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2008 Honda Accord Full Review
Date Published: 7/03/08
Also in the 2008 Honda Accord Review:
5.
6.
Honda Accord Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Honda Accord Review
The 2008 Honda Accord is completely redesigned, boasting more power and passenger space. Four-cylinder and V6-powered coupes and sedans return for '08, but the gas/electric Hybrid model has been dropped. Available are a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder of 177 or 190 hp, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 268. The V6 includes Honda's Variable Cylinder Management that shuts down cylinders while cruising to conserve fuel. Coupes and sedans are offered in EX and EX-L trim levels. Sedans are also offered in entry-level LX and LX-P versions. An entry-level LX-S coupe is also offered. The 4-cylinder engine is available on all models. EX and EX-L sedans are also available with the V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available across the board. V6 EX-L coupes are available with a 6-speed manual transmission, other models can be had with a 5-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather seating is standard on EX-L models but not available otherwise. A navigation system is also available, and Accords so equipped are priced as separate models.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Kia Rondo. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 5, Mercury Milan, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Avenger, Honda Accord, and Mazda 5.
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2008 Honda Accord Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Refinement | Small trunk opening |
| Steering/handling | Ride (coupe) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
With the automatic transmission, 177-hp Accords move adequately from a stop, but passing and merging require patience. EX and LX-S 4-cylinder models, with their 190-hp engine, are stronger in all situations. Several 4-cylinder models tested have suffered from a rough idle and pronounced vibrations felt through the body and steering wheel. The 177-hp engine exhibits this behavior more than the 190-hp version. V6 models with the automatic are stronger still, with plenty of reserve muscle for easy passing. All manual-transmission Accords are faster than their automatic counterparts, with smooth clutch engagement and a precise feeling shifter.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5.6 |
With the automatic transmission, 177-hp Accords move adequately from a stop, but passing and merging require patience. EX and LX-S 4-cylinder models, with their 190-hp engine, are stronger in all situations. Several 4-cylinder models tested have suffered from a rough idle and pronounced vibrations felt through the body and steering wheel. The 177-hp engine exhibits this behavior more than the 190-hp version. V6 models with the automatic are stronger still, with plenty of reserve muscle for easy passing. All manual-transmission Accords are faster than their automatic counterparts, with smooth clutch engagement and a precise feeling shifter.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an Accord LX-P with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg in city/highway driving. Our extended-use automatic EX 4-cylinder sedan is averaging 22.7 mpg over its first 4438 miles. V6 versions with the automatic averaged 19.5 mpg. All Accords use regular-grade gas.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an Accord LX-P with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg in city/highway driving. Our extended-use automatic EX 4-cylinder sedan is averaging 22.7 mpg over its first 4438 miles. V6 versions with the automatic averaged 19.5 mpg. All Accords use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
All Accords feel refined and solid. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it's never bothersome. V6 coupes have larger wheels and tires. The result for coupes is a firmer ride and notably more impact feel.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6 |
All Accords feel refined and solid. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it's never bothersome. V6 coupes have larger wheels and tires. The result for coupes is a firmer ride and notably more impact feel.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Accords remain on the sporty side of the midsize class, with light but direct steering and well-controlled lean in corners. Coupes feel somewhat sharper but not enough to justify reduced ride comfort.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Accords remain on the sporty side of the midsize class, with light but direct steering and well-controlled lean in corners. Coupes feel somewhat sharper but not enough to justify reduced ride comfort.
Quietness
Across the board, road noise is fairly pronounced, with less sound isolation from traffic din than might be expected. The coupes' larger wheels and tires contribute to a small amount of additional road noise. The LX and LX-P models disappoint for their crude-sounding engine. The 190-hp 4-cylinder and V6 engines are far more pleasant and refined.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Across the board, road noise is fairly pronounced, with less sound isolation from traffic din than might be expected. The coupes' larger wheels and tires contribute to a small amount of additional road noise. The LX and LX-P models disappoint for their crude-sounding engine. The 190-hp 4-cylinder and V6 engines are far more pleasant and refined.
Controls
Though redesigned, Accord's interior will feel familiar to repeat buyers, and that's a good thing. Some of our testers, however, bemoan the large number of individual controls. Big dials and gauges are easy to read. Most major controls are logically placed and have a substantial, quality feel, though a few climate functions are just out of easy reach for the driver. The navigation screen is large, and generally easy to read, though it's recessed deeply in its housing, obscuring sight lines. Despite its recess, the display can be washed out in certain light conditions.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Though redesigned, Accord's interior will feel familiar to repeat buyers, and that's a good thing. Some of our testers, however, bemoan the large number of individual controls. Big dials and gauges are easy to read. Most major controls are logically placed and have a substantial, quality feel, though a few climate functions are just out of easy reach for the driver. The navigation screen is large, and generally easy to read, though it's recessed deeply in its housing, obscuring sight lines. Despite its recess, the display can be washed out in certain light conditions.
Details
Continues in the Accord tradition of offering good quality materials and solid assembly. Cabin impressions vary widely based on interior color palette. Depending on color, EX and EX-L sedans are available with woodