Cars are not all equally important. While some might be a lot more exciting to drive, they're often priced beyond the reach of most consumers, who can't do anything else but to dream about owning one of them.
Other cars are fun in their own right but they deal with much higher expectations. The new Honda Accord will certainly prove to be a master at meeting people's expectations. Everywhere, Honda customers and car enthusiasts of various walks of life were eagerly waiting for it, as the automaker had promised a long-overdue makeover.
Sketches and concepts unveiled at various auto shows over the past year have generated a lot of hype and, consequently, I was very much looking forward to the opportunity to try out this V6-powered Honda Accord.
Everything's changed!
The 2008 Honda Accord is a complete departure from the previous generation. In terms of size, the car is heavier and larger in every respect. Overall length grew by 76 millimeters, while height and width also boast significant increases. The resulting longer wheelbase means interior room is more generous than ever before. Passengers can stretch their limbs more freely, both in the coupe and the sedan.
Of course, this maturing process goes beyond size. The new Accord also gets a pair of more powerful, less thirsty engines. Consumers looking for the best fuel economy will turn to the base LX model (4 cylinders), while performance enthusiasts will definitely prefer the 268-hp EX V6 model, even though it's a bit short on driving excitement. In typical Honda fashion, the 5-speed automatic transmission is highly effective.
Other cars are fun in their own right but they deal with much higher expectations. The new Honda Accord will certainly prove to be a master at meeting people's expectations. Everywhere, Honda customers and car enthusiasts of various walks of life were eagerly waiting for it, as the automaker had promised a long-overdue makeover.
 |
| The 2008 Honda Accord is a complete departure from the previous generation. |
Sketches and concepts unveiled at various auto shows over the past year have generated a lot of hype and, consequently, I was very much looking forward to the opportunity to try out this V6-powered Honda Accord.
Everything's changed!
The 2008 Honda Accord is a complete departure from the previous generation. In terms of size, the car is heavier and larger in every respect. Overall length grew by 76 millimeters, while height and width also boast significant increases. The resulting longer wheelbase means interior room is more generous than ever before. Passengers can stretch their limbs more freely, both in the coupe and the sedan.
Of course, this maturing process goes beyond size. The new Accord also gets a pair of more powerful, less thirsty engines. Consumers looking for the best fuel economy will turn to the base LX model (4 cylinders), while performance enthusiasts will definitely prefer the 268-hp EX V6 model, even though it's a bit short on driving excitement. In typical Honda fashion, the 5-speed automatic transmission is highly effective.
 |
| Passengers will find a lot more room, both in the coupe and the sedan. |