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

1…6566687071…107

Comments

  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    Well, I'll bet I'm among the first 08 buyers to get to drive the new Accord in a blizzard! Snowed like hell in Wyoming/northern Colorado this weekend and I got the chance to drive my new Accord on the ice. I remain impressed! The car was, not surprisingly, very balanced and stable on the ice. Just to test things out, I gave it a couple of radical steering inputs and tried to put the car into a slide. The little exclamation point (!) appeared on my instrument panel and the stability control/antilock brakes kicked in to keep everything in line. The system worked very well. It was a bit noisy, but not as noisy as in the various SUVs I have driven with these systems. Plus, when the car is busy saving my [non-permissible content removed], I don't mind if it makes a little noise getting the job done :D

    I've got 1200 miles on the odometer now and I'm finished with my admittedly anal break-in period. So, I've opened up the throttle a little more. The 4-cyl engine is everything I need and, as I've said in my past posts, I'm very impressed with the auto transmission. However, I can see the reasons for choosing the 6cyl. My silver EX-L with tinted windows, rear spoiler and black leather perhaps looks a bit faster then it actually is :shades:
  • thomasr1950thomasr1950 Member Posts: 76
    Sitting in my driveway, engine off, windows up. I got the car Fri. & i have not been able to get it to follow all of my prompts. Sometimes it won't let me get all the phone # spoken until it times out. At times it does not understand the #'s.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    There are a few occasions when my accent (a bit of Brit) gets in the way when entering numbers. Speaking slowly (and closer to the mic) might help.
  • jlewelling1jlewelling1 Member Posts: 65
    heh!

    I love it. You can always tell when someone just bought last year's model and is starting to regret that decision.

    I actually went to the dealer to buy a 2007 Accord. I NEVER buy a new model. But something about the 2008 Accord just got my attention and so I paid about $1600 more for the equivalent 2007.

    I love it. The suspension is MUCH better than the 2007 and the back seat is HUGE. Just what I need with three kids.

    And the styling is great. This is a beautiful car!

    I'm sorry you got stuck with an older model 06nighthawkv6, but save your money and be the first to drive a 2013 Accord when that redesign comes out!
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The dealership near my home had 7 2008 Accord Sedans, and three coupes, as of last Monday. I walked their lot yesterday, and found zero coupes, and one sedan, a silver base model LX.

    The 2008s are at the back of the lot, with the ramaining (and there aren't but 6 I think) 2007s on the front along the road.
  • k_chuik_chui Member Posts: 20
    Having owned 4 Hondas before, including 2 currently, I have a certain expectation of the newly released Accord. My wife and I were at the dealership for a service of her 2000 Accord (V6) this weekend, so we decided to take a test drive of the new Accord. We drove a EXL-V6 without navi. We are considering buying a new one to replace the 2000 Accord.

    First impression was mixed for us. The car looks nice but not great. The interior is spacious. The feel of the materials is good but not great. The metal trim looks too plastic to me. The seat bottom is a little bit too hard on the driver side, but otherwise I can find a comfortable position. My wife complained that the headrest is too far forward for her. She could not find a comfortable seat position as the headrest forces her to lean her head forward too much. There is no adjustment on the headrest other than up and down.

    For my wife, the new Accord is a step up in turns of driveability. She felt the car drives well and have enough power. However, this is not the case for me. I am currently driving a 04 TL (6-speed manual) which drives much better, including power delivery. I do not expect the '08 Accord to take corners like the '04 TL, but I was expecting the "pick up" to be similar or better than the TL as they weight similarly, but the Accord has a larger engine and more hp. I found the "pick up" to be somewhat "mellow" and "relax". It simply does not have the sense of urgency even when I "step on it".

    We were also disappointed with the amount of wind and road noise we can hear on the freeway. We were not expected Toyota tomb-like quietness, but the noise level from this brand new Honda is just unacceptable to us.

    We'll look into a Camry SE V6 to compare in the weeks to come.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    You can't compare TL (or Accord) 6-speed manual's get up and go performance to Accord (TL) w/automatic transmission. Gearing isn't as aggressive.
  • k_chuik_chui Member Posts: 20
    You are right that this is a family sedan, and I was expecting more than it was designed for.
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    If you and your wife are not happy with the fact that the head restraint (NOT head rest) is too far forward, you should realize that automobile manufacturers are designing their vehicles to incorporate Active Head Restraints, the type in the new Accords.

