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Old 09-10-07, 03:30 PM
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Gojirra99
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Default 2008 Honda Accord (merged threads)

Press Release:

The all-new, completely redesigned 2008 Honda Accord is set to debut at dealerships nationwide on September 12 (sedan) and September 20 (coupe), with Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices(1) (MSRP) ranging from $20,360 for the well-equipped Accord LX Sedan to $30,510 for the sporty and luxurious Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe equipped with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation(2) System(TM), American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

“The 2008 Honda Accord adds popular features and enhancements while maintaining competitive, value-oriented pricing on every model,” said **** Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “A new, innovative design with improved packaging and even more refined performance adds to the Accord’s strong foundation of historically high residual values, renowned manufacturing quality and legendary reliability.”

Compared to the outgoing 2007 Accord, the 2008 Accord pricing reflects a sales-weighted increase of approximately $600 (2.5 percent) across the entire lineup while adding approximately $1,400 in relative value through new standard features and enhanced equipment. All 4-cylinder models add Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA(R)), 11 horsepower (24 horsepower on Accord EX and EX-L Sedans and all Accord Coupes), rear disc brakes (LX), larger wheels and tires and audio system enhancements. The audio system enhancements include an MP3/auxiliary input jack, steering wheel audio controls (LX), MP3/Windows Media(R) Audio(3) (WMA) playback capability and Radio Data System (RDS).

New standard features and enhancements on V-6 models include Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (VCM(R)) on automatic transmission models, a 24-horsepower increase, audio system enhancements, fog lights and more. The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on V-6 sedan models, available on all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes), and a 6-speed manual transmission (available exclusively on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe).

The available 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 268 horsepower — the most ever for any Accord — while introducing a new generation of fuel-saving VCM technology and achieving a Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV(4)) rating. The VCM system, standard on all automatic transmission-equipped V-6 models, operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, resulting in an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/29(5)miles per gallon (Accord V-6 Sedan).

New for Accord, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes VSA, also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution, brake assist and more.

Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord LX Sedan and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord EX Sedan (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord EX-L Sedan (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).

Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord LX-S Coupe (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord EX Coupe (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord EX-L Coupe (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).

Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan’s overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller.

Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord’s interior. The larger Accord LX Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide “equal” seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.

Three impressive audio systems are available — all with MP3/WMA playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. The RDS displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.

The Accord EX Sedan and all Accord Coupes add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and EX-L Sedan models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts of total amplification and seven speakers, including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM(R) Satellite Radio(6)is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat(7) Survey(R) guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(R)(8).

A performance-inspired, double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively.

The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard VSA is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.

The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch alloy wheels standard, with 18-inch alloys available on the V-6 Coupe). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe’s available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.

The Honda Accord was first Japanese-nameplate car assembled in the United States and calendar year 2007 represents the 25th anniversary of its manufacture here. The first Japanese-built Accord was introduced as a 1976 model, and by 1982 it was being manufactured both in Japan and in a brand-new automobile assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio. The success of the Accord set a path for Honda, and conclusively proved that assembling cars in America was a viable proposition. Seven more Accord generations followed, leading to the eighth-generation 2008 Accord.

2008 Honda Accord Prices and EPA Data Sedan EPA Model Transmission MSRP* City/Hwy. 4-cylinder models

Sedan

Accord LX Sedan 5-Speed Manual $20,360 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $21,160 21/31

Accord LX-P Sedan 5-Speed Manual $21,360 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $22,160 21/31

Accord EX Sedan 5-Speed Manual $23,060 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $23,860 21/31

Accord EX-L Sedan 5-Speed Manual $25,060 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $25,860 21/31

Accord EX-L Sedan with Navi 5-Speed Manual $27,260 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $28,060 21/31


V-6 models

Accord EX V6 Sedan 5-Speed Automatic $25,960 19/29

Accord EX-L V6 Sedan 5-Speed Automatic $28,060 19/29

Accord EX-L V6 Sedan with Navi 5-Speed Automatic $30,260 19/29


Coupe

4-cylinder models

Accord LX-S Coupe 5-Speed Manual $21,860 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $22,660 21/30

Accord EX Coupe 5-Speed Manual $23,160 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $23,960 21/30

Accord EX-L Coupe 5-Speed Manual $25,160 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $25,960 21/30

Accord EX-L Coupe with Navi 5-Speed Manual $27,360 22/31
5-Speed Automatic $28,160 21/30

V-6 models
Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe 6-Speed Manual $28,310 17/25
5-Speed Automatic $28,310 19/28

Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with Navi6-Speed Manual $30,510 17/25
5-Speed Automatic $30,510 19/28

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $635.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(1) MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $635.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(2) Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

(3) Windows Media (R) Audio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
(4) PZEV models are automatic transmission only, as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB), are available in California and some Northeastern states.

(5) Based on 2008 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

(6) Required XM(R) Radio monthly subscription sold separately after 90 day trial period. Installation costs and other fees and taxes may apply after initial trial period, including a one-time activation fee. Subscription fee is consumer only. All fees and programming subject to change. Subscriptions subject to Customer Agreeement available at xmradio.com. XM service only available in the 48 contiguous United States. The XM name is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio Inc.

