Honda Accord (North America eighth generation)

Eighth generation North America and parts of Asia (CP1-CP3; CS1-CS2)
Overview
Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	Honda Inspire
Production	Mid-2007–2012
Model years	2008–2012
Assembly	Marysville, Ohio, USA Lincoln, Alabama Sayama, Saitama, Japan Ayutthaya, Thailand Ping-Tung, Taiwan Guangzhou, China Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Designer	Daisuke Sawai (2005)[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size (D-segment) coupe[2] Full-size (E-segment) sedan[3]
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive
Related	Acura TL Honda Crosstour Proton Perdana Proton P4-90B
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L R20A3 I4[4] 2.4L K24Z2 I4 2.4L K24Z3 I4 3.5L J35Z2 V6 - VCM 3.5L J35Z3 V6 - Non-VCM 2.2L N22A2 I4 Turbodiesel (2009-)
Transmission	5-speed manual or automatic 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Sedan: 110.2 in (2,799 mm) Coupe: 107.9 in (2,741 mm)
Length	Sedan: 194.9 in (4,950 mm) 2008–2010 Coupe: 190.9 in (4,849 mm) 2011- Coupe: 191.0 in (4,851 mm)
Width	Sedan: 72.7 in (1,847 mm) Coupe: 72.8 in (1,849 mm)
Height	Sedan: 58.1 in (1,476 mm) Coupe: 56.4 in (1,433 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	Honda Accord (North America seventh generation)
Successor	Honda Accord (ninth generation)

The North American eighth generation Honda Accord is a full-size (E-segment) sedan and mid-size (D-segment) coupe introduced for the 2008 model year.^[5] It is also marketed in parts of Asia and as the Honda Inspire in Japan.

The size of the 2008 Accord has been increased by 4 inches (102 mm) in length and 3 inches (76 mm) in width. As a result, the interior space is also enlarged: an Accord sedan is considered a full-size car by EPA standards, having a combined interior space of 120 cubic feet (3.4 m³).^[3] The Accord coupe is classified as a mid-size car, as it has a combined interior space of 105 cubic feet (3.0 m³).^[2] Unlike most full-sized sedans, the parking brake lever has always remained on the center console like the previous generations, as opposed to the driver footwell.

A hybrid version is no longer offered, as Honda felt their "hybrid system works better on smaller cars".^[6]

2007 Accord Coupe Concept

The Honda Accord Coupe concept car was unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. It previewed the production 2-door model with i-VTEC VCM V6 engine and Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.^[7]

The production sedan and coupe were unveiled on August 21, 2007.^[8] Sales of US models began on September 12, 2007 for the sedan, and on September 20, 2007 for the coupe.^[9]

HF-S concept

At the 2007 SEMA Show, Honda unveiled a concept Accord coupe showcasing Honda Factory Performance products.^[10]

Trim levels

2009 Honda Accord 40th Anniversary sedan (Australia)

2008 Honda Accord coupe (US)

In Canada, sedan trims include the SE, EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navi(navigation), EX-L V6, and EX-L V6 with Navi(navigation), while coupes have the EX, EX-L, EX-L with Navi(navigation), and EX-L V6 with navi(navigation). The SE designation was the de facto replacement for the LX, VP, and DX-G trims in the previous generation, while the EX replaced the SE. The LX includes anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, front and rear disc brakes, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power locks, and cruise control as standard features, while also having body-colored door handles and mirrors. The EX includes a more powerful version of the 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine with 190 hp, power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, security system, and a 6-disc CD changer. EX-L denotes Accords with leather upholstery, XM satellite radio, and an optional navigation system and hands-free Bluetooth interface. V6 models have chrome handles, dual exhaust pipes, and fog lamps. The EX-L V6 coupe has 18-inch alloy rims, a rear lip spoiler, and an option of the six-speed manual in lieu of the standard five-speed automatic transmission.