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/HeadRest/PEA/Index.html
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    If you and your wife are not happy with the fact that the head restraint (NOT head rest) is too far forward, you should realize that automobile manufacturers are designing their vehicles to incorporate Active Head Restraints, the type in the new Accords.

    I looked at the link, but does that give the government the right to mandate a head restraint that pushes someone's head forward into an uncomfortable position all of the time?

    Someone in this forum complained about the Accord restraint and ended up getting a Civic one and putting it in instead to get rid of the push forward.
  • 06nighthawkv606nighthawkv6 Member Posts: 55
    I'm sorry you got stuck with an older model 06nighthawkv6, but save your money and be the first to drive a 2013 Accord when that redesign comes out!

    What about the MMC in 2011? Just like the 2006 MMC I picked up. Loving my first (self bought) car!
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    For all of those people who think that not having a trunk liner is a deal breaker, College Hills Honda is selling them for a whopping $41:

    http://www.collegehillshonda.com/honda_accord_4dr_accessories/2008_accord_interi- or.htm
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    That picture isn't what folks are referring to as a liner for the roof of the trunk lid.

    Sincerely doubt that one could pick up a liner for 41 bucks, spent more than that for a set of custom fitted floor mats.
  • colloquorcolloquor Member Posts: 482
    The Accord with active head restraints is not alone with this. The 2007 Camry's active head restraints also force one's head slightly forward when in the normal sitting position. I believe it's just the way it is with this design.
  • colloquorcolloquor Member Posts: 482
    Actually, if you look carefully, the image is of the liner for the inside of the trunk lid. Note the area for the goose neck hinges. Custom fitted carpet floor mats, from all manufacturers, are notorious for their high prices.
  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    I reclined the seat back about 1 inch and it resolved the problem . . .
  • k_chuik_chui Member Posts: 20
    Tried that at the test drive, but no, it did not solve the problem when the head restrain forces your head too far forward.

    The car should fit us, it is not other way around. We do not want to try "get used to it". We will end up regreting the purchase later. As I have said before, I found the seat comfortable, but not for her. Since it will be her daily commute car, there is no way she will compromise for that.
  • rsquarevrsquarev Member Posts: 3
    I got a quote price 22,756 (includes dest.fee) in MN. Is it a good price? I haven't tested camry. Any thoughts of comparision with 2008 Camry?
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    You don't have to like headrest touching your head, but I hope you aren't overlooking why it does. I don't feel comfortable if my head isn't resting against the headrest. I like it in my TL (where it does), but don't in my 1998 Accord (where it doesn't). It is designed to reduce whiplash in case of getting rear ended. I've seen many folks angle the seat back so far out that the headrest becomes unnecessary (worse, I have seen someone drive without it).
  • bug4bug4 Member Posts: 370
    You might try one thing . . .I test drove a number of different Accords before I bought mine and the seat on each one felt slightly different. The most noticeable thing to me was the lumbar support. If you like the Accord, perhaps driving a different car might help.

    At first, I noticed the forward position of the head rest (oooops - I mean "restraint" :P ) but it was never uncomfortable. Slightly reclining the seat helped and then I quickly adapted to it with no noticeable effort or discomfort. At this point, the seating position and feel is a real plus for me in my new Accord.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    That sounds like a good price to me. I believe MSRP+destination is about to $24.5K, so technically, you're fairly close to invoice (within a percent or two).
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    There is no way to please everyone. There are always going to be people that have these "things" about them such as being bothered if they can feel the headrest touch the back of their head.
    There are people who don't wear seat belts because the belts give them claustrophobia. Nothing can be done about things like that.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    There are people who don't wear seat belts because the belts give them claustrophobia. Nothing can be done about things like that.

    I know someone like that. But she doesn't get to ride in the front seat if she refuses to wear the seat belts while in my car.

