Honda Accord (2008 – 2015) Review
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Honda Accord (2008 – 2015) At A Glance
Refined and rides smoothly. Well thought out interior. Ideal with 2.2 i-DTEC engine. Robust build quality.
2.0-litre and 2.4-litre i-VTEC engines with automatic gearboxes less impressive. No hatchback version.
The Honda Accord saloon straddles an ever-widening divide between mainstream family cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat and executive machines like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. Almost caught in limbo, the Accord is pricier than the former and misses the classy buyer appeal of the latter.
This is not to say the Accord lacks quality, after all it is a Honda. The detail of the build and excellence of the materials is beyond reproach, yet the Accord doesn’t carry off the appeal of Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz and the dash layout is showing its age all too clearly.
There is plenty of space inside the Accord, however, so you’ll have no trouble carrying the family or friends in the front and back seats. The restrictions of a saloon body hamper its luggage carrying aspirations though, plus the boot is not as spacious as some rival saloons.
There’s no faulting Honda’s generosity with equipment in the Accord. Covering ES, ES GT, EX and the sporty Type S, all have plenty of life’s luxuries and the two upper trim levels come with leather upholstery as standard.
Depending on the trim you choose, there’s a choice of three engines and manual or automatic gearboxes. The 2.0 and 2.4-litre i-VTEC petrol engines are smooth and potent, while the 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel is offered in 150PS and 180PS outputs and both are willing.
Matching the engines’ keen efforts is handling that shows Honda knows all about cornering grip. However, the steering is low on feel and the suspension is too unsettled on most roads for the Accord to be considered among the finest in any class.
Reviews for Honda Accord (2008 – 2015)'s top 3 rivals
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Honda Accord (2008 – 2015) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 i-VTEC to 2.4 i-VTEC Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 24–58 mpg
The Honda Accord has always delivered when it comes to the corners and this generation is no different. There is plenty of grip to make the Accord feel very secure and forgiving of any slight mistakes on the part of the driver. Carry a little too much speed into a corner or brake a tad later than intended, and the Honda will carry on plotting a safe route round the bend.
Where this good work comes a little unstuck is the mediocre feel and feedback from the steering to the driver’s hands. Where a Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6 or BMW 3 Series keep the driver right up to date with what the front wheels are up to, there’s a numbness to the Accord’s steering responses that ultimately dulls the driving experience overall, which is a shame for a car that could be a very entertaining machine.
This is of little importance when it comes to town driving, where the Accord’s light power-assisted steering makes it easy to pilot through traffic. It’s also a boon when parking in tight spaces or performing those multi-point urban U-turns that need plenty of wheel twirling.
The EX and Type S trims come with front and rear parking sensors to help counter the steep slope of the Accord nose and high-seat rear that make confined manoeuvres otherwise tricky.
Like the steering, the Accord’s ride is a two-sided tale. On the motorway, where many of these Hondas will spend their time, the suspension does a sound job of negotiating between the car’s body and bumpy roads to reach an agreeable settlement.
It’s not as svelte as a Ford Mondeo when it comes to long distance ride comfort, but the Accord still gives a good account of itself. It’s just a shame the amount of wind noise that can be heard in the cabin takes the edge off overall refinement.
The other side to the Accord’s ride comfort comes when you turn off the motorway and back on to less well surfaced roads. Here it becomes unsettled and just a little too fidgety to deliver all-day comfort and compliance. Choose the Type S model with its larger 18-inch alloy wheels and this so-so ride quality is even more obvious.
Regaining some ground for the Accord are its petrol and diesel engines. Yes, all of them can become a little vocal when revved hard, which is a trait of Honda engines, but they are never coarse or rowdy.
Given all of the engines in the line-up deliver strong acceleration, it’s no hardship to let the stray a little closer to their rev limits than you might with some of their rivals.
The 156PS 2.0-litre petrol will suit most needs and claimed economy of 40.9mpg is reasonable for the class. Opt for the more powerful 2.4-litre petrol and you have 201PS at your disposal for 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds to the 2.0’s 9.4 seconds.
The 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel comes in 150PS and 180PS forms, with the former serving up 53.3 mpg and the latter 50.4mpg to be about average for the class. However, the Accord now lags behind on CO2, with its best of 138g/km for the 150PS diesel some distance behind the class leaders’.
As for the six-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes, they are every bit as precise and pleasurable to use as we’ve come to expect of Honda transmissions.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 i-VTEC | 40–41 mpg | 9.4–9.9 s | 159–162 g/km |
| 2.0 i-VTEC Automatic | 39 mpg | 10.8–11.3 s | 168–170 g/km |
| 2.2 i-DTEC | 44–53 mpg | 9.4–10.3 s | 138–170 g/km |
| 2.2 i-DTEC 180 | 50 mpg | 8.8 s | 147 g/km |
| 2.2 i-DTEC Automatic | 46–46 mpg | 10.0–10.3 s | 159–162 g/km |
| 2.4 i-VTEC | 33 mpg | 8.1 s | 199 g/km |
| 2.4 i-VTEC Automatic | 34 mpg | 9.8 s | 195 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Honda Accord (2008 – 2015)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
93%
Real MPG
24–58 mpg
MPGs submitted
228
Honda Accord (2008 – 2015) interior
- Boot space is 460–467 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4725–4726 mm |
| Width | 1840–2110 mm |
| Height | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2705 mm |
The interior of the Accord saloon would appear to have been designed by two entirely separate divisions of the mighty Honda empire. While those responsible for the seats and driving position deserve all the credit that comes their way, whoever designed the dash needs to be shown the door.
A superbly comfortable seat greets the driver on unlatching the wide-opening door. Although the Accord is quite low-slung for a family saloon, it’s easy to get in and out of. It’s also very easy to find a great driving position no matter how tall you are and you’re treated to leather upholstery in the EX and Type S models.
The ES GT has its own unique sports upholstery, while the entry-point ES has hard-wearing fabric with a classier look than most of its competitors’.
Sitting in the driver’s seat, the EX and Type S come with eight-way electric seat adjustment, while the ES and ES GT make do with manual adjustment. Once set, the driving position affords good vision forward and over the driver’s shoulder for lane changing duties.
Bring your eyes inside the car to the dash and the Accord’s good design comes to a haltering stop. While the main instruments are easy to read and clear, the centre console is a disaster zone of buttons. Yes, they are grouped together for the stereo and ventilation functions, with a digital display for above both for the ventilation, but it’s a real mish-mash.
In using buttons of the same size with the same script, Honda’s designers have made it very difficult to establish what’s what at a glance. Even with familiarity it takes a moment to locate the button you want and need. Thankfully, the steering wheel has remote controls in all but the ES model.
Even so, the ES is still well equipped and comes with climate control, cruise control, electric windows all-round, CD stereo with Aux-in socket, six airbags and Isofix child seat points. The ES GT has sportier aluminium pedals, an alloy and leather gear knob, and sports upholstery. For the EX, Honda supplies heated front seats, glass sunroof, automatic wiper, and voice-activated satellite navigation. The Type S further adds dual-zone climate control to the leather trim of the EX model.
Stepping into the rear cabin of the Accord saloon, the rear bench is every bit as accommodating as the front seats for support and comfort. Due to the styling of the Accord in saloon form, there’s not as much headroom as in the estate model, so it’s not as spacious for adults as some others in this class.
There is also not as much legroom as we’d like for adults to be at ease on longer journeys.
As for the boot in the Accord saloon, it’s 467 litres of space is decent but held back by the saloon shape from rivalling the likes of the Ford Mondeo hatch that has 541 litres of luggage room.
