Competes with: Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu
Looks like: Acura, Infiniti and BMW got together and made a Honda.
Drivetrain: 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with five-speed automatic only or 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 177-hp, 2.4-liter four cylinder with five-speed automatic or five-speed manual; front-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Mid-September, 2007
There is no more important model in Honda’s lineup than the Accord. When the Accord gets redesigned, it is a big, big deal. Consistently one of the country’s best-selling cars, the Accord was due for an overhaul, and here it is. Gone are the subdued lines and stub-nosed look of the 2007 model, replaced with aggressive styling, angry headlights and an awkward grille.
The exterior might be somewhat polarizing, but inside the Accord gets a major upgrade with an almost Acura-like level of sophistication. There’s plenty of room inside, too, as the Accord gets bigger for 2008, moving up in class from midsize to full-size based on interior room. It’ll still compete with the Toyota Camry, though, for the hearts and wallets of car shoppers.
The V-6 engine comes with cylinder deactivation, meaning it runs on only three cylinders during slow travel and six cylinders at higher speeds. This keeps fuel mileage at 19/29 city/hwy for the V-6, which is one mpg better on the highway than the Camry. Safety goodies include standard electronic stability control and front-seat head restraints, along with side-impact airbags in the front and side curtain airbags for both rows.
Cars.com’s Mike Hanley recently reviewed the new Honda Accord; we’ll have the full review posted later in the day. For now, check out the photos below.
Managing Editor
David Thomas
Former managing editor David Thomas has a thing for wagons and owns a 2010 Subaru Outback and a 2005 Volkswagen Passat wagon.