places like Radio Shack or Wal Mart for around $5.
  • luv_my_jobluv_my_job Member Posts: 33
    Only on EX V6 + EXL with V6, I think H is making a mistake with that marketing strategy and in 09 they will offer on all EX models IMHO
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,326
    Stopped at the dealer Saturday to scope them out. I wandered the back lot, and it looks like they had at least 12-14 in stock, probably more in prep, etc.

    Sat in an EX-L. Liked the interior, and it was obviously muc bigger than in my '05. Especially noticable in the width (wouldn't mind the wider armrest), and rear leg room was huge. Felt like a town car back there!

    Materials seemed fine, but I didn't look too close. Liked the new dash and steering wheel.

    Styling seemed nice to me. Certainly more interesting than my '05.

    Only problem (to me) was the drivers seat. Plenty adjustable, but even at full in, there was too much Lumbar support (pushing into my back), definitely more than in my car. I would have to drive one and play with the adjustments more, but it was enough to be a deal breaker.

    At least they had 2 stick shifts that I could find (an LX, and an EX-L), so that was a plus!

    But, for the room and what you get, Honda should sell a lot of them. Might just be too big for me though. Seemed to be encroaching on Impala size, and that, to me, is a total barge!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • marltonfjmmarltonfjm Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the advice
  • marltonfjmmarltonfjm Member Posts: 5
    Did you play with the lumbar control? I suffer with lower back pain and I've found the lumbar support (once dialed in) to be just fine
  • edp6edp6 Member Posts: 21
    This is a quick first impressions review of the 08 EX-L 4 Cylinder that I saw at the dealership last evening.

    I want to preface that I did not test drive as it was late and that I recently purchased an 07 Accord SE 4 cylinder.

    We went into the dealership at about 9pm and they were working some deals still so the doors were open.

    They had a 4 Cylinder EX-L on the showroom floor so we went to take a peek.

    The rep said that the 6 Cylinders are not out yet . .. don't know if that meant this particular dealership (Fladeboe Honda in Irvine, CA) didn't have any or if noone had them yet. Also, no coupe yet.

    My thoughts of the car, up front in person when viewed from the outside:

    1. Looks about 50 to 75% better in person than it does in pictures. I mean in the pics it looks like any other car but when you see it in the flesh it looks REALLY nice. Maybe because it's was on the floor of the showroom with all those lights on it (diamonds look better in the jewelry store lights than when you get them home). . . but what the heck. . .it looked hot.

    2. Design wise, it is a very handsome car and I believe, unlike the bulbous, quirky looks of the 07/08 Camry, that the design aesthetics of this year's Accord will be long-lived. The fit and finish of the exterior looked excellent. I use the word "handsome" because it was a very classy looking car. Although I am obviously biased toward Honda, I have to say that I think Accord is about to eat Camry's lunch in 08.

    3. It looked big. It now looks like a big car. They also had an 07 Accord next to it on the showroom floor. The top two things I would say are that the 08 looks bigger and it looks higher end in the way it is designed and in the "flashy" factor.

    4. Inside the first thing I noticed was that the cabin was big. Bigger all around as far as width, legroom in the front and back, etc. . . are all concerned.

    5. The dash is laid out in kind of a double-decker design (kind of like how the different levels of seats at the baseball stadiums are layered). Sounds weird but looks good.

    6. Interior fit and finish is great but I would say that it is a tad bit less quality finished inside that the 07 is. They took all the buttons and controls for radio and climate from the 07 and made them much larger and they are now very large and prominently located on the center dash. I'm not sure if I like that or not but it probably makes it easier to find your button when you are driving. In working the buttons, dials, and switches I would say that the tactile sensation is not as solid and satisfying as it is on the 07 but it is definitely better than on the 07/08 Camry's which feels very cheap.

    7. They have added back the little spring-loaded door that covers up the cup holder in the front when they are not in use. I liked that. They have also changed up the way the center armrest storage area is configured. It is a single compartment with a removable tray versus a top compartment that is relatively flat in volume and a bigger bottom compartment.

    8. The instrument panel and displays look great.

    9. Don't like the decreased gas mileage but I understand that with a 300 pound heavier car and an engine that jumps from 160 hp on the 07 to 177 or 190 hp on the 08 that there is going to be a decrease in mileage.