Honda Accord (2008 – 2015) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4725–4726 mm |
| Width | 1840–2110 mm |
| Height | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2705 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1501–1700 kg |
| Boot Space | 460–467 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 90000 miles |
| Servicing | - |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £22,025–£31,435 |
| Insurance Groups | 23–28 |
| Road Tax Bands | E–J |
| Official MPG | 32.8–53.3 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 3 |
| Pedestrian | 3 |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until October 2015
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 i-VTEC ES 156 4dr | £23,200 | 40.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC ES 156 Auto 4dr | £24,815 | 38.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT 156 4dr | £24,120 | 40.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT 156 Auto 4dr | £25,735 | 38.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC EX 156 4dr | £26,580 | 40.4 mpg | 9.9 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC EX 156 Auto 4dr | £28,195 | 38.7 mpg | 11.3 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES 150 4dr | £25,400 | 53.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES 150 Auto 4dr | £26,950 | 46.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 150 4dr | £26,320 | 53.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT 150 Auto 4dr | £27,870 | 46.3 mpg | 10.1 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX 150 4dr | £28,795 | 52.3 mpg | 9.5 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX 150 Auto 4dr | £30,330 | 45.6 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC Type S 180 4dr | £31,435 | 50.4 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.4 i-VTEC EX 201 4dr | £27,890 | 32.8 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.4 i-VTEC EX 201 Auto 4dr | £29,390 | 33.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
On sale until January 2013
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 i-VTEC S 4dr | £22,025 | 40.9 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 i-VTEC S Auto 4dr | £23,630 | 38.7 mpg | 10.8 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC S (180) 4dr | £29,950 | 50.4 mpg | 8.8 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC S 4dr | £24,225 | 53.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC S Auto 4dr | £25,775 | 46.3 mpg | 10.0 s |
| 2.4 i-VTEC S 4dr | £26,550 | 32.8 mpg | 8.1 s |
| 2.4 i-VTEC S Auto 4dr | £28,050 | 33.6 mpg | 9.8 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT 4dr | £26,770 | 49.6 mpg | 9.6 s |
| 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT 4dr Auto | £28,225 | 44.1 mpg | 10.3 s |
Model History
- September 2007: Accord Tourer Concept shown
- June 2008: Honda Accord went on sale in the UK
- March 2009
September 2007
Accord Tourer Concept shown
It gave an indication of the design direction for the 2008 Accord, on sale in the UK from mid-2008. Wider, lower, more sporty look. Innovative chassis technology to deliver involving driving experience without compromising ride comfort. Smarter, sleeker proportions, yet greater width, more spacious cabin and an increase in the track to help give better handling. Entirely Euro 5-compliant engine line-up. 4,276mm (15' 6") long x 1,840mm (6' 0") wide. Breakover Angle: better than 12.5 degrees helps prevent grounding on ramps. Wheelbase: 2705mm; ground clearance: 135mm; breakover angle: 11.40 degrees
Two petrol engines of 2.0 and 2.4-litre and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with increased power outputs and emissions and fuel economy significantly improved. Production versions of the new Accord debut in Saloon and Tourer forms at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
New 150PS i-DTEC 2.2 EU V diesel with 340Nm torque is Honda's next generation clean diesel. "World-first" technology to reduce emissions to a level equal to that of a petrol engine. Using a combination of the latest injection technology, more efficient exhaust gas recirculation and a diesel particulate filter, the 2.2-litre engine well exceeds the Euro 5 requirements, power and torque have been increased and fuel economy has been improved compared to the 140 PS 2.2i CDTI. 150PS at 2,000rpm; 350Nm torque at 2,000rpm.
2.0-litre petrol i-VTEC now has 156 PS at 6,300 rpm, and improved fuel economy. Key technological changes include increased diameter intake valves, further optimised valve lift and timing and increased inlet and exhaust air flow volumes.
2.4-litre i-VTEC engine is also more powerful, delivering 200PS at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 233 Nm (187 lb.ft) at 4,500 rpm. Behind the figures are a compression ratio increased from 10.5 to 11.0:1, larger valves, revised valve timing, and reduced exhaust system pressures.