In the United States, additional models offered include LX trim name instead of SE, the LX-P sedan, which adds illuminated power window switches, an 8-way driver's seat and 16-inch alloy wheels, and the LX-S coupe, which replaces the 177 hp engine with a 190 hp, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 6-disc CD changer.^[11]

2011 update

Both the Accord sedan and coupe went through a mid-life cycle update. Both cars feature new front fascias and updated tail lamps.^[12] The sedan features the reflective strips seen on the Japanese Honda Inspire. Inside, Honda has added steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to the EX-L V6 Coupe, and USB connectivity for all coupe models and EX/EX-L sedans. A rearview camera is now standard with the available navigation system on the sedan. EX-L V6 models gain memory seats and all models get new cloths and some minor instrument panel and control modifications. A new SE model will be offered mid range. New improved aerodynamics and a reworked five-speed automatic transmission help the Accord achieve 23 mpg (city) and 34 mpg (hwy).^[13]

• 
  Facelift Honda Accord SE sedan (US)
• 
  Facelift Honda Accord V6 Luxury sedan (Australia)
• 
  Facelift Honda Accord EX-L coupe (US)

Production

The North American 4-cylinder and V-6 Accords were first produced in Honda's Marysville, Ohio, plant. With the eighth generation this plant is now the sole global source of the Accord coupe.^[14] Beginning in mid-2009, the majority of the V-6 Accord sedan production was moved to the Honda auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama.^[15] Honda's Anna, Ohio, Engine Plant produces the 4-cylinder engines.^[16] The US plants supply the majority of Accords to both North and South America.

Global marketing

Interior

The North American Accord model is also manufactured in Thailand and sold in Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Variants of the North American Accord models are manufactured for the domestic markets in China and Taiwan. The Japanese-built Accord is sold in the Australian and New Zealand markets as the Accord Euro. In New Zealand the North American Accord is badged as the Accord V6. In 2008, it powered Honda ahead of BMW, Mercedes Benz and Lexus, to become the number one import brand in Korea as sales of Honda vehicles surged 95% in the first seven months in that year.^[17] A right-hand-drive variant of the North American Accord model is sold as the Honda Inspire in Japan.

Honda entered a strategic collaboration with Proton of Malaysia in October 2012 as part of Japan's Abenomics plan.^[18] The result of the collaboration was the Proton Perdana, a rebadged eighth generation Honda Accord which launched on 11 December 2013, for exclusive sale to the Malaysian government and civil servants.^[19] It serves as the replacement to the ageing Mitsubishi Galant-based Proton Perdana V6 fleet in use since the 1990s.

Mechanical

Engines

The V6 i-VTEC VCM engines feature improved fuel efficiency due to the Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts off two or three of the cylinders depending on the type of driving (i.e. city driving, uphill/downhill driving, highway driving).^[20] Engines lacking VCM results in a decrease of 4 MPG in highway fuel economy.

The V-6 engines were re-rated in 2009 model year.^[21]

Transmissions

Chassis

The North American Accord uses the CP2 chassis code for the 2.4-litre 4-cylinder sedan and CS1 for the 4-cylinder coupe. CP3 is for the V6 sedan and CS2 is for the V6 coupe. CP1 is for the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder saloon in Chinese And Brazil market.

PZEV models

All 4-cylinder models are available in PZEV configurations. V6 PZEV models include only i-VTEC VCM engines with 5-speed automatic transmissions. PZEV engines include 2 modes of exhaust valve operation. At Below 2500 rpm, only 1 exhaust valve operates, creating a strong rotational flow in the exhaust gases that creates a "thermal reactor" effect to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Above 2500 rpm where exhaust flow increases, a hydraulically actuated pin locks the rockers for both exhaust valves together so they operate in unison, following a single cam profile.^[22]

Due to a smaller profit margin on a PZEV for the manufacturer, Honda has forbidden sales of the Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle version of the car outside California, Florida, Vermont, Connecticut, Arizona, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Washington.^[23]

Safety

The Accord comes standard with a wide range of safety features carried over from earlier model years including dual stage, dual threshold front airbags, side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters.

The Accord standard safety updates for the 2008 model year include vehicle stability assist (VSA) and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system, active front head restraints, new dual chamber side impact airbags, and the ACE Body Structure for all models.^[5] The Accord is the first mid-size car in its class to include stability and traction control as standard equipment across the lineup.

IIHS

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests the Accord sedan received the top "Good" rating in 13 of 14 measured categories, while receiving an "Acceptable" rating in the structure/safety cage category of the side impact test,^[24][25] earning it a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS, an honor not bestowed upon most of the Accord's competitors. The Accord lost this award due to its "Acceptable" score in roof strength evaluations.^[26] 2012 models have been given the Top Safety Pick award back with its "Good" rating in the roof strength test.