    10. The trunk in noticeably larger than on the '07.

    I wish I could have test driven it. I will go try that but for now all I can say is. . . . . I LIKE IT . . . . I'm going to give my 07 4 cylinder Accord to my kid in two years to drive and I'm going to get one of the new Accords. . . . .
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    EX-L is actually 183 lb heavier than old (not 300), and mileage rating is lower because of the new EPA standards going into effect this year.
  • hondaruhondaru Member Posts: 11
    Agreed, we now see the impact of the new mileage ratings per the EPA, still folks are looking for higher mileage in this climate. I'd prefer less hp, a lighter car, and better mileage. Now that the Accord is nearly 20" longer than the Civic, perhaps it's time for Honda to offer a mid size car:).
  • edp6edp6 Member Posts: 21
    EX-L is actually 183 lb heavier than old (not 300), and mileage rating is lower because of the new EPA standards going into effect this year.

    Does this mean that cars that were rated prior to the new EPA standards are probably going to be about the same as far as mileage goes ? For example, do you think the 07 Accord 4 cylinder which is rated as having better gas mileage that the 08 probably be close to the 08 rating if the new EPA standards were applied to it ? If so, then that as well as the weight uppage only being 183lbs (vs. 300 lbs) are both a plus for the 08's
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Yes. You can see both new and old numbers at EPA's website for older cars. For example, my 1998 Accord EX-L/AT was originally rated 23/30. The new standard estimates it to be 20/27 mpg. The new Accord is now rated 21/31 mpg (22/31 with manual transmission). So, the new numbers are basically 10% lower than the old standard suggested. Based on the old standard, even the new Accord V6 would be rated 22/32, up from 21/30. Instead, it shows up as 19/29.
  • oarsdadoarsdad Member Posts: 64
    The '07 V6 5 speed automatic Accord would have an 18/26 rating using the new method vs. 19/29 for the '08 V6 5 speed automatic Accord.

    old vs. new
  • luv_my_jobluv_my_job Member Posts: 33
    I did...it's just like the 86 300ZX with digtal dash and leather interior...an airblatter which inflates proving the adjustment...always enjoyed thqta feature in the Z car
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    "Although I am obviously biased toward Honda, I have to say that I think Accord is about to eat Camry's lunch in 08. "

    Oh, I wouldn't say that. It's a nice car but very nondescript. One of our Honda salesman came over today in one and parked it at our Toyota store guest parking and no one batted an eye. The lady that was with him wanted to test drive a (gasp!) Camry. ;)
    Mackabee
  • rmartinez1rmartinez1 Member Posts: 12
    I just bought an 08 Polished met. Accord ex-4 and it was built in Sayama Japan. Actually most of the cars at this lot in south Texas were from Japan. I guess that the distribution has more to do with geographical location. By the way this car blows away our 07 Camry LE 4 cyl. The Camry accelerates like a slug and is scary on the hwy.
  • linkfeeneylinkfeeney Member Posts: 58
    I test drive EX-L V6!!
    It was DA BOMB and FAST!!!

    Forget ther 4 Cyclinder!!!
  • edp6edp6 Member Posts: 21
    "Although I am obviously biased toward Honda, I have to say that I think Accord is about to eat Camry's lunch in 08. "

    "Oh, I wouldn't say that. It's a nice car but very nondescript. One of our Honda salesman came over today in one and parked it at our Toyota store guest parking and no one batted an eye. The lady that was with him wanted to test drive a (gasp!) Camry.
    Mackabee"

    Yeah, maybe I'm just way over-biased. . . . there is one other thing however. . . has anyone hopped on over to the Toyota Camry 07 Forum ? It appears that there are major problems that lots of people are having with the Camry transmissions on both the 4 and 6 cylinder models. . . yikes !
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The Accord V6 had its own tranny problems in 2003-04. So did the Odyssey. They still sell well...
  • hdf06hdf06 Member Posts: 3
    Try Norm Reeves Honda internet department. I think they are one of the best Honda dealer. I had bought two Hondas from them the last two year.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Have you shared your experiences in our Dealer Ratings & Reviews section?
  • punkyjunior895punkyjunior895 Member Posts: 33
    I like how guys like you point out the recalls. Your forgetting something, a cars reputation isn't really effected much by recalls. For example, I don't like my American built cars because they seem to malfunction on their own, giving me different issues, and causing me to know the entire dealership staff because of all the time I spend there for them. If I drive a Toyota or Honda and don't have any problems, but in a blue moon receive some letter telling me to take it in, and they fix it, who gives. The fact is the car hasn't caused me any problems in the meantime that I notice or is of any annoyance to me for me to care. Thats why even Japanese recalled cars sell. Because 90% of your driving time, is away from the maintenance center. Compared to American problmes plus recalls.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    It's more a question of the number of recalls and what that says about the manufacturer's initial quality, testing and quality assurance at the factory.