All three engines are matched to a 6-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines have the option of a 5-speed automatic. Automatic gearbox for the i-DTEC engine from early 2009. Manual models feature a Shift Indicator Light which appears in the centre of the rev counter. 'UP' or 'DOWN' graphics are displayed to advise the driver of the optimum point (in terms of best fuel economy) at which to change gear; Honda tests have demonstrated fuel savings of as much as five per cent by following these commands.
Lowered centre of gravity, a wider track and the all-new front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension with variable rate dampers, plus greater body rigidity mean that the Accord more readily reacts to driver input. Handling is more responsive and confidence-inspiring and body roll has been reduced. Speed sensitive electric power steering is standard on all models and the new axial system features a high output, low inertia brushless motor that provides excellent steering feel at higher speeds for a sense of stability and confidence. A quicker steering ratio has also been adopted in keeping with the Accord's more agile chassis characteristics.
Dashboard that extends from centre console to sweep around the front seats, creating a cockpit-like design. The width of the car has allowed this without intruding on driver or passenger space, thus maximising comfort levels. Dash itself features 'floating' backlit instruments, with an LCD multi-information display contained within the centre of the speedometer face. Controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the display through multiple screens of information.
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is standard across the range and is designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and modulating the engine torque output as required. Also features a system that utilises both VSA and the car's Electric Power Steering. Called Motion Adaptive EPS, it detects instability in slippery conditions both during cornering and under braking and automatically initiates steering inputs aimed to prompt the driver to steer in the correct direction. Another important feature of Honda's VSA is Trailer Stability Assist which ensures, by using a combination of reduced engine torque and selective braking, that the vehicle is slowed to a safe and stable speed if snaking should occur while towing.
Updated ADAS (Advanced Driving Assist System) as an option - and for the first time this will feature CMBS (Collision Mitigation Braking System). CMBS monitors the distance and closing rate between the Accord and the car directly in front of it, warning the driver of a likely collision with alarms and seatbelt 'tugs'. If the system detects that a collision is unavoidable, it automatically applies braking to reduce the effects of an impact. ADAS also includes Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) which uses a camera to detect the car deviating from a traffic lane and provides steering torque when necessary, thereby reducing the burden of motorway driving while at the same time enhancing safety. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses a millimetre-wave radar to maintain a consistent distance to a vehicle directly in front, which can help reduce driver fatigue.
June 2008
Honda Accord went on sale in the UK
Accord saloon pricing:
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES MAN £19,250
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES AUTO £20,550
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT MAN £20,100
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT AUTO £21,400
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT NAVI MAN £21,200
- 2.0 i-VTEC ES GT NAVI AUTO £22,500
- 2.0 i-VTEC EX MAN £22,250
- 2.0 i-VTEC EX AUTO £23,550
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN £23,250
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX AUTO £24,550
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX MAN TECH PACK £25,250
- 2.4 i-VTEC EX AUTO TECH PACK £26,550
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES MAN £21,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT MAN £21,900
- 2.2 i-DTEC ES GT MAN NAVI £23,000
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX MAN £24,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX MAN TECH PACK £26,050
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT £24,900
- 2.2 i-DTEC EX GT MAN TECH PACK £26,650
Honda will launched first automatic transmission for a diesel engine in 2009, with the new gearbox debuting in the latest Accord. The eagerly-awaited auto ‘box for Honda’s i-DTEC engine means the Accord will appeal to a new segment of customers, particularly in the corporate market, where high mileage user choosers often will only consider an automatic transmission. Since creating its first diesel engine in 2004, Honda’s intention was to produce a high quality automatic gearbox in-house, rather than compromise the performance of its i-DTEC engine by mating it with an externally supplied transmission.
The result is a responsive ‘box that’s smooth and sporty with practically zero lag between kick-down and gear shift – especially when using the steering-wheel mounted paddles. In the saloon, top speed is 129mph with 150PS at 4000rpm and torque of 350Nm at 2000rpm. By comparison, the Tourer manages a top speed of 126mph.
The new 5-speed unit uses the same straight gate layout and paddle shift system as seen on the Accord petrol automatic earlier this year. CO2 emissions are 170g/km (saloon) and 173-174g/km (Tourer) depending on model grade, while fuel economy is 44.1mpg (combined) for the saloon and 42.8mpg (combined) for the Tourer.
The Accord i-DTEC automatic is available on all Accord model grades from January 2009. All engines in the Accord line up are designed to meet Euro 5 legislation.
March 2009
Accord Type S unveiled. This more powerful variant of Honda’s D-sector model uses the current 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, like the standard Accord, but thanks to a revised turbo-charger, cylinder head and larger intercooler, produces 180PS at 4000rpm, a 30PS increase on the standard model with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30Nm to 380Nm at 2000rpm.
As well as a significant increase in power, the Type S sits on a new design of 18-inch alloy wheels and gains clear indicator covers, a Type S badge plus two new paint colours – Premium White Pearl and Basque Red. The Type S will be available in either saloon or Tourer bodyshapes with manual transmission.
What to watch out for
One report of clutch and DMF problems on a diesel manual.
02-01-2013:First report of DPF problems with 2.2 i-DTEC.
08-02-2013:Clutch slip may occur on 2.2 i-DTEC diesels for various reasons. Normal life for a clutch is 80k – 120k miles, vut clutches have been failing in as little as 10k – 30k miles. Honda service bulletin (number 1269) tells the dealer to check the cruise control switch before removing the gearbox, and the self adjusting mechanism before removing the clutch assembly. The dealer has to collect information about the clutch and then has to get Honda UK engineers to examine the findings to establish whether the clutch failure is the result of abuse, normal wear, or a manufacturing problem.
24-07-2013:Another report of a DPF failure on a 2.2 i-DTEC. This was a 63,500 mile 2009/59.
09-12-2013:Rusting of sunroof has become very common on the 2008-2013 UK spec Accord. Reader had sunroof of 3.5 year old 2.4EXi replaced free of charge, probably due to being good customer of Honda but for many others Honda UK is claiming it is not covered by Honda Happiness used car warranty. This is a major issue on Honda Accord Owners Club site See: http://accordownersclub.co.uk/8th-generation-accord/2720-rust-sunroof-print.html Advisable to get the dealer to apply silicon grease to the metal frame to try & prevent recurrence.
05-07-2015:Honda is replacing rusty 8 th gen 2009 MY Accord sunroofs free of charge and reimbursing owners who had to make a contribution.http://hondakarma.com/threads/warranty-extension-sunroof-frame-corroded-2009-ym-only.14775/#post-111804
20-07-2015:DPF problems with 40 month old 2013 Accord 2.2iDTEC. DPF light comes on every 750 miles and also has a missfire problem which Honda can't fix, so offered the customer a buy back at 50% of the car's original purchase price.
22-03-2017:Report of constant problems with DPF of Honda Accord 2.2iDTEC.
04-08-2017:Another report of DPF of a 2008 Honda Accord 2.2iDTEC needing forced regeneration by the dealer every 6 months. These were, of course, the first Hondas to be fitted with DPFs.
21-01-2019:Report of central locking, electric windows, folding mirrors, boot release and passenger side remote mirror adjustment stopping working on 2009 Honda Accord. Auto electricians diagnosed a faulty Body Control Module in the driver's door, but say the can't replace it because the £280 part requires individual programming to tailor it to the car and that can only be done by a Honda dealer.
16-04-2019:Report of ABS, TSA, VSA warning lights showing intermittently on 1009 Honda Accord at 92,000 miles. Is an MoT failure and Honda quoted cost of replacing the modulator will be £2,250. We suggested contacting ecutesting.com to see if they could remanufacture the module.
