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Honda Accord: long-lived, with more life left

Published 12:04 pm Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Honda’s Accord has had more incarnations than Shirley MacLaine.

Somehow, someway, Honda engineers always manage to improve upon perfection. And at the same time maintain that feeling one has when they place a pair of broken-in,

comfortable shoes on their feet.

The all-new 2008 Honda EX-L Accord sedan hurls the ball forward with a bevy of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety.

Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan features sharp, chiseled lines. The coupe strikes an aggressive stance with a muscular and sporty demeanor.

As the Honda brand’s flagship car, Accord is also charged with retaining its fun-to-drive feel.

As usual, Honda engineers succeed on all counts.

Powered by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 generating 268 horsepower, the most ever for any Accord, the engine has an EPA rating of 19 mpg city, 29 highway. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic that is virtually invisible — always a good thing when it comes to automatic transmissions.

The car accelerates quickly, and still has giddyup left when asked, even at 60 mph. More than anything, in my eyes this elevates the Honda Accord EX-L to more than just a family-friendly sedan.

Sedan trim levels include the well-equipped LX, plus-featured LX-P and EX, and the premium EX-L. Coupe trim levels are LX-S, EX and EX-L.

The larger Accord sedan is intended to provide equal seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Having put this statement to the Larry backside test, I can confirm its accuracy. There is ample room for four adults, five in a pinch, to ride in comfort. The wider interior also allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to accommodate a larger center console — perfect for my “house on wheels” philosophy.

The Accord trunk is a definite four-bagger, passing the Larry-mandated four golf bag test in flying colors — with room to spare. That means there’s also room for my brother’s baby-buggy-style push cart.

The car’s interior is dynamic, intuitive and upscale. An easy-to-read information display, classically-styled gauges and steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord.

A premium audio system with six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification, and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer projects Eric Clapton guitar solos in deafening high definition. An XM satellite radio is standard.

The latest generation of Honda’s satellite-linked navigation system with voice activation uses an eight-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. The “computer lady” is quick to scold occupants when their seatbelt is not fastened.

Safety features include a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. Additionally, the 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.

Yes, the 2008 Accord has more life left.