(7) Zagat Survey(R) is a registered trademark of Zagat Survey, LLC. (8) The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co. Ltd., is under license.

Source: Honda
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Old 09-10-07, 03:37 PM
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Sweet, thanks for the info!
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Old 09-10-07, 03:48 PM
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It's not your fault, Andrew...you, of course, are just passing on the news story (and thanks) But, once again, we have a perfect example of Honda's arrogance, in publically releasing U.S-market prices TWO DAYS before the wrappers come off in the showrooms. This is something that should have been done some time ago.....or at least longer than two days before they go on sale. For one thing, potential customers sometimes order an all-newly designed car from a dealership, in advance, without even seeing it (something that I don't recommend, for several reasons). Still, even if they choose to do this, the dealer can't finalize the paperwork without official pricing, and the customer, obviously, cannot arrange financing if it is not going to be cash.

I've dealt with a lot of car-company reps in my lifetime, especially at auto shows and over the phone......and among Japanese firms, dealing with the public in general, Honda's are the worst, though in fairness, almost none of them (I think there was only one) have been locked up for corporate crimes like at Mitsubishi.

Last edited by mmarshall; 09-10-07 at 03:54 PM.
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Old 09-10-07, 03:57 PM
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Having a $20k entry price of admission is fairly bold in such a competitive. However, I feel the Accord has gotten too big. Unlike the outgoing version, I'm not warming up to this Accord.
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Old 09-10-07, 04:03 PM
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Originally Posted by AzNMpower
Having a $20k entry price of admission is fairly bold in such a competitive. However, I feel the Accord has gotten too big. Unlike the outgoing version, I'm not warming up to this Accord.
Big, though, is a relative thing. Don't forget, this is a mass-market American family sedan; one of the most popular ones in the country......and many of the Americans whobuy it want family room inside, like with the archrival Camry.

Compare that to the overseas (non-U.S. market) Accord, which is done on a smaller, roughly Civic-size platform and sold here in the U.S. as the Acura TSX.
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Old 09-10-07, 04:14 PM
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good luck to accord!
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Old 09-10-07, 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
Big, though, is a relative thing. Don't forget, this is a mass-market American family sedan; one of the most popular ones in the country......and many of the Americans who buy it want family room inside, like with the archrival Camry.

Compare that to the overseas (non-U.S. market) Accord, which is done on a smaller, roughly Civic-size platform and sold here in the U.S. as the Acura TSX.
I know. I remember back in the good ol' days when the Camry was a compact sedan. Now it's what, a full-size?!

Sheesh. If someone wants lots of room how's this for a novel idea: BUY A FULL SIZE SEDAN. They actually don't cost that much more, and offer lots more room inside and in the boot. Plus, there are plenty of good choices out there. The Ford Taurus (rumored to be good), the Toyota Avalon, the Nissan Maxima (stupid CVT and torque steer, but makes a statement), the Chevy Impala (rubbish gearbox but decent car)......the list goes on.
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Old 09-10-07, 04:20 PM
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The V6 gets 19 mpg in the city? My V8 GS gets 18...
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Old 09-10-07, 04:23 PM
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interesting move by Honduh...my gut feeling tells me they are moving things larger to make way for the Honduh City aka Fit Sedan on the bottom end of a 3 tier sedan offering....
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Old 09-10-07, 05:10 PM
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Hmm.. the mpgs don't add up. 19 city is 12.34L/100km. Even in the 300hp IS, it's rated at 10.9L/100km city (21.58mpg). 29mpg high is 8.11L/100km... Camry V6s are getting in the 7s. The 4 cylinder also doesn't add up. 22mpg city? That's 10.7... I could've sworn they're below 10. Ok.. so it's under the new EPA rule... but given that we had an 02 Camry rated at 6.7L/100km, we got that number on a 400km journey through the Okanagan.

I thought Accord numbers were very close to the Camry and were at the top of the class. What are your thoughts?
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Old 09-10-07, 05:24 PM
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$30,500 for a fully loaded EX V6 Coupe. That is steep...
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Old 09-10-07, 05:36 PM
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Base model accord used to be $18,000
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Old 09-10-07, 06:10 PM
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Originally Posted by UTGS400
The V6 gets 19 mpg in the city? My V8 GS gets 18...
my guess is that the ratings come from the new EPA standard.

Our GS400 was rated at 17/25 using the awfully outdated EPA system.

If our cars were tested on the 08 standard, we would probably be seeing 15mpg for the city, and around 22 for the highway.

But remember, everyone drives differently.
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Old 09-10-07, 07:30 PM
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Originally Posted by tuan92129
Base model accord used to be $18,000
I'm sure it would be $18,000 if it was spec'd out like the Camry CE (now called the standard).

I remember when a Camry CE cost Cdn$20,000. Of course it didn't have power win/locks/mirrors but it had A/C I believe.

At that time, it would've been the equivalent of US$13,500.
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Old 09-10-07, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Nextourer
I'm sure it would be $18,000 if it was spec'd out like the Camry CE (now called the standard).

I remember when a Camry CE cost Cdn$20,000. Of course it didn't have power win/locks/mirrors but it had A/C I believe.

At that time, it would've been the equivalent of US$13,500.
The Camry CE was dropped, I believe, with the last-generation model.
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