Ask the Car People.SM


Midsize Sedans 2.0

18171 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 3:36 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Kia Optima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 554 of 1818

#5527 of 18171 Drove an 08 Accord by maxamillion1

Sep 16, 2007 (10:17 am)

Had the Opportunity to take an EX-I4 5spd manual out for a test run yesterday up in Chicago, IL.
 
Exterior:
When I first saw spy shots of the Accord, I actually liked the front end and I thought it was more agressive and bolder than the 7th generation Accord. In person I still like the new front end better than the current model but I was a little less impressed with it. The lights themselves give me a 98-02 Accord feel and go back to the "Accord" look that most of us remember but I don't like the fact that the lights stick out on the sides of the car. I'll also say that I find the Accord looks a LOT like the Sonata from the front when you see it in person and I think that's mainly because the Accord finally has a real "grill" and that the Sonata and Accord share similarly designed headlights. (But the Accord's from way back in 1990 had them first IMO) The bulging headlights give the Accord a "bug eyed" look from the side..almost like the car is wearing huge eyeglasses or something. I also think it's a shame that Honda doesn't make fog lights standard on LX-P and EX-14 models because the agressive front end looks strange without the fog lights found on V6 models. The area where the fog lights would go looks like an afterthought. I do find the side profile of the Accord attractive and I particularly like the chrome accented door handles on V6 models. The car has a more upscale look to it than previous Accords. I don't have much of an opinnion on the rear end, it's neither bad nor great in my eyes so I'll say that's a good thing considering I didn't like the 03-05 rear at all.
Funny thing is, I like the LX-Ps 16 inch alloys better than the EX model's 17s.
 
Interior:
 
I have always been a fan of the 7th gens interior and I do like the 08s as well. The 7th's was more simplistic and better designed IMO. Honda also dropped the electrolumincent gauges for 08 which is a shame. The gauges do look sportier than the 03-07s though.
The interior materials are a solid mix of soft and hard plastics. The top of the dashboard in particular has some very hard plastics yet they don't look cheap at all. The radio controls, interior door knobs and center console are similar in design and feel to the Civic. The materials are no better IMO than the 7th gen which isn't a problem considering the 7th gen was the best in it's class (only the Passat is better) The cloth seats of the EX I drove reminded me of the cloth found in the 1990-91 Accord (anybody remember those days?) I liked them because they were supportive and comfortable and a lot better than the c cloth found in my 2005 Altima. The cloth had a "suede" feel to it that Accord haven't had since the glory days of the early 1990s.
 
I didn't sit in the back seat, but I did look back there and the car appeared to be roomier than previous generations. LX and LX-P models are Full size sedans and EX models are midsize. I will say that the back seat of the Accord didn't look any roomier than my Altima 2.5S.
 
Features:
 
From what I could see Honda hasn't really added any "techy" features to the Accord as opposed to the 7th gen. Bluetooth is only available on navigation models, push button isn't offered at all and HIDs aren't either. I don't really expect them to be considering a top of the line Accord is still $2000 less than the comparable CamTima. On the safety front Honda has finally caught up with the Sonata by offering VSA standard on all models, which is great IMO.
 
Transmission/Engine:
 
Like always Honda delivers BIG on engine/transmission refinement. The engine is smooth and has lots of power when you need it. I never felt at anytime that I needed to rev the car up to get it's power. The engine is QUIET though, so quiet that a couple of times I'd stop and have to push the gas to even realize the car was running. The shifter is smooth as silk and has the usual Honda precision that you expect. The feel and linkage of the shifter is much better than what Nissan has to offer and I think only Mazda comes close or exceeds the feel of the Accord's shifter.
 
Ride:
 
Seeing as I live in the city of Chicago now I didn't get the opportunity to drive the car out on highways and Interstates like I would in Spartanburg, SC so all of my driving impressions where on city streets. The streets of Chicago are ROUGH but not as bad as say NYC. That didn't stop the Accord from riding quite well through the city streets though. The ride is still firmer than say a Camry, but it's a little less form than past Accords I have tested. Potholes and crevices in the road where taken with stride and the car always remained composed with little if any jiggle.
 
