Honda Accord (North America eighth generation)

Eighth generation
North America and parts of Asia (CP1-CP3; CS1-CS2)
Manufacturer Honda
Also called

Honda Inspire
Guangzhou-Honda Accord
Honda Crosstour

Accord V6
Accord 2.4 Elegance(India)
Accord 2.4 Inspire(India)
Accord 3.5 V6(india)
Production 2008–present
Assembly Marysville, Ohio, USA
Lincoln, Alabama
Sayama, Saitama, Japan
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ping-Tung, Taiwan
Guangzhou, China
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
East Liberty, Ohio (Crosstour)
Class Mid-size coupe
Full-size sedan
Full-size hatchback (Crosstour)
Body style 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
5-door hatchback (Crosstour)
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine 2.0L R20A3 I4[1]
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 or automatic
Wheelbase Sedan: 110.2 in (2,799 mm)
Coupe: 107.9 in (2,741 mm)
Crosstour: 110.1 in (2,797 mm)
Length Sedan: 194.9 in (4,950 mm)
2008-2010 Coupe: 190.9 in (4,849 mm)
Crosstour: 196.8 in (4,999 mm)
2011- Coupe: 191.0 in (4,851 mm)
Width Sedan: 72.7 in (1,847 mm)
Coupe: 72.8 in (1,849 mm)
Crosstour: 74.7 in (1,897 mm)
Height Sedan: 58.1 in (1,476 mm)
Coupe: 56.4 in (1,433 mm)
Crosstour: 65.7 in (1,669 mm)
Related Acura TL

The North American eighth generation Honda Accord is a mid-size sedan and coupe introduced for the 2008 model year.[2] 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 120.0 cubic feet (3.40 m3) without moonroof and 115.0 cubic feet (3.26 m3) with. The Accord coupe is still classified as a mid-size car, as it has a combined interior space of 104.0 cubic feet (2.94 m3) without moonroof and 101.6 cubic feet (2.88 m3) with moonroof.[3] 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".[4]

Contents

Honda Accord Coupe concept (2007)

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.[5]

The production sedan and coupe were unveiled on 2007-08-21.[6] Sales of US models began on 2007-09-12 for the sedan, and on 2007-09-20 for the coupe.[7]

2008 Honda Accord Coupe HF-S concept (2007)

At the 2007 SEMA Show, Honda unveiled a concept Accord coupe showcasing Honda Factory Performance products.[8]

Trim levels

In Canada, sedan trims include the LX, EX, EX-L, EX V6, and EX-L V6, while coupes have the EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, and EX-L V6 6MT. The LX designation was the de facto replacement for the 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 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" alloy wheels, and a 6-disc CD changer.[9]

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.[10] 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 gain 23 mpg (city) and 34 mpg (hwy).[11]

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.[12] Beginning in mid-2009, the majority of the V-6 Accord sedan production was moved to the Honda auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama.[13] Honda's Anna, Ohio, Engine Plant produces the 4-cylinder engines.[14] The US plants supply the majority of Accords to both North and South America.

Global marketing

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.[15] A right-hand-drive variant of the North American Accord model is sold as the Honda Inspire in Japan.

Mechanical

Engines

Model Years Type/code Power, torque@rpm
Accord LX/LX-P Sedan 2007- 2,354 cc (2.354 L; 143.6 cu in) DOHC i-VTEC I4 (K24Z2) 177 bhp (132 kW)@6500, 161 lb·ft (218 N·m)@4300
Accord EX-L/EX-L Sedan, LX-S/EX/EX-L Coupe 2007- 2,354 cc (2.354 L; 143.6 cu in) DOHC i-VTEC I4 (K24Z3) 190 bhp (140 kW)@7000, 162 lb·ft (220 N·m)@4400
Accord EX/EX-L V-6 Sedan/Coupe 5AT 2007–2008 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V-6 (J35Z2) 268 bhp (200 kW)@6200, 248 lb·ft (336 N·m)@5000
Accord EX/EX-L V-6 Sedan/Coupe 5AT 2008- 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC i-VTEC VCM V-6 (J35Z2) 271 bhp (202 kW)@6200, 254 lb·ft (344 N·m)@5000
Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT 2007–2008 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC VTEC V-6 (J35Z3) 268 bhp (200 kW)@6200, 248 lb·ft (336 N·m)@5000
Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT 2008- 3,471 cc (3.471 L; 211.8 cu in) SOHC VTEC V-6 (J35Z3) 271 bhp (202 kW)@6200, 251 lb·ft (340 N·m)@5000

