Honda Accord: Feels like part of the family
Published 9:34 am Friday, December 21, 2007
Some cars are so familiar they almost feel as if they have become part of your DNA. The Honda Accord is one such model.
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the four-door sedan also has a more powerful presence, with sharp and strong character lines. Almost sounds like a distant cousin.
A quick genealogical check of the Accord’s family tree reveals the Japanese nameplate was first introduced to the American public in 1976. In 1982 Honda became the first foreign car company to assemble one of its products in the U.S., with the opening of its Marysville, Ohio, plant.
Some 26 years later, the all-new 2008 model is the eighth generation of the venerable Accord to roll off the assembly line.
Accord is available in sedan and coupe body types, with 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engine choices coupled with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped LX and LX-P to the even better-equipped EX and premium EX-L.
I immediately felt at home behind the Accord’s steering wheel, and I’m a BIG fan of a spacious interior. Even the front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord’s sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility, and my tester included a lockable pass-through that adds even more flexibility.
The EX interior is dynamic, intuitive and upscale. An easy-to-read information display, classically-styled circular gauges, color-coded controls (green for climate and white for audio) and steering-wheel controls all add to the Accord’s friendliness and likability.
My tester was equipped with the V6 engine and automatic transmission, delivering 268 horsepower and an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. The sedan seats four adults in comfort, five in a pinch.
Part of the whiz-bang technology crammed into the new Accord is Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). This system allows the engine to operate in three different modes. Depend-ing on driving conditions, the engine operates on three, four, or all six cylinders to help boost fuel economy or power as needed.
Another new feature is ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering). It provides a body structure that enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Another alphabet soup acronym, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), makes the car safer in inclement driving conditions.
Other goodies include the latest-generation Honda satellite-linked navigation system that utilizes an eight-inch screen, standard XM satellite radio, and an in-dash, six-disc CD changer with 270 watts of amplification through seven speakers including an eight-inch subwoofer.
Every 2008 Accord has side curtain airbags, driver and front passenger dual-chamber side airbags, and dual-threshold driver and front passenger airbags. Additionally, Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision.
An anti-lock brake system is also standard equipment.