Overall:
 
I'm very impressed with the car and I find it still to be a class leader. I've never really considered a Sonata because I don't like it's interior nor do I like the styling but I'm going to give it a test drive next weekend to compare. So far I'd still rate the Accord higher than the Altima, Camry (including the SE) and Optima and I'd only wish that Honda would add more techy features to the Accord (bluetooth w/o navigation, fog lights, push button start, etc.) but other than that I really did like the car. It is bigger, but doesn't feel any bigger when you drive it (it's not Avalon-ish IMO)
 
So if ever 7th gen. Accords (or any previous generations) were considered benchmarks, I'd say the new one continues that tradition.

#5528 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [backy] by kdshapiro

Sep 16, 2007 (10:25 am)

Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2007 10:14 am)
"Yes, I agree, some people will happily pay $5000 or more (actually much more counting interest or opportunity costs) for the factors you mentioned or others. And as I said, it's their money. I happen to have other uses for mine. "
 
Yes, I am one of those people who believe I'm getting the $5K worth "betterness" for the reasons I mentioned. $5K over 7 years of ownership is a small price to pay for a vehicle I have to live in day in and day out.
 
For me the $5K over many years would be a non-issue, but I realize for some how it could be an issue.

#5529 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [kdshapiro] by backy

Sep 16, 2007 (10:36 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Sep 16, 2007 10:25 am)
I understand. For some folks $5k or even $10k (actual cost of $5k today, over many years) is a small price to pay for the "betterness" they see in a car. Someday, when I'm done paying tuition costs for my 3 kids and funding my 401k to the hilt to prepare for early retirement, I may feel the same way.

#5530 of 18171 Re: Drove an 08 Accord [maxamillion1] by m1miata

Sep 16, 2007 (11:02 am)

Replying to: maxamillion1 (Sep 16, 2007 10:17 am)
You gave a very good review. Thanks! When I saw the new Accord, I was happy to have bought the current model. Just to not like the inside or the outside as well, though the seats feel a tad bit better. As for the exterior when compared to the Sonata, Hyundai now wins, IMHO. Oh course, just on looks, the Fusion/Milan looks kinda cool. The Altima I have finally gotten tired of. The interior foot brake is not anything I would want, nor is having a CVT transmission. Guess you could get a stick. To me it seems Altimas are overpriced these days. The look is no longer all that fresh anyway. They are relying too much these days for styling by plastic headlamp and tail lights for changes. Some like the Accord bugged-out eyes, are just awful. L

#5531 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [backy] by m1miata

Sep 16, 2007 (11:09 am)

Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2007 10:36 am)
Look they are not going to give you a SAME car for $5K less money. The cost to build is way too close for anyone to be able to do so. Once again, a Sonata is a good car, but it is not a same car. And only a fool pays retail sticker for any car, including a Sonata. (OK rare occasions the stick is a fair value - in mid-sized cars reviewed here all should have discounts available ) There are always ways to save money, be it buying a used car, buying the next smaller car, or buying lesser car. An Impala costs less than a CTS, but then again, it is a lesser car. Will save you over $10K to do so however, if costs savings is the goal. L

#5532 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [m1miata] by backy

Sep 16, 2007 (11:16 am)

Replying to: m1miata (Sep 16, 2007 11:09 am)
There's huge differences between an Impala and a CTS--not just price. They are different classes of cars entirely. Within this mid-sized family car class, the differences are much smaller.
 
If saving money is the goal, you can buy a real nice 2007 Taurus for around $10k, or a year or two older for even less. But it's not just saving money--it's getting a car you like and that meets your needs, for as little money as possible.

#5533 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [backy] by m1miata

Sep 16, 2007 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2007 11:16 am)
BINGO! It is all about the car. If a person truly believes their car is the same as some other more expensive car, and are very well happy with it, then it is in fact the best deal for that individual, in that they are pleased. Now to convince people of some difference between their cars and others is going nowhere. So I am dropping it as of today.
 
