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 achieve 23 mpg (city)
and 34 mpg (hwy).
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. Beginning in
mid-2009, the majority of the
V-6 Accord sedan production
was moved to the Honda auto
plant in Lincoln, Alabama.
Honda’s Anna, Ohio, Engine
Plant produces the 4-cylinder
engines. The US plants supply the majority of Accords to
both North and South
America.
AWARDS AND RECEPTION
The eighth generation
Accord has received mostly
positive reviews, with some
noting that its chiseled looks
and Teutonic styling is reminiscent of the BMW 3 Series
and 5 Series. 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 lessthan-stellar showing against
the considerably improved
Chevrolet Malibu in their
2008 Car of the Year com Petition. Car and Driver also
ranked the Accord EX-L first
in a comparison Against the
second-generation
Mazda6
and 2010 Ford Fusion, and the
2011 Honda Accord EX- 0