2008 Honda Accord Coupe – Who says reliable can’t be fun?

Gear Diary is independently owned and operated. We receive compensation through advertising and from the companies whose products we review, usually in the form of the reviewed product. We test the products supplied to us, and the opinions expressed are our own.

Gear Diary is also reader-supported. When you buy through links posted on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. You can learn more by clicking here.

What better way to celebrate 25 years of manufacturing cars in America than with an all-new version of your best-selling model.

Honda North America did just that.

With the launch of an all-new Accord last year, one of the best-selling sedans in the U.S., Honda marked the 25th anniversary of manufacturing the vehicle at its Marysville, Ohio, assembly plant. Prior to that Honda had been importing the Accord here since 1976.

Accord has been Honda’s best-seller here since it began importing the model and over the years the vehicle has grown in size and power. In fact, according to EPA classifications based on interior size, this eighth-generation Accord is now just big enough to enter the large car segment but exterior dimensions keep it reigned in as a midsizer.

The new Accord comes in two distinct body styles – sedan and coupe – with more power available under the hood than any Honda car to date along with enhanced efficiency and safety and a more rigid body structure. Coupe models also feature slightly more aggressive styling attesting to a sportier attitude.

While the absolute base-level sedan arrives with a 177hp inline four, buyers can choose to upgrade to a peppier 190hp 2.4-liter iVTEC or the new 271hp 3.5-liter V-6. A base coupe comes with the hotter four or the optional six, and diehard driving enthusiasts will like the 6MT six-speed manual gearbox behind their V-6 in coupe form. Automatics are still available all-around though.

While all new Accords get upgraded interiors (thanks to the extra space) EX-L models are enhanced by the latest XM Satellite radio audio systems and satellite-linked navigation systems with voice activation and 8-inch monitor with interface dial for user input (similar to newest Acura setup). Nav-equipped models are also Bluetooth hands-free compatible.

Standard safety equipment on all Accord models includes active front head restraints, vehicle stability assist, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, and dual front, side impact and side curtain airbags.

“The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication,” says Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “As the Honda brand’s flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord.”

On the road, this new Accord is a great performer. Smooth, comfortable, quiet, well behaved and – in the 6MT coupe form – an absolute blast to drive complete with a nice exhaust growl when tempted.

Our most recent tester was a 2009 in EX-L trim (the “L” must stand for “loaded,” as ours certainly was) which meant we enjoyed the leather interior and all of the latest electronic equipment a technomaniac could hope for.

Pricing for the 2009 Accord Coupe begins at $22,255 with a nicely loaded one like ours running northward of 31 grand. EPA estimates are listed at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the manual gearbox cars whereas an automatic transmission will fetch as high as 28 miles per unit of petrol.

The V-6 engine also features Honda’s variable cylinder management technology allowing the vehicle to run on four or even three cylinders in low power demand situations.

And for 2009, the Accord Coupe will be the official pace car for the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!

About the Author

David Goodspeed
David was editor of AutoworldToday at Today Newspapers in the Dallas suburbs until its closing in 2009. He was also webmaster and photographer/videographer. He got started doing photography for the newspaper while working as a firefighter/paramedic in one of his towns, and began working for the newspaper group full-time in 1992. David entered automotive journalism in 1998 and became AutoworldToday editor in 2002. On the average, he drives some 100 new vehicles each year. He enjoys the great outdoors and as an avid fly fisherman, as is his spouse Tish. He especially enjoys nature photography and is inspired by the works of Ansel Adams.

2 Comments on "2008 Honda Accord Coupe – Who says reliable can’t be fun?"

  1. Nice! Love these reviews. You have me thinking that I need a new Honda…

  2. My coworker just got a new Accord and it is a sweet car to ride in when we go out on sales calls together.
    I can certainly vouch for Honda’s reliability with four Hondas in our household. As for me, I’ve been drooling for a Honda Element for years – it’s the perfect Honda for my lifestyle. I plan to take my two dogs and photograph sunsets in every state on the way to airports to pick up my wife…
    I just don’t know when to pull the trigger – car payments are no longer my cup of tea!

Comments are closed.