The car enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests of the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe to compile this review. TheCarConnection.com's experts also drove the new Honda Accord Coupe to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, and to give you more information that can help you make the right buying decision.
Likes:
- Handsome shape
- Comfortable interior
- Quick reflexes
- V-6/six-speed combination
Dislikes:
- Rear-seat access
- Is it bland?
The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is one of the most satisfying vehicles you can own, which makes it more difficult for TheCarConnection.com's car experts to fill out the "dislikes" section above. How do you criticize a car with good looks, good fuel economy and performance, and a great reputation for satisfaction?
The Accord Coupe is new for 2008, and it's difficult to find much wrong with the new model. For the first time ever, it gets a unique look and completely different body panels from the four-door. The two-door is markedly sleeker, with a sexy curve to the roof, and the bold character line, sweeping from front wheels to rear lamps, gives the coupe a sense of constant motion. The new Accord's cockpit is definitely among the best, too--the dashboard is laid out in a sort of dual-cockpit mode, and gauges and controls are particularly well placed.
The top engine in the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is a beefy, 3.5-liter V-6. It hits a solid 268 horsepower and comes with either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. The base car gets a 190-hp in-line four and a choice of five-speed manual or automatic. Honda's powertrains are gems, and the V-6 Coupe is a particularly happy performer, with acceleration times of about 8 seconds to 60 mph and 19/28 mpg fuel economy (the four-cylinder gets 22/31 mpg).
Though bigger, the new Accord's center of gravity is lower, thanks to Honda engineers. They've modified the double-wishbone front suspension geometry and gone with a multilink rear. The result is a very supple suspension package that seems to soak up bumps almost imperceptibly, without numbing its road feel. The new, variable gear ration steering is precise and supple, with a clear, on-center feel. The Coupe has standard 18-inch wheels, too.
The new car comes with sportier seats, but ones that are quite comfortable over long distances. Among other advantages, they feature an expanded range of motion. The larger cabin means more space between front-seat occupants, filled with a larger center armrest. The backseats aren't easy to get in, but are reasonable for short trips for two adults. The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is available with XM Satellite Radio, a navigation system, and Bluetooth.
Anti-lock brakes, six airbags, and active head restraints are standard. The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA rates it at five stars for crash protection, save for a four-star rating for passenger side impacts.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe blends great looks with strong V-6 performance and good fuel economy, making it one of TheCarConnection.com's top-rated vehicles.
Other Choices:
If you like the
2008 Honda
Accord Coupe, also consider:
-
Toyota Camry Solara
-
Nissan Altima
Coupe
Reason why
The Honda Accord Coupe's most direct competitors are two other coupes derived from front-drive, Japanese-brand sedans. The Toyota Camry Solara is based on the four-door Camry, and has much softer handling than the Accord Coupe. It's due to be replaced after the 2008 model year. The Nissan Altima Coupe is a new entry in the market, and sports four- and six-cylinder engines and a profile that reminds TheCarConnection.com's editors of the late Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Buying Tip:
The 2008 Honda Accord Coupe is a sought-after car with great resale value. City commuters will be happy with the four-cylinder version, while the V-6 cars with leather and navigation systems will easily cross the $30,000 line. In either case, spending a little more at the dealer should pay off in a higher resale value later on in the car's life. Honda's navigation system is one of the most easily understood systems available.
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Review was originally published at TheCarConnection.com
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