2008 Honda Accord [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 37 Accord reviews and test drives.
Honda Accord - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Honda Accord ranks 1 out of 25 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 37 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Accord, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Redesigned this year, reviewers describe the 2008 Honda Accord as a better-driving, better-looking, better-functioning family sedan that should continue to please its loyal fans, and attract some new ones. Other cars might feature nicer interiors or offer better performance, but the award-winning Accord is one of the best all-around packages in this class.
Car and Driver named the 2008 Accord one of its 10Best for 2008, an honor the sedan has received a record 22 times. Kiplinger magazine recognizes the 2008 Accord as a "Best in Class" winner for sedans priced between $25,000 and $30,000. The 2008 Accord was also honored as Motor Week's Best Family Sedan, Consumer Reports' Best Pick of 2008 in the Family Sedan category, and Road and Travel Magazine's Sedan of the Year and International Car of the Year.
For 2008, Honda has increased its mainstay's engine power, upgraded its interior and redesigned the exterior. The separately reviewed Accord Coupe has also been redesigned for 2008.
- "For now…the Accord reigns as the best of the best -- the benchmark." -- Motor Trend
- "The benchmark by which other midsize sedans are judged in the 32 years since it debuted in the United States." -- Detroit Free Press
- "Honda folks could be forgiven if, in a moment of weakness, they took their eyes off the ball and let the all-new 2008 model slide by with minimal changes. Not a chance. … Everything about the new model is larger or better." -- AutoWeek
- "Most will like the Accord's improved styling, additional space and better performance. I certainly did." -- Detroit News
- "Our Best Family Sedan is a multi-time winner. … The all-new 2008 Accord offers more sophisticated styling, with a larger cabin boasting more room than rivals. The Accord also packs more power under the hood, while sacrificing little economy, and exhibits higher levels of refinement. Yet it can still be had for a price that fits the average family budget." -- Motor Week
- "Honda did a sweet job on the overhaul. The combination of pleasant driving, practicality and refinement probably is unmatched among mainstream sedans." -- USA Today
Accord Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Honda Accord upholds its reputation for polished performance with 2008 enhancements that make something that was good even better. Motor Week says the "sophistication under the hood…is pure Honda." But the Accord receives a lower performance score from us than others because of poor reviews for its base engine and automatic transmission. Continue with our full Performance Review to read critics appreciation of the Accord's boosted powertrain, and modified chassis, and learn how the Accord compares to other midsize sedans. continue
Accord Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2008 Honda Accord is not considered as sporty-looking as the Nissan Altima, the Altima Coupe or its own two-door model, the Honda Accord Coupe, but reviewers still acknowledge the redesigned 2008 Accord is an attractive family sedan. The Detroit News says, "It's not the Mach 5, but certainly something Speed Racer and Trixie would gladly take for a Sunday drive with the kids and a monkey." Check out the 2008 Honda Accord Photo Gallery to see images of the redesign, or go to our full Exterior Review to learn how the Accord's look compares to its competitors. continue
Accord Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Reviews note the new Accord's interior is not only among the class best, but also the roomiest in the model's history. The Accord's interior and exterior dimensions were stretched so much that the EPA now classifies it as a full-size sedan. Plus Motor Trend notes the 2008 model's "interior quality is a step above the previous iteration's, and fit and finish are top notch." Check out our 2008 Honda Accord Photo Gallery to see pictures of the enlarged cabin, or continue with our full Interior Review to learn how the Accord's roomy seating and well-appointed cabin stack up against the rest of the class. continue
Accord Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda Accord does very well in government crash tests and is one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Picks" for good performance in both frontal offset and side impact tests. But its safety score is not the best of all ranked affordable midsize sedans. Continue with our full Safety Review to see how the Accord's safety features and scores compare to the rest of the class. continue
Accord Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda Accord reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Honda provides a three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, as well as a five-year or 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn more about the Accord's reputation for reliability. continue