On a different note about these mid-sized cars, I do believe looks wise the Sonata is a contender. Some are saying the new Accord has a Sonata like front. Well, it may, but dang what is up with those eyes. Now I am thinking they are giving an advantage to other makes, Hyundai included, by just going to strange. Base solely on looks the Sonata is now looking better than is the Accord. I almost forgot the "Most Improved Award" in stying award. This must be awarded to the person or persons at Subaru which finally got at least a decent look to the cars, such as the Legacy. In some colors, in my opinion, it looks rather nice, when compared to all the rest in class. And thank God, they changed the Tribeca. Whew!
 
Anyway, the Sonata looks good to me, as did the previous generation design. In the looks department, one could say to their eye, she is better looking than the Big Two, or is that Three Japan makes. Of course that is subjective. L

#5534 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [m1miata] by backy

Sep 16, 2007 (1:07 pm)

Replying to: m1miata (Sep 16, 2007 12:54 pm)
And keep in mind the Sonata is due for a major re-fresh next spring. (Just in time, with the new Accord, Malibu, and Mazda6 here or coming soon.) Rumors are it will include a Genesis-inspired front end and a Veracruz-inspired dash. And I'm betting it will also include some powertrain tweaks, since the horsepower wars for family cars continue unabated.

#5535 of 18171 Re: Residuals can be deceiving [backy] by urnews

Sep 16, 2007 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2007 1:07 pm)
...since the horsepower wars for family cars continue unabated.
 
That is something that just makes no sense to me. I know it's a fact but it still makes no sense.

#5536 of 18171 2008 Accord - TheGrad's Impressions by thegraduate

Sep 16, 2007 (2:46 pm)

I just went to my local dealer (which is literally down the hill from my house). The dealership was closed, but I found two unlocked examples; an LX-P and an EX cloth (4-cyl). I came back with results I didn't expect.
  
For those who don't know by the way, I have a '96 LX Accord and an '06 EX cloth Accord.
  
Size/Exterior: The car looks stately, grown up, but still looks aggressive (more aggressive than my 06). From inside the driver's seat, the car didn't feel noticeably longer, but I did notice the extra width big time (a good thing to a big guy like me). The LX-P's wheels sure look small when compared to the others' now.
  
Interior: I spent most of my seat time in a silver LX-P. First, the plusses...
  
Good headroom, kneeroom, and I think the rear seat would almost be bearable for three with the extra hip and shoulder room. Five across in my 2006 model is tight, and darn near impossible in my 1996. The gauges are gorgeous (and weren't even lit up, mind you). Nice detailing; a definite classy upgrade from my 06 (although my 06 is ultra-legible, so I'll call it a wash).
  
For the cons...
  
The wonderful dampened-tactile feel present in the previous Accords is almost gone. Push a power window switch and you meet a very stiff and cheaper feeling "click" as opposed to the more damped switches in my 06. The LX-P's fan-speed knob had LOTS of play (I could wiggle it up and down and change its gaps in a major way - HUGE disappointment to me). The seat fabric was nice, but overall, I am glad I only have 24,455 miles on my 2006 model. That way I can drive it a long time, then go back to the drawing board in picking a model of car once again.
  
The Accord may offer more features for the dollar than they once did, but the interior quality seems to have suffered because of it.
  
For giggles, I sat in a 2006 Malibu Maxx on the used lot; it did make me feel a LOT better about the 2008 Honda. I got in the car and I swear I heard birds going "cheeep cheeep cheeep."
 
The short version? Well, I'm not a Honda fanboy/diehard owner, but I do really like my Accords. I am a little let down by this model. They improved some things in my eyes (exterior styling on both sedan and coupe, more power AND same/better economy) while shooting themselves in the foot on one of its previously best traits - interior feel (the fit and finish were good, but it felt a lot more like an Altima than a Honda, NOT a good thing to me.

Messages Page 554 of 1818

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement