Vehicle(s): 2008 Honda Accord sedan LX 5 A/T
2008 Honda Accord sedan EX 5 A/T
2008 Honda Accord sedan EX-L V6 5 A/T
Price as tested: CDN$27650 (LX) CDN$30050 (EX) CDN$36350 (EX-L V6)

Performance: Instead of having 1 4-cylinder mill and a V6, Honda has expanded Accord’s portfolio to have 2 4-cylinder choices. The result is there are 2 versions of 2.4 DOHC i-VTEC in the Accord. A powerful 177hp/161 lb/ft version in the entry-level LX, a more powerful 190hp/162 lb/ft version in the mid-level EX. More on that awesome 3.5 V6 latter on. These 2 4 bangers are pretty much of what one expected from Honda’s engineering depature. Both are silky smooth, refined, flexible and very willing to rev pass redline without feeling breathless. Both are torquery as, 161 and 162 lb/ft of torque, arrive at 4300 and 4400 rpm respectively. Due to the lower hp version’s strong amount of torque, you have to wonder why would anyone going for 190hp with only 1 more lb/ft of torque @ 100 more rpm. The 5-speed automatic is equally impressive. Its a very smooth and eager gearbox, regardless of up or downshifts. We clocked 120 km/h @ 2000rpm with the 190hp which is very impressive indeed.

With its 4-cylinder silibing already provided such a nice performance, we have to wonder if anyone wants to go for this 3.5 SOHC i-VTEC V6. 268 horses and 248 lb/ft of torque are certainly impressive regardless of numbers or “seat-in-the-pants” performance. It has no shortage of power at any rpm, without losing the elegant demeanor we expected from Honda engineering. The 5-speed automatic’s gear ratio works like champ with this sweet motor. Only 1800 rpm @ 120 km/h for this mighty 3.5 V6. Best of all, it can run on Regular gas which can save lots from fuel bill each month.

Handling: Accord has always been regarded as the “sports sedan of the family sedan”, the latest version is no exception. From a driver’s perspective, 4-cylinder is a more balanced handler than the V6 simply because the front end is lighter. That means it has less understeer when pushed hard into a corner.

Even though we prefer I-4 over V6, both versions are world-class when it comes to driving dynamics. The chassis is ultra-stiff while free of anything called rattles and squeaks. Both the suspension and springs calibrations have European’s suppleness dialled in for firmer ride. However, this firm ride doesn’t equal to rough as with many of Accord’s rivals. The ride is both supple, firm and comfortable. On the other hand, steering is precise and sharp. It got the European steering firmness dial-in for weight when it comes to driving feel. The outgoing model already got it pretty much perfectly, updated version just got it even better than ever. Safe understeer and slight amount of body rolls are well expected from a family sedan. The VSA or Vehicle Stability Assist is an uninstrusive one, which means it won’t step in even when driven enthuisastically. Kudos for Honda engineers for setting VSA’s thresold so high for a family car.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Accord’s braking prowess certainly worthy of the Honda badge. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels solid and firm. Given Accord’s weighting in at 1400+ kg for a base LX, its braking performance has to be considered as steller.

Interior: America’s EPA has classified Accord as a “large car”, that means its interior volume is close to a full-size sedan. That means plenty of head and legrooms for both front and rear passengers. The rear legroom is impressive even for middle passenger.

In the front of the driver’s seat, its everything you expect from an Accord. That means top-notch interior materials and fit-and-finish regardless of trim levels. The ergonomics for stereo and climate control are flawless, even though might be a bit too button-happy in the EX-L. Both cloth and leather seats provide superb comfort.

The trunk space is huge even without folding down the rear seats.

Conclusion: Its always a risky proportion to redesign a class leader. Fortunately, Honda is able to produce the best Accord ever but also to set the bar even higher for its segment.

While the base 4-cylinder unit represents excellent value-for-money, its V6 is simply an awesome ride. Here is the catch, however, about the 4-bangers. If you don’t need to extra goodies in the EX, go with the LX because former only has 13 more ponies and 1 more pounds feet of torque than latter. In the end, you save $2400 more.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 HONDA ACCORD
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Performance: 4.75/5 (LX) 4.75/5 (EX) 5/5 (EX-L)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5 (LX) 4.5/5 (EX) 4/5 (EX-L)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5 (LX) 4.75/5 (EX) 4/5 (EX-L)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5 (LX) 5/5 (EX) 5/5 (EX-L)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5 (LX) 5/5 (EX) 5/5 (EX-L)
Value-for-money: 5/5 (LX) 4.5/5 (EX) 4/5 (EX-L)

Overall ratings: 4.75/5 (LX) 4.5/5 (EX) 4.25 (EX-L)