Honda first introduced the Accord in 1976, as a larger, more powerful and more stylish alternative to its successful and economical Civic. That initial Accord weighed about 2000 lbs. and sported a diminutive 1.6-liter engine that hummed out 68hp. Its interior, while upgraded from Civic, was still relatively spartan.
Thirty-two years and seven generations later, the all-new 2008 Honda Accord has evolved into an upscale large-size sedan that is still economical and aggressively priced. Along the way, the Accord has gained a reputation for being reliable, comfortable and cost-conscious. The 2008 EXL version adds luxury to the menu.
The Gen-One Accord was originally available only as a three-door hatchback – the sedan debuted in 1979 – and was fuel-rated at a whopping 36mpg. It had a 93.7-inch wheelbase and measured 162 inches long. The eighth-generation Accord has a 107.9-inch wheelbase and is 194.1 inches long. Power has been upgraded significantly, as the 3.5-liter V-6 engine of my test vehicle galloped out 268 horses, while still promising 19mpg/city and 29mpg/highway (2008 EPA protocols) from its set-up – my weeklong test achieved a 23.6mpg average on its 3567-lb. curb-weight.
I was lucky enough to be the first journalist to test drive this particular vehicle and found it to be a treat to sit in and a fun vehicle to drive. I had expected a conservative, sluggish-but-economical mid-size, and what I got was a lavish full-size with some zip.
Acceleration is adequate in all ranges as this full-size got me from zero to 60mph in 7.5 seconds, en route to a 16-flat quarter-mile. Where it excelled was on the auto-cross, as it handled agilely and responsively in tight turns and looping curves, with a minimum of yaw.
The Accord EXL V-6 is powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC I-VTEC V-6 engine that reaches 248 lbs.-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. With variable cylinder management and mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, the green-friendly system has earned a ULEV-2/PZEV carburetor emissions rating and can go 100,000 miles with no scheduled tune-ups.
With solid fit and finish and a tight body structure, there was no tinniness and no rattles during tests on uneven asphalt, pot-holed streets and smooth highways. The Accord accomplishes that, as well as creating a smooth ride with drive-by-wire throttle system, double wishbone front suspension, independent multi-link rear suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, variable gear ratio power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power-assisted ventilated front disc/solid rear disc brakes.
No longer a small car, or even a mid-size, the ’08 Accord offers a roomy cabin with 39 inches of headroom up front (37.2 in row two), 42.5 inches of leg room for driver and passenger (37.2 behind) and 58.2 inches of shoulder in the front row (56.2 in the rear).
Inside, the Accord EXL is luxuriously appointed with Honda satellite-linked navigation system, voice recognition and 8-inch screen featuring both Zagat guide And Bluetooth handsfree link capability. It also boasts of leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control system, driver's seat with 8-way power adjustment, passenger's seat with 4-way power adjustment, heated front seats and power lumbar support.
Healthful climate is assured via air conditioning with an air filtration system. Other comforts include power windows with auto-up/down driver's window, power door locks, cruise control, center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment, tilt and telescopic steering column, illuminated steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, interface dial with scrolling and multi-line display, blue ambient console lighting, tilt and telescopic steering column, maintenance minder system and exterior temperature indicator.
Upscale entertainment is provided by a 270-watt AM/FM/6-disc in-dash premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, XM-satellite radio, radio data system, MP3/Windows media audio playback capability, MP3/auxiliary input jack and speed-sensitive volume control.
Safety is a Honda hallmark and the Accord is outfitted with such features as front 3-point seat belts with automatic tensioning system, dual-stage, dual threshold front airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, advanced compatibility engineering body structure, vehicle stability assist with traction control, brake assist, tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, side-impact door beams, lower anchors and tethers for children, child-seat tether anchor and emergency trunk opener.
My Basque Red Pearl test Accord was smoothly angled with gentle slops and luxurious lines. The exterior was up-fashioned with one-touch power moonroof and its tilt feature, 17-inch alloy wheels, flat blade windshield wipers, a security system, remote entry system with power window control, multi-reflector halogen headlights with auto-off, chrome door handles, body-colored heated power side mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers and fog lights.
The initial Accord was priced at $3995 in 1976, and Gen-8 has a base price of $28,060, these three decades later. Add-ons to my test ride were a moonroof visor ($125), rear camera ($464), wood steering wheel ($129), wood trim interior ($219), interior illumination ($109) and destination charges of $635. That brought the bottom line to $30,895, which is a very competitive price for the niche.
The 2008 Accord is a stylish family sedan that has come a long way since 1976.
Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
Related Items:
