Some products are so highly anticipated that their manufacturers cannot afford to make the slightest mistake; otherwise, consumers will be equally disappointed. That was challenge facing the engineers and designers of the all-new 2008 Honda Accord, a car with so much expectations (the previous model enjoyed a huge success) that initial forecasts hinted at significant improvements.
In other words, Honda had no choice: its redesigned midsize sedan must be a hit. As if the pressure wasn't high enough already, the automaker claimed a couple of months ago that it had created the best Accord ever. As you can see, the bar was set extremely high. Let's find out if Honda told the truth and passed the test.
Weight gain
The new Accord is bigger in every way. First of all, its exterior dimensions are much larger. The sedan is now 4,930-mm long (+76), 1,846-mm wide (+26) and 1,476-mm high (+23). Even the coupe has been stretched; it stands 79-mm longer, 38-mm wider and 17-mm higher.
The wheelbase also benefits from this growth spurt, measuring 2,804 mm long (+64). That said, interior room is the biggest winner, so much so that the 2008 Accord is now considered a full-size sedan in the U.S. based on its significantly larger passenger compartment.
The Accord is also more powerful than ever. The new Honda engines, some of which are slightly modified carry-overs from the last generation, have been beefed up. In base LX trim, the sedan gets the familiar 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that now produces 177 horsepower (+11). In EX and EX-L trim, though, displacement remains the same but power jumps to 190 hp. Both engines can be mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.
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In other words, Honda had no choice: its redesigned midsize sedan must be a hit. As if the pressure wasn't high enough already, the automaker claimed a couple of months ago that it had created the best Accord ever. As you can see, the bar was set extremely high. Let's find out if Honda told the truth and passed the test.
Weight gain
The new Accord is bigger in every way. First of all, its exterior dimensions are much larger. The sedan is now 4,930-mm long (+76), 1,846-mm wide (+26) and 1,476-mm high (+23). Even the coupe has been stretched; it stands 79-mm longer, 38-mm wider and 17-mm higher.
The wheelbase also benefits from this growth spurt, measuring 2,804 mm long (+64). That said, interior room is the biggest winner, so much so that the 2008 Accord is now considered a full-size sedan in the U.S. based on its significantly larger passenger compartment.
The Accord is also more powerful than ever. The new Honda engines, some of which are slightly modified carry-overs from the last generation, have been beefed up. In base LX trim, the sedan gets the familiar 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that now produces 177 horsepower (+11). In EX and EX-L trim, though, displacement remains the same but power jumps to 190 hp. Both engines can be mated to a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.
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