    The irony is in her choices around vehicles. She doesn't like smaller vehicles because she thinks of them as being unsafe. And then, drives around with seat belt on the side.
  • carlsonddscarlsondds Member Posts: 24
    Where in MN, what dealership? Mus tbe about 2k under msrp, which seems pretty good around here.
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    Let the new 08s that are collecting dust(and water) on the lot sit on the lots and rot so the dealership can take the hit especially when 2008 rolls around and the re-designed 09 TL and TSX will be coming up... Who cares about ugly Honda Accord sedan and coupe...Honda didn't step up and make the Accord extreme enough, both in looks and powertrain so that is why they are not moving, not because there is some newness factor that people can't get over. The style is not original and the powertrain, although great against maybe GM, is only average for Honda especially due to the fact that the outgoing 244 hp J30 performs the same as the new 3.5 liter 268 hp. Ohh, and noone can see "Ace structure" to really give a hoot! All they need to know is ACE is why their Honda is so ugly and remember Americans are the most shallow. That and "Honda didn't "step up" due to Acura TSX and the TL. duh.

    Nighthawk! Dude, take your Xanax and relax my friend, don't be so hostile. ;) It's way to early for anyone to tell if the styling is going to be accepted or not. New models created for the mainstream are usually not snatched up right away, but rather build momentum after the initial release. We're not talking about limited run, signed copies that people wait in line for. Everyone knows there's going to be plentiful supply, so why rush out to buy one now when your old Accord still runs great and there's still one more year left on your lease? You might have a point about the engine not being potent enough for it's 268 ponies, but who shops at a Honda dealer for a performance sedan? For the traditional Accord shopper, it's more like a nice feature, but not really necessary, and weighed in the balance when considering the tradeoff in fuel economy and added cost vs the less powerful 4 cyl model. The styling may not be original, but it has all the qualities that are appreciated in a mainstream sedan - mostly clean lines, nice proportions, decent size, and inoffensiveness. Plus, it looks BMW-ish, which most people will probably appreciate.
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    Why you gotta hate bro? The Camry looks good in SE duds, and the other models are perhaps a bit bland, but not ugly. There are other cars that are far more deserving of that description - can you say Caliber?
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    Let me tell you something. You got it ALL WRONG. The 08 Accord sedan *is* the polarizing radical design that is doing exactly that: polarizing long-time Honda Accord nuts.

    I'm only responding to this because I am sitting at a Nissan dealer getting my Maxima serviced and have nothing else to do for the moment... but c'mon, you think the new Accord is polarizing? Polarizing cars grab your attention and elicit a reaction, positive or negative. The new Accord practically goes unnoticed for most people. It's not completely anonymous looking, however, and probably is a more emotional design. But it's far from being the kind of car that forces you to look.
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    Heck my 06 Accord looks more "Acura" then this beast they call the 08 Accord.

    Entirely a matter of perspective. To me, the '06 looks nothing like an Acura, except maybe the headlights look like they could also be worn by the RSX. Maybe...
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    I just saw the coupe for the first time today and thought it looked very nice. It was unmistakably Honda - nice proportions, nice lines, very sporty looking.
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    The dealers around me seem to have the most problem getting rid of the 2007s so they have room to receive more shipments of 2008s.
    They aren't discounting the 2008s that much because they really want to move the 2007s first.
    They don't want anyone to say "Why buy a 2007 if I can just pay just a little bit more and get a 2008 that will have higher resale value?"
    They have to sell they 2007s for a price difference greater than the resale value difference will be in 3 years so the 2007s will make economic sense to buyers.
  • gotoyotagotoyota Member Posts: 280
    You said it perfectly. I think the problem is that the Accord is a favorite of the street racer crowd... at least wehre I live, you can't go anywhere without seeing half a dozen slammed Accords that are all decked out with those ridiculous body kits, coffee can mufflers, bleacher seat spoiler on the trunk, indiglow guages, 19" rims that make the car heavier and slower, and so on. This is the main reason I have never owned one, because I can't stand those people :P . Now that it looks like a car grown ups can drive without feeling stupid, I wouldn't mind one.
  • wenjenazwenjenaz Member Posts: 3
    I was looking for an EX 5 speed, no leather and no navigation.
  • k_chuik_chui Member Posts: 20
    My wife likes to rest her head on the head restraint while driving. So it is not what you are thinking. But in the 08 Accord that we test drove in, the head restraint forces her head to lean forward to the point that she is uncomfortable. When she said she is not comfortable, I am not going to say it is her problem, right?

