New car review : 2008 Honda Accord

Automotive News

Honda has pulled the covers off its redesigned 2008 Accord sedan and coupe, with few surprises under the sheets.

In addition to the new sheet metal, the eighth-generation Accord gets a larger, more powerful SOHC 3.5-liter iVTEC V6 that makes 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated with a five-speed automatic transmission or, on the Accord coupe only, a six-speed manual gearbox.

On the Accord sedan, the V6 features a new variable cylinder management system that permits the engine to run on three, four or six cylinders. EPA city/highway mileage is an impressive 19/29 mpg. EPA mileage on the coupe is 16/25 mpg.

Honda also offers a choice of two iVTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, rated at 177 hp and 190 hp, respectively. The more powerful engine features a high-flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed engine control module. Both DOHC engines return EPA mileage ratings of 21/31 mpg. Transmissions include five-speed manual and automatic boxes.

There is no Accord Hybrid for model-year 2008.

The automaker says the new Accord sedan has more interior space than a Ford Fusion or Toyota Camry, and has moved up a size into the EPA Large category.

The 2008 Accord goes on sale officially on September 12. Prices will be announced closer to that date.