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).[16] 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.[17]

Transmissions

Model Years Type
Accord LX/LX-P Sedan 2007- 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Accord EX-L/EX-L Sedan, LX-S/EX/EX-L Coupe 2007- 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Accord EX/EX-L V-6 Sedan/Coupe 5AT 2007- 5-speed automatic
Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT 2007- 6-speed manual

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 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 2500rpm 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.[18]

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.[19]

Safety

The Accord received several key safety updates for the 2008 model year, most notably vehicle stability assist (VSA) and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, tire pressure monitoring system, and active front head restraints for all models.[2] The Accord is the first mid-size car to include stability and traction control as standard equipment across the lineup.

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,[20][21] 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.[22]

2009 Accord sedan NHSTA crash scores:[23]

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."[24] 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.[25][26] Final court approval of the settlement is pending a "fairness hearing", scheduled for July 26, 2010.[27]

Awards and reception

The eighth generation Accord has garnered mostly positive reviews, with some noting that its chiseled looks and Teutonic styling is reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series.[28][29][30] 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,[31] 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.[32][33]

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.[34][35][36][37][38]

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".[39] 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.[40] The 2008 - 2011 Honda Accord was awarded a best-in-class rating of 4 1/2 stars by the JB car pages.[41] The Accord was the most-searched vehicle on CarMax for the fourth consecutive year, due to reliability and comfort.[42]

Crosstour (2010–present)

The Crosstour is a full-size hatchback manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Honda. On July 7, 2009, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced sales for Fall of 2009 as a 2010 model.[43][44] The Crosstour slots below the Pilot in price and size in Honda's SUV lineup; the Crosstour is longer but only has two rows of seating compared to the Pilot's three.

The Honda Accord Crosstour is a hatchback variation of the American-market Accord sedan, with completely different bodywork but sharing the same platform and mechanical components. The Crosstour is powered by the 3.5-liter V6 engine and a choice of either front-wheel or all-wheel drive,[45] with prices starting at $29,670, slightly more than the Accord sedan.[46] In mid 2011 Honda has changed the "Accord Crosstour" name to just "Crosstour" reasoning for this however has not been found.

The Accord Crosstour is a competitor to the Toyota Venza, a wagon based upon the Accord's perennial competitor, the Toyota Camry. The Crosstour and Acura ZDX are said to be inspired by the BMW X6 and upcoming 5 Series Gran Turismo. The Accord Crosstour is sold currently in the US, Canada, Mexico, China, Middle East, and Russia. Despite common belief, the Accord Crosstour is not closely mechanically related to the Acura ZDX, although both share the same platform. Honda previously tried this approach with the 1999-2003 Honda Avancier in Japan only but cancelled it due to disappointing sales. It also resembles the same platform as Toyota's hybrid vehicle, the Prius.

Since October 2010, Crosstour has been built and marketed in China by GAC-Honda. Available in 3.5 V6 2WD and 4WD versions, it sells for nearly twice as much as the North American models, although the Chinese market prefers sedans over hatchbacks.[47]

Marketing

Honda unveiled the Crosstour on a dedicated Facebook page,[48] where it received marked criticism of its styling. In violation of Honda policy, Product Manager Eddie Okubo posted comments defending the vehicle on the Facebook page, without first declaring his conflict of interest with Honda and without noting that his posting was his opinion. Honda subsequently removed his comments and released updated photos.[49]

References

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External links