In an IIHS study of vehicle fatalities, the Accord was found to have the lowest vehicle fatality rate in the non-luxury midsize sedan class. Among luxury midsize sedan class models only the Saab 9-3 had a lower fatality rate^[27]

NHTSA

NHTSA 2009 Accord sedan:^[28]

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

NHTSA 2011 Accord sedan:^[29]

Overall:
Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Passenger:
Side Pole Driver:
Rollover:

Brake wear class action lawsuit

In September 2009, a class action was filed alleging that "the braking system on 2008, 2009, and certain 2010 Honda Accord vehicles as well as 2009 and certain 2010 Acura TSX vehicles ... suffers from a defect that causes excessive force to be applied to the vehicles' rear wheels. One consequence of this defect is that the vehicles' rear brake pads wear out and require replacement about every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, far more frequently than in a properly functioning braking system."^[30] On April 6, 2010, a preliminary settlement to the class action was announced where Honda would reimburse owners for a portion of their prior brake repair expenses, and Honda would also pay up to $150 for owners to have redesigned brake pads installed.^[31][32] Final court approval of the settlement was granted on July 29, 2010.^[33]

Sudden Airbag Deployment Recall

Some 2008-2009 Honda Accords - both coupe and sedan - have been reported to have sudden airbag deployment problems, in which the side curtain airbags on the passenger side deploy unexpectedly either by closing the passenger side doors, or while the vehicle is in motion. Honda initially refused to cover the issue under warranty or issue any recalls, claiming to customers that there was no defect in the airbags, and that the system worked properly (despite customers' counterclaims), forcing customers to pay for the airbags themselves. At least 14 injuries were reported by such unexpected deployments. In January 2014, Honda agreed to cooperate with an engineering analysis launched by the NHTSA after receiving 300 complaints regarding the inadvertent deployments.^[34] On August 4, 2014, the NHTSA upgraded their analysis to a preliminary investigation of at least 335,195 2008 Accords to see if Honda should issue a recall.^[35] In October 2015, Honda agreed to recall 300,000 Accords after discovering that the unexpected deployments were caused by a software problem in the vehicle airbag control unit.^[36][37]

Awards and reception

The eighth generation Accord has received mostly positive reviews, with some noting that its chiseled looks and Teutonic styling is reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series.^[38][39][40] In its March 2008 issue, Car and Driver placed the 2008 Honda Accord EX first in a comparison test of four-cylinder mid-size sedans against the then recently redesigned/updated Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and Dodge Avenger, as well as the Ford Fusion. Edmunds.com InsideLine also placed the LX-P and EX-L V6 Navi sedans first in a comparison against the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu, praising it for its all-around performance, high build quality, responsive handling, and excellent fuel economy. However, MotorTrend magazine criticized the Accord for being too heavy, feeling not so nimble as the previous model, its polarizing appearance, and for its less-than-stellar showing against the considerably improved Chevrolet Malibu in their 2008 Car of the Year competition. Car and Driver also ranked the Accord EX-L first in a comparison against the second-generation Mazda6 and 2010 Ford Fusion,^[41] and the 2011 Honda Accord EX-L V6 has fared well against the newer 2012 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 SEL and the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Limited.^[42][43] In a March 2012 comparison test by Car and Driver, the Accord came in second place out of six cars behind the first place Volkswagen Passat.^[44]

Several reviewers have considered the Accord Coupe superior to its primary competition, the Nissan Altima Coupe, in all categories such as passenger space, dynamics, and overall refinement.^{[45][46][47][48][49]}

The Accord is the top pick mid-size vehicle in the Consumer Reports rankings, due to its standard stability control despite having a slightly lower score than the Nissan Altima, while Consumer Guide has named the Accord a "Best Buy".^[50] The Accord also won Car and Driver's 10Best trophy in 2008 and 2009, a total of 23 times in the nameplate's history, winning it more times than any other vehicle by far. US sales have been up 9.4%, as SUV buyers shift to the V6 Accord.^[51] The 2008 - 2011 Honda Accord was awarded a best-in-class rating of 4 1/2 stars by the JB car pages.^[52] The Accord was the most-searched vehicle on CarMax for the fourth consecutive year, due to reliability and comfort.^[53]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Honda Accord.

• Honda Accord - Official US site