Eighth Generation Honda Accord (2008-Present)

2008 saw the dropping of the Hybrid and the announcement of a 2009 Accord diesel version which was unveiled at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Honda felt their "hybrid system works better on smaller cars". The new diesel version should offer better fuel economy than the gasoline versions and is 50-state emission compliant. Time will tell how well it will sell.

The V6 models offer better fuel efficiency due to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system, which shuts off 2 or 3 of the cylinders depending on the type of driving being done. The V6 coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission does not currently offer the VCM system. The 2008 model year also dropped the 6-speed manual transmission from the sedan version.

Safety again played a large role with the Accord introducing standard traction control, vehicle stability assist and active front head restraints for all models. The new safety features helped the Accord receive perfect crash test scores and receiving a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is an honor most of the competition have not received. Once again the 2008 model has grown in size. This time by 4 inches in length and 3 inches in width. An sedan without moon roof is now considered a full-size car by the EPA standard. With the moon roof the car is considered a mid-size car. The coupe remains classified as a compact car.

After it's introduction in September of 2007 the Accord gathered some mixed reactions. MotorTrend felt the car was too heavy, and not as nimble as the previous models. The Accord did not show up well against the Chevrolet Malibu in their 2008 Car of the Year completion. However the opposite occurred with Car and Driver. They placed the 2008 model first in a comparison test against the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and the Dodge Avenger.



Dennis Dater has been interested in cars since he learned to drive in a 1952 MG TD. He is opening two unique web sites to offer Honda Accord aftermarket parts. Visit him and see the products or read more articles.

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