The New Honda Accord

[rixalex]

The old Honda Accord seemed to divide opinion a lot, and i'm guessing the new one will likewise get a mixed reaction.

I was actually a big fan of the old model, at least before they gave it that fussy and unnecessary face-lift at the back, although it always seemed like a car with a split identity. Much like the old Ford Scorpio, its front end and back end whilst nice in isolation, didn't marry together very well. The bulbous curved arse and the striking edgy face.

But despite the contradictory nature of the car, i liked it because it was daring and different.

Although i haven't had the chance for a decent inspection of the new one, from what i have seen it seems a bit like a cobbling together of different designs. The sharp crease that runs down the side seems very BM like. The back on the other hand looks like any other Japanese car.

Interested to know what others feel about it. Has anyone driven / bought one?

[dominique355]

Honda has often been compared to BMW and I don't know who should be more flattered about this association, BMW or Honda.

When I first saw the new Accord, my spontaneous reaction was: I prefer the previous one, the one before the unfortunate facelift of the back (Haha, here is a funny expression: a face lift of the back). And another common point of Honda and BMW. Or have you even seen a BMW with a decent looking back? I haven't. Downright ugly, all of them Bimmers.

But after some time and especially after having it seen in real, I now think it looks good. Often a form, which I did not like at the first sight, grows on me and after some time I actually like it.

I haven't had an opportunity to test drive it, but I certainly will and it will be the 3.0 liter version.

(As an old friend of mine said: Just enough power is not enough. Only more than enough is enough)

[culicine]

I haven't had an opportunity to test drive it, but I certainly will and it will be the 3.0 liter version.

(As an old friend of mine said: Just enough power is not enough. Only more than enough is enough)

I don't think there is a 3.0 version in the new accord, just a 3.5 at a cool 2.8 million or so:) So might have to settle for the 2.0 (too underpowered for a car this size) or 2.4, as the power has been uprated to separate it more from the civic.

[rixalex]

^ Have never heard of a BMW / Honda association before. Can't really see much comparison, although i do agree that the rear end of both motors might not be the prettiest. Do you have any models in mind with your comment?

[Naam]

I haven't had an opportunity to test drive it, but I certainly will and it will be the 3.0 liter version.

(As an old friend of mine said: Just enough power is not enough. Only more than enough is enough)

that goes without saying. my 3.0 Accord is a lame duck considering the horse powers one would need to enjoy the beautiful roads in Thailand which have no speed limits.

now that i live in Thailand i don't brag any more about the german autobahns which i cruised with an AMG 500 and a Calloway Corvette at some sh*tty Vmax of 280km/h (sometimes slightly above). i sincerely hope that german civil engineers are invited to Thailand that they can be taught how roads are properly designed and built that one can enjoy fast cars. then i might enjoy my vacation in Germany much more

[Moonfruit]

The exterior i hate, its bulbous and unflattering companred to the sleaker, more aesthetically pleasing previous model.

However, the interior is wonderful. Ive got a new Camry, so im kinda biased, but i did wait to buy it until i could see the new Accord at the motor expo. I now wish i hadnt waited.

I havent test driven the Accord, but my friend has and hes also driven my Camry and he say that the Accord is 'better' though more than that he cant explain!

[lingnoi34]

now that i live in Thailand i don't brag any more about the german autobahns which i cruised with an AMG 500 and a Calloway Corvette at some sh*tty Vmax of 280km/h (sometimes slightly above). i sincerely hope that german civil engineers are invited to Thailand that they can be taught how roads are properly designed and built that one can enjoy fast cars. then i might enjoy my vacation in Germany much more

I am not sure what the Golf company and the Vette have in common but the German roads are just fine even for AMGs and others...

LN

[dominique355]

^ Have never heard of a BMW / Honda association before. Can't really see much comparison, although i do agree that the rear end of both motors might not be the prettiest. Do you have any models in mind with your comment?

I didn't mean that the Honda and the BMW look similar. I just wanted to say that in my view, (almost) all BMW have ugly rear ends and the previous Honda Accord too. That's as far as I would go in comparing the outside of both brands.

What else do they (BMW and Honda) have in common:

- great, easily revving engines

- a great sports and racing tradition (both in Formula 1)

- both make great motorbikes

- "sportier" cars than their direct competitors (Mercedes, resp. Toyota)

Oh and yes, indeed, it's a 3.5 liter engine with 280 HP and 342 Nm torque. Similar to the BMW 3,5 liter 6 inline?

[Plus]

Accord designers tried very hard to make it look better than Camry but obviously couldn't offer of a simple and elegant solution in the back. That happens when you lack originality and is forced to follow the market leader.

As for Honda being sporty - that's an old image they sold a decade ago to their customers. Nowdays they chase the same "comfort and reliability at a great price" market cornered by Toyota.

[Jareddiving]

The Camry looks way better then the Accord..

On the other hand i think the Civic looks better then the new Corolla Altis.

[Plus]

I still can't get used to Civic's rear light cluster. It looks as if Honda employs a completely different, clueless set of designers to cover their rear ends.

[Donnyboy]

Accord designers tried very hard to make it look better than Camry but obviously couldn't offer of a simple and elegant solution in the back. That happens when you lack originality and is forced to follow the market leader.

As for Honda being sporty - that's an old image they sold a decade ago to their customers. Nowdays they chase the same "comfort and reliability at a great price" market cornered by Toyota.

honda accord does have a sport version but doesnt sell it here; the accord euro- it came out in 2003/04 and looked better than the camry then

[Plus]

I was talking about Thai market. I'm aware that Honda sells different versions in the US and Europe. But Toyota, too, has some ass kicking Corollas with over 200 hp over there.

Anyway, we don't get anything like that here, there's no point in drooling over it.

[Donnyboy]

^ Have never heard of a BMW / Honda association before. Can't really see much comparison, although i do agree that the rear end of both motors might not be the prettiest. Do you have any models in mind with your comment?

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reviews/h...-accord-review/

[Donnyboy]

I was talking about Thai market. I'm aware that Honda sells different versions in the US and Europe. But Toyota, too, has some ass kicking Corollas with over 200 hp over there.

Anyway, we don't get anything like that here, there's no point in drooling over it.

I know Honda doesnt offer the Euro model here, I mentioned that in my post. My point was to say that Honda doesnt lack originality or have no sporty model.

no need to drool, as I had one in NZ before coming here.

[Donnyboy]

I was talking about Thai market. I'm aware that Honda sells different versions in the US and Europe. But Toyota, too, has some ass kicking Corollas with over 200 hp over there.

Anyway, we don't get anything like that here, there's no point in drooling over it.

I know Honda doesnt offer the Euro model here, I mentioned that in my post. My point was to say that Honda doesnt lack originality or have no sporty model.

no need to drool, as I had one in NZ before coming here.

this one accord to drool over

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2008-honda-acc...t-unveiled.html

[Plus]

What is it with Honda fans? On one hand they claim originality, on the other hand they are proud to be BMW knock offs, and they keep on going about their cars being the best and the sportiest. I also remember honda fans being mighty impressed by their CEO ending his presentation with inpsirational throwaway "We have a dream to catch". It all reminds me of Apple in the computer world - mildly annoying self absorbed pricks.

"New Accord - love it or hate it". How about a third option - I don't give a fuc_k. Really, it doesn't elicit any emotional response from me.

Nothing personal, Donnyboy, just a general observation.