    The deal breaker is not only the head restraint, there is also the wind and road noise. Maybe only this car has this much noise, I do not know.
  • thegraduatethegraduate Member Posts: 9,731
    The deal breaker is not only the head restraint, there is also the wind and road noise.

    Lots of wind and road noise as compared to what?

    My 2006 Accord seems serene, but that is in comparison of my 1996 Accord. (Both 4-cyl)

    Heh, this ain't no Buick! :)
  • blackexv6blackexv6 Member Posts: 503
    What is a trunk liner for? Is it for damage protection or sound lining?
  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,105
    Some of both, I would think.
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    A tiny bit of noise proofing.
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    Very tiny. It's thinner than a cardboard box. I doubt I would notice a difference without it.
  • jlewelling1jlewelling1 Member Posts: 65
    "A tiny bit of noise proofing."

    You mean, like if you got somebody bound and locked up in there and you don't want pedestrians to hear here yelling?
  • 06nighthawkv606nighthawkv6 Member Posts: 55
    got a quote price 22,756 (includes dest.fee) in MN.

    Is that a V6?
  • jaxs1jaxs1 Member Posts: 2,697
    If you care about noise proofing, skip the liner and get Dynomat installed instead.
  • 06nighthawkv606nighthawkv6 Member Posts: 55
    Very tiny. It's thinner than a cardboard box. I doubt I would notice a difference without it.

    You'll notice it. It will add to the cumalative feeling of Honda that you just spent more then 20 grand on and then it will hit home how Honda hoodwinked you and "had it their way"!!
  • elroy5elroy5 Member Posts: 3,735
    My 03 has the trunk lid liner, but I don't see what's the affection for it. If it's the only thing keeping you from buying an 08 Accord, you can have mine. I won't miss it. ;)
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    There are always going to be people that have these "things" about them such as being bothered if they can feel the headrest touch the back of their head..

    There's a big difference between the head restraint touching the head and the head restraint pushing down on one's head so that the neck vertebrae are out of alignment with the rest of the spine.

    If you read the theory behind the active restraints, it is to keep the distance between the head and the restraint at a minimum at all times. This supposedly helps reduce whiplash injuries.

    However, the design does not encourage optimum posture. Previous head restraints work fine when used properly. If people are too dumb to learn how to set them properly, then they are bringing whiplash injuries upon themselves.

    Why should everyone be penalized with bad posture positions because of a few idiots?
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    I saw this message posted on the Prices Paid board, but it really should be posted here for everyone to be aware of:

    #17933
    2008 Accord Sedan V6 ENGINE PROBLEM by burningedge Oct 23, 2007 (8:29 pm)

    I bought a new Accord on Fri. 10/19. When I was driving to work on Mon. 10/22 the car started sputtering and lurching. It had 50 something miles on it. When I turned the car off and restarted it, the engine check light came on and the ECO light would no longer come on, though the car was driveable at that point. Brought the car in and they are working on it.

    I wanted to see if anyone else had a similar problem and also what people recommend I do. Should I be happy if they fix this? Will my car be as good as new? I'm pretty sure lemon law doesn't come into play (in California) unless I give them 4 chances to fix it. Can I push for a refund or exchange? Is this problem even something I should worry about? What do you guys think?
  • i360i360 Member Posts: 74
    On the Accord head restraints, you don't have the ability to move the headrest forward or back? My 2007 Santa Fe has these and you are able to move the headrests forward then all the way back which makes them easier on the head.

    I haven't seen the new Accords yet in person here in my part of Florida.
  • bvdj84bvdj84 Member Posts: 1,724
    Well, First thing first, Just take one step at a time, all cars, even honda are going to have a kink in one of them, every now and then. Give them a chance to fix it. Inform American Honda, so they have it on file, they need to know, just be patient, it could be something totally simple. I am sure it is fine, and doubt honda would let this one slip on to the lots like that. American Honda is great when it comes to service!
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ............"thinner than a cardboard box".

    ...makes for a catchy popular tune.......

    sorta kind "meaner than a junkyard dog"......

    ..yeah, I know (too much time)

    ..ez..
  • robertsmxrobertsmx Member Posts: 5,525
    Just a tiny bit. :shades:
  • jet10000jet10000 Member Posts: 656
    On the Accord head restraints, you don't have the ability to move the headrest forward or back?

    No, and that's the main problem. If you could do that then I don't think there would be an issue.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles