Used 2008 Honda Accord Sedan Consumer Reviews
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What?? I can't hear you !!!!
Purchased our Accord without any hesitation as we have had a 94 Accord for many years (still have it) and our sons have Odysseys and a Pilot. The main problem we encountered with the 08 model was ROAD NOISE. Exterior noise from trucks, motorcycles, construction equipment on the highway and the constant whining of the tires on the interstate. The noise problem has reached a point now where we are getting ready to trade in the Accord for another brand of vehicle. Driving on the highway, at highway speeds, with the windows rolled up and the a/c running sounds like we have all four windows rolled down.
Finally Arrived
Replaced old reliable '98 accord 5 spd with this car. Have been waiting a good year for it and I am generally pleased. Corners flatter than old Accord, although it seems a little slower, despite the bump in hp. The seats are very firm, but getting used to this. Fit and finish seems very nice so far. The stereo is not great, despite the specs, and I will probably change the rear speakers, which are mediocre. Back seat is expansive, great for three growing kids, one of the real plusses of this car. The stick is very smooth, and this really allows one to appreciate the vtec engine. Mileage so far is the big disappointment, low 20's, old Accord was never below 27mpg.
- EX-L SedanMSRP: $8,3005 mi away
- EX-L V-6 SedanMSRP: $7,90059 mi away
- EX-L V-6 SedanMSRP: $8,80093 mi away
Hooked for Life!
This is my fourth car and first Honda. I have always wanted one and I am definitely not disappointed! The gas mileage is great. I averaged 31.8 MPG after my first fill-up. One can not beat that for this type and size car! I can now see why Honda owners love their vehicles so much. Once you own one you will never want to go back!
Overall a nice car
Leased in Feb 2008 as a replacement to a Pilot, which had poor gas mileage. I do miss the carry and load capacity of the Pilot, but the Accord gets decent gas mileage by comparison (about 24 MPG combined, around 28 MPG hwy). The 4 cylinder is plenty powerful for me. Can't beat the price I got ($3300 down, $159/mo) for a 3 year/12,000 mile per year lease. Being on the West Coast I was able to pick between Accords made in the U.S. and one made in Japan, and chose the JHM VIN number. So far no problems, ride is smooth, a bit loud on rough roads. This is my 10th Honda, and I continue to be a Honda fan.
Awesome ride EX-L V6 5AT
This Car is a Pleasure to drive from day 1. I have the diamond white pearl which is awesome with the tan interior. I just love the VCM makes the car give great mileage. It's the roomiest Accord I have ever had. Its the most comfortable Accord I have had. I have only one complaint that is the Road noise that I get from this and all the accords I have owned since 1997.
Disappointed
This is my first Honda and my last. Although it is fun to drive and quality seems ok, the leather seats are very uncomfortable, especially on a long drive. The sound system is terrible on the highway because of road noise. No compass except when nav is on. Mileage is as advertised. I am starting to look for a replacement.
Best Value
Formerly owned BMW 3 Series, Infiniti FX and most recently 2006 Passat. After driving the new BMW 3, Lexus ES 350 and other more expensive sedans, decided on the Accord. From a value standpoint I could not justify spending $10+K more on other comparably equipped sedans. The Accord does everything well. Yes, the lux sedans are a bit quieter at highway speeds, but overall none can justify such a steep premium over the Accord. For the money this is without question the best value and can certainly be considered a "near luxury" model in it's new 2008 configuration.
Long Term Tested
I am an avid car lover. Been researching cars for over 30-yrs. I did my homework before buying this car. Looked at everything: Camry, Altima, TSX, etc. This was the best value for the money, and thought that Honda's known reliability and resale would be a benefit. Went with the top- of-the line L, paid just under 30K. After over 30K miles not so pleased with my purchase. Brakes are the worst of any car I have owned, undersized and prone to excessive wear. Had to bring back to dealer for new Routers at 10K. Check engine light has come on twice already, each time resulting in a major repair. Fuel economy in the V- 6 is nowhere near the estimate on the sticker. Getting only 22 mpg. on average.
Love This CAR!
Got rid of my 2006 AUDI A6 and bought this. Thousands of dollars cheaper! Runs better than AUDI A6 - Better Mileage + more HP. Bought last week ( 10/14/2008 ) 2008 Accord v6 at $5000 below MSRP and LOVE IT!
Excellent Value
Had a 2005 Honda Pilot EX which provided 15 MPG. With the price of gas going to over $3.00 per gallon I wanted something more fuel efficient but large enough to seat four adults comfortably and provide a sense of safety too. Honda always provided a quality product for the money so I drove a Civic EX sedan, the Accord EX sedan, and a CR-V. The Civic was too small. The CR-V's engine felt like it needed more horsepower. The Accord was quiet, was easy to drive, seemed to be the right size, and would provide decent mileage. First two tankfulls delivered 20 MPG. Somewhat less than I was expecting but 33% better than the Pilot. I have the car on a three year lease and am pleased with it.
Almost Fun to Drive
Having put on 178,000 miles on my 02 exl v6 accord, thought it was time to retire old Betsy, and break down to buy another. Purchased the EXL, 4cyl from a Honda dealership on Marysville OH, about 1 mile from the plant. Been reading the reviews and taken several test drives, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The 6 cyl was most attractive, but the 4 (190 hp) has enough. In fact about the same as my 02 v6. Overall, great car, a few bugs, but for the price, about as close as you can get. Smooth, quick, nimble, and quiet. Road noise is minimal, but these are Hondas, not Toyotas. Steering is excellent, and so far, on the 2nd tank of gas, I have about 315 miles, and the needle is just a under half
Awesome ride
Awesome car, couldn't be happier with my purchase. Gets great gas mileage, I mostly drive city and I am currently receiving 25.5 mpg. Have the car a short time and have received many complements. Would buy this car over and over again!
I have returned to Honda
I drove Honda back in the early nineties and thought I would not return. The design until 2008 I though was just ugly. When I saw this at the auto show, I desided to consider it again. Shopped it heavy, and this is just the best value. I commute alot, so interior is important to me, and its leather is does not seem cheap (like others in this price bracket) and comfort is top notch. I got the EX 4 cyl. for I live in so cal, and the 6 is not necessary sitting in traffic : ). Decent accel, huge back seat for my kids baby seats/ large friends. Read reviews about loud engine sound... mine is quiet. Feels like a luxury car but for about 10 grand less (why buy Acura?), will not go back Toyota
Beware Dimming Headlights
After having the car for 1 week I drove fro an extended period at night. The headlights and taillights flicker every 30 or so seconds when the A/C kicks in at all speeds. Not only is this very annoying but also dangerous due possible road rage from drivers thinking you are flashing them or from a trucker passing you thinking that it's clear by the flicker from the headlights not to mention problems associated with the taillights flickering. Called Dealership and while they are helpful Honda says that this is normal even though they are working on a fix. Honda has been aware of this and still no fix they say it's "normal" because all the 4cyl do this.
Bit Disappointed
I bought the Accord as I felt it represented the best value in its category. Unfortunately, I have gotten off to a rough start. On the first morning it would not start in my garage and had to be towed back to the dealer. Turned out the battery had a bad core. While it handles the road very nicely, I am very upset with the hesitation I have experienced. When I accelerate from a stop or very slow speed, there is a hesitation about 40%- 50% of the time. The service manager took a ride with me and said that type of effect was normal for this transmission. In 35 years of driving, I have never experienced this with a new car and have not experienced it with my wife's CRV.
Awful Seats...buyers beware!!!
Recently i made couple of big trips of 700 miles or so, and after that I had terrible back pain. Even for the 1-2 hours ride I had the back pain, must say that seat design is horrible. Overall performance is good but comfort level is poor.
An Acura Rl at Half the Price
This is an awsome car! In reality it is an Acura RL in 2 wheel drive instead of 4 wheel in the Acura RL at half the price. The performance is incredible! With 268 hp it should be. Gas mileage is great for a vehicle with this type of performance. The looks are georgeous. It has 5 star ratings in front crash, side crash and roll over. Plenty of room for 5 inside. There is no better car for the money IMHO
Good car
I bought this because my Mercedes died on me. My first accord, I am surprised how well it runs, and a lot of features that I had on my merz. before. plus i am now using regular octane. They are right this feels like a luxury car with the wealth of features and safety convenience.
Make Room!
Pros: extremely comfortable, more power than camry, lots of space, good fuel economy, and mean looking Cons: i would get the V-6 model, but it has VCM which causes engine problems This car is the bomb! The dashboard is designed like Acura. It has all the features you can get on a Lexus, BMW, or a Mercedes-Benz. The Accord handles way better than a BMW . Available XM radio too!. The speakers are very good and the seven inch subwoofer is great. There's no point of getting a 7-series or an S-class or an LS. Accord has it all! I sold my 2007 Camry for the Accord. I paid more for the accord, but it's worth it.
Awesome sedan
Great forum by Edmunds. Just got an Accord and no regret at all. I trade down from 2006 Acura RL and 2004 G35 Infiniti because of the Ga$ prices. I looked at Maxima almost bought one then again ga$ prices. I am glad I did because this ride is nice for 1/2 the price of RL. I like the interior space, dash-board, and a very functional cabin. I only have 200 miles on it thus far, so no complaints here. Just what I expected from a 4cyn. car and much more in style and craftsmanship. Way to go Honda!
08 Accord EX-L best car fot the money
This car I would well recommend to any one. It feels like you are driving a quality computer on wheels. If you are looking for a car that is affordable and well built this is the car for you bad gas mileage
Pleased
I purchased this car in December of 2008 after looking at several other makes of car. After driving it for six months in the city and on the highway I have no regrets.
great car
This is the second Honda Accord I have owned and I have had the best all around service from these cars. I will not buy anything else.
Very Dissatisfied
This is my first Honda. Purchased it 4 months ago and am already looking to trade. The seats are extremely uncomfortable. There is an excessive amount of road noise and it's a very bumpy ride for a brand new car! Also, control panel is awkward. Loud rattling in the back when going over bumps and constantly squeaking brakes: the Honda mechanic told me both were normal and couldn't fix. The whole car just feels cheap.
Love My Accord
This is my first Honda and I am so impressed. The redesign is so well done. This car feels big inside, accommodates four large adults with ease. The trim package with the chrome looks so classy, I have received many compliments already. Door closure is solid, leather seats are very comfortable. I got 25 mpg around town with first tank. No Highway travel yet. I love the variable cylinder engine feature of the V6, I do notice it change but it is really not a big deal. Every control placement is well thought out, although the radio controls are somewhat redundant. I think Honda has really done well here and the added expense compared to the others in the same class is well worth it.
Healed itself
Had many issues with VCM - irritating nauseating in and out of 6-4-3 modes so noticeable that it made my wife/passenger ill. At about 3000 miles it all went away and the car is now a pleasure. There seem to be so many components that enter into the VCM that performance can vary WIDELY from car to car. I read about the former BMW owner getting 20 MPG 50/50 hwy and city. Well, I don't know how they drive but I am pretty aggressive and the worst I have gotten is 24 combined and I regularly get 30 in the highway at 75 with A/C on!
Great Car!!
This is a smooth car. I previously owned a 98 Avalon, and found the seats more comfortable than the Honda. The seats in the Honda are more firm. I found the Accord to handle better than the Camry. I test drove them back to back. I commute 25 miles to work, 90% highway, and average 24 to 27mpg depending how I drive. I recently drove 300 miles one way with my wife and 2 kids. The trunk was packed full of luggage. The cruise was set at 70 mph and got 31.3 mpg. I did not do as well on the way back because of Wisconsin cold weather and wind, but averaged 28 mpg over 600 miles including 50 miles driving around Milwaukee. The VCM works best with no hills, and I find it to be nearly seamless.
Disappointed
This is our 6th Accord and the one I like the least. We traded in our 2004EXL for this 2008. I am quite disappointed. The car is very loud! The windshield wash barely hits the windshield but I am mostly disappointed in the gas mileage. I'm lucky if I get 23 MPG and 98% of my driving is highway. Aren't we supposed to be making improvements in this area? My 2004 was getting 28- 30MPG. Unfortunately, I regret buying this car.
Great Car
I have had the car 6 month and taken 2 long distance trips. Overall, the car is great. I have has numerous other Honda's and this one is at the toip of the list. I traded an 05 Acura TL for the gas mileage savings. While the Accord is no Acura it is a close relative in terms of quality and comfort. I am averaging 24-25 MPH in town and get close to 32 on the highway. I miss my Acura, but the Accord is a good substitute.
On the Mark!
The 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 is an ideal combination of comfort, economy, and pleasure! I have owned either a Mercedes or BMW for my last 3 cars and find the Honda as an ideal alternative to the high cost of ownership of those German automobiles. No, the Honda does not have the anti-sway of those vehicles in high-cornering speeds, but it is more comfortable. I have two herniated disks and the seats of the Honda have alleviated the pain in my legs and back when I drive. I owned a 1994 Honda EX and must admit that this new Accord is like the difference between watching regular and HDTV. Wow, a product that actually exceeded my expectations! Give this car consideration if you want a near-luxo.
WOW - Redesign is AWESOME!
I just traded in my gas guzzling SUV - it had all of the extras, but I was very impressed with the upgrades that were made to the Accord. I went with top of the line model, and the technology is excellent! The safety alone is a great reason to buy. It is solidly built and the cabin is quiet. Nice ride, and that V6 sure can kick it! I just love this car - and with almost double the highway gas mileage that I was getting with my Grand Cherokee - that adds a lot of $$ towards my monthly payment. GREAT CAR ALL AROUND!
2008 EXL 4 cylinder Honda Accord
This is my fifth Honda Accord and I have been impressed with the improvements made as we have come through the past 15 years. The 2008 body design is boring and outdated. Otherwise the gas mileage, service intervals, drive and dependability is still pristine. The added features with each new model have been exciting to use and the 2008 was no disappointment
Great Car
Great car with a lot of pep! Have owned a Camry before, just switched from large SUV. Very roomy inside and the throttle response is quick! Got all features available minus nav only 10 min from work. Black with black leather with chrome trim, wing and tint just pops and looks super sharp! (HID option would be nice)
Mr
Power seats are not fully adjustable. Shift hold control is a joke. 6-4-3 eco engine has poor performance and gas mileage of 22 highway. Not enough legroom for drivers over 6 ft. Front seats are too narrow and not deep enough. Radio has poor design... Too many buttons. Wrote Honda and complained about seat... They laughed. Will not buy another Honda.
Very Safe Car
After owning this car for only two months, I was involved in an accident that resulted in $11000 worth of damage to the vehicle. It got pinched between a semi trailer and a large flatbed truck resulting in a hit to the front left pillar. Long story short, what should have hit me in the face was deflected by the car. I walked away from this accident with only some minor scratches from broken glass though the car looked like it was totaled. I honestly believe that if I was driving my previous vehicle, I would be in the hospital right now.
We Should Have Kept Our SUV
Our 2008 Accord is very disappointing, our in town mileage is 14.3 hwy 25.4 @60 mile per hr>> after 3500 miles. Our Avalanche in town was 14.1 not a good trade off we drive slow and coast to stoplight,shift into neutral or turn off engine this is not a good driving experience. Engine performance lacks punch after 60, head rest are poor design, lacks driver seat memory rear seat a/c, radio system is marginal compared to Bose, Seats are hard and small for a large person. Numerous rattles cannot be fixed by Katy Honda, seat track broke and cannot drive for 2 weeks, VCM shudders and stays on, outside temp gauge stays at 87 degrees, map light will blind driver at night, loud road noise at hwy spd
Headlight performance
Bought this car when they first came out. After a couple of months noticed the headlights flickering. Honda WILL NOT fix this car so it is now going to arbritration. This car is a disaster... road noise is horrible, stereo sucks, terrible gas mileage etc. Do not buy this car.
My 3rd Honda - Love it!
After a brief break driving a PT Cruiser for 36 painful months I returned happily to Honda. It took one test drive and I forgot all about the Passat and Legacy I was comparing it to. The car is equipped just how I wanted (5-speed w/leather) and is less appliance like then my 02 Accord SE.
Best Accord Ever?
Been relying on Hondas for 13 years. Was not going to buy another, as I am almost 50 and wanted something that was bigger and would give me a cushier ride. Read about how this one is bigger than ever, had to test ride it. Nice ride, great handling, best brakes I have ever used. Paid a little under 20k. Have 7,500 miles and no complaints. Drive for both jobs, mostly highway, activate cruise control, sit back and enjoy the ride
Honda EXL 4
This is an exceptional motor vehicle. Its ride, comfort and overall performance is an absolute joy.
So So
I did a lot of research before the purchase of my 2008 Accord EX-L. I looked at other cars like the infiniti G35 and 3-series. The Accord has some strengths 1) fuel economy 2) pickup 3) space 4) reliability. However, there are a couple of things that kill it for me 1) terrible driver seat comfort, kills my back 2) lack luster interior design, my Acadia has much better comfort 3) the VCM drives me crazy because the constant change in cylinder use is perceptible enough to be an annoyance. I will be trading this car in for a BMW 3-series in the spring.
Keeps getting better
I have had my Accord for about a month now and I keep falling in love with it more and more. It has been a great car, and you cant beat it for the price. The nav system is amazing, bluetooth is very handy, and the styling is just perfect. However, the road noise is apparent, which i didn't really notice when we first got the car, but everything else makes up for it. This car is Front wheel drive, but you would never be able to tell by the steering. It is very smooth. If you are considering BMW and Mercedes, check this one out.
NEVER AGAIN!!!
I bought the loaded EX-V6 with leather for my wife after much research to replace a 2006 plain-Jane Avalon XL. My wife has been mad at me ever since. The EPA mileage ratings and what the dealer bragged about mileage wise are a joke. Supposed to be 19/29 for the V6 but it's been more like 17/23. We now have 15,000 miles and the best that we ever got on a road trip was 24. The brakes have squeaked from early on and after twice having the dealer tell us they couldn't recreate the sound we gave up. I've owned 5 Toyotas, 3 Infinitis, and 2 Nissans and I would gladly take any of them back over this car. There is a great deal of road noise in the cabin and the seats are very low quality.
Good reliable choice
I bought this car after much consideration of many models. I chose it for the low emissions, value for the money, reliability and gas mileage. It's a great car, I just miss my BMW which was way more fun to drive. I'm 6' tall, and find the driving position pretty comfortable. I get 27+ MPG in mixed driving, which is pretty good although it's annoying that I have to calculate it manually. (ok I'm either spoiled or lazy)
Best Honda I have ever owned.
Have owned several Honda Accords before and the new design was really interesting. One test drive convinced us it was a superb car for us, I am 6'1" and it has lots of leg room. Traded in a 2007 Hyundai Azera Limited that depreciated too fast for my comfort zone. The 2008 Accord EX-L with 190 hp 4 cyl is a powerful driving experience. It gave me 25.3 mpg on the 3rd tank of fuel over both city and highway driving. Leather seats are very comfortable. My car is silver with black leather. Exterior design is handsome and a decided change from previous years. Added color matching body side molding for extra protection from careless door openers. A really super vehicle.
Road Noise
I love Hondas. The best cars for the money. Only compared to Toyotas, but better Looking. I've owned two prior Hondas, a 04 Acura TSX, and a 06 Civic Si. As much as I love this brand. I hate to admit that they have loud interiors. My TSX and Si were like that but I attributed this to the low profile tires. I had heard this being an issue with all Honda models, and it is an issue with the current Accord.
Great
I have found the Honda Accord to be an awesome car. I have never owned a Honda before, but really have found it to be great. The room inside the car is outstanding. I am 6 ft 7in tall and have plenty of room. My family of 5 can comfortably ride in this car.
Dodah
My second Accord after driving a 98 Accord over 200,000 miles. I am pleased although there is some road noise and the headlights flicker. MPG is from 28 to 30, mixed driving.
Love it -So happy, better than Camry!!!
After driving a 2003 Toyota Camry for 5 years happily, I was sure to I was going to replace it with another Camry. However after checking out the '09 Camry, I was disappointed with the quality of the interior and outdated dash . After seeing the Honda Accord, I was thrilled. I purchased a new 2008 Honda Accord LXP 4 door in Metal Polish Metallic color -at invoice price. LXP version includes alloyed wheels, anti theft device, chrome tail pipe + more. Don't be afraid to ask for invoice price or less- for any auto + ask for "extras". It's a buyer's market!
Rattles and Squeaks
I have had my car in the shop six times in the past two months to have various rattles and squeaks fixed and still haven't been able to clear them up. There are rattles coming from the rear of the car, even when I drive on smooth roads. The center console around the shift knob squeaks as well. The Honda dealer has not been helpful at all, usually ignoring my requests and not able to "find" the noises that I hear every day. Their response is that I have to expect to hear the noises as Honda doesn't use good insulation on their car bodies. I will keep that in mind when I shop for another car after Christmas.