    All your points are well made though. I would prefer to bring my car in for a recall than have the part break and then have to fix as an 'emergency'.
  • edp6edp6 Member Posts: 21
    "The Accord V6 had its own tranny problems in 2003-04. So did the Odyssey. They still sell well... "

    I would not have purchased my '02 Odyssey if I knew that I would end up having to have the transmission replaced.

    I had considered the 07 Camry but decided against for several factors one being I don't believe in buying a car that has a known high incidence of transmission problems.

    Call me dumb but I don't buy cars that have known defects regardless of what the nameplate sez. :D
  • jam1000jam1000 Member Posts: 182
    Just did a quick test drive of an 08 I-4. Impressions:

    1) Much nicer than the previous generation, in my view. Good acceleration (frankly felt better than the previous generation V-6), and a tighter feel in the steering.

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

    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.

    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.

    Overall, I was much more impressed than I thought I would be. I liked the previous generation on several test drives, but could never bring myself to pull the trigger because I always came away with a slightly empty feeling after the test drive. This was much better. I would like to try the V6 and test it for highway passing (where I thought the previous generation was a little lacking). And will also wait a little bit for the prices to come down and the first year kinks to be ironed out. But I think they did well with the redesign.
  • master_ryumaster_ryu Member Posts: 47
    Just curious, does anybody know of a dealer that is receiving the 08 Coupe this week? Cuz I contacted a few places and they all said they'll be arriving in about two weeks. That's like in October!?!? What happened to the rumor of it being released on Sept 20th??
  • luv_my_jobluv_my_job Member Posts: 33
    Last Saturday, 09/15/07 a DFW "sales mangler" told me he expected units on the ground between the 22nd and 25th of Septemeber. :)
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    So, plus or minus a few days. You don't want to try to buy one on the first day they arrive or even the first month anyway.
  • austinman7austinman7 Member Posts: 313
    jam1000,

    Were you driving the 177 hp I4 or the 190 hp version?
  • tinatinatinatina Member Posts: 388
    Just saw my first new Accord in person - it was the LX auto sedan in silver. A few thoughts:

    I did not really notice that the car is longer than the previous Accord (I have a 2006). However, it is wider, and you do notice it (both on the outside and the inside) as many other posters indicated.

    I think it looks a lot like a TL but bigger - especially towards the rear and sides. I do see some RL and BMW features thrown in too. I do not think it looks like a Sonata in the rear.

    The paint quality and general exterior fit and finish of the exterior was really good. Interior fit and finish was also really good. With respect to these areas, imo Honda wins by a large margin. In comparison, a 2007 Camry LE 4's ( a very good car btw) interior looks dated and cheap. Finally, the color looked fine.

    The sticker price was $21,7XX. I think they had a mark up. It was the only car on the lot and I think it may have been sold.

    Oh well, just my 2 cents. I will still keep my 2006 Accord and not purchase the 2008 for now.
  • eldainoeldaino Member Posts: 1,618
    stopped at our local honda dealer for kicks 2 nights ago and saw my first batch of 08 accords.

    The dealer had 4 on the lot (with a ton of 07 still left!)

    First impressions:

    wow. This car looks amazing. It is worlds better in person than in pictures.

    they had 1 ex in taffeta white, 1 lx-p in polished metal and 2 black exl nav.

    Since they were parked side by side next to the previous gen, i got a better feel for how much 'bigger' the car really is.

    Its not a boat or anything, you can look at both cars and conclude that the 08 IS indeed the bigger car but it was not the 'WHOA its HUGE' feeling i thought that i would get, and what everyone was making it out to be. Perhaps the interior is more airy, thus adding to this feeling of hugeness!

    I will address my agreement that the lx trim's interior is slightly lower than the ex version. but that has ALWAYS been the case with honda's guys! no suprise there! and to top it off, the lx was still nice (lx p i mean) and the price was right! It did have what appeared to be the hard plastic on the bottom of the door, a la new civc, but def no deal breaker.

    Grad: i remember when i sat in a the camry when its latest version had come out, and being dissapointed with the play and slightly 'cheap' feel to the buttons. Sitting in one a few months ago put my theory to the test that newer models just have little glitches about them. I'm sure it will improve with later shipments, nothing to worry about. But i do know what you mean about the sound of the buttons, my 06 civic had that issue too, at least on the window buttons, in comparison to my 01 coupe. But the rest of the car surely made up for it!

    Can't wait for a test drive. This car is so chiseled and taut looking. It really is a 'handsome' car. No camry frumpiness.

    on a side note, the comments on the 'cheap' interior are hilarious.

    what are you guys honestly expecting? have you ever sat in a domestic car before? :blush:
This discussion has been closed.