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Honda goes for the two-door conversion... and it's goooood!!!
Year after year after year, the Honda Accord is a sure thing. It's like an all-star lineup of the best technology, build quality, and drivability in the mid-size segment.
And with every generation comes an extra something-something. Not an essential play to win the game, but it doesn't hurt. In fact, it can really stir up some excitement when scores look pretty evenly matched. Honda Accord Coupe for the win.
Motor Trend Magazine got its hands on a new 2008 Accord Coupe and unequivocally declared it spectacular. The EX-L model tested costs $30,510, seats five, comes with a 3.5L, 268-hp SOHC V6, and does something previously rare in Hondas - it makes torque. A whopping 248 lb-ft, to be exact. Motor Trend reports the new coupe goes like stink when the electronically controlled throttle is slammed, and doesn't exhibit any of the Civic's "rev-hang" (an unfortunate characteristic of the car's drive-by-wire throttle linkage) when lifted. Wheelspin and torque steer are also notably absent, making launching the thing less of a crapshoot than some other high-powered front-wheel drivers. Isn't technology grand? In the handling department, cornering is flat and drama free, and the steering tight and responsive. The review even compares the Honda to BMW's recent efforts, a perennial favorite for sweet-handling rides. The six-speed shifter rates highly as well, comparing to the best of Honda's lineup, a manufacturer well respected for having some of the best shifting boxes in the business.
With regard to interior, it's an entirely modern affair, complete with tight-fitting matte plastics and flawless leather upholstery. Comparing the Accord to one of its chief rivals, the Toyota Camry Solara, Motor Trend says it's like comparing a first generation iMac to a brand new MacBook Pro - candy colored plastic to sleek elegance. Thanks for designing our new cars for us, Apple... no, really. While the Accord trounces the bloated Camry Solara across the board, but has stiffer competition with Nissan's Infiniti G37 lookalike Altima coupe.
The 2008 Honda Accord coupe is on sale this month. Our take? Where's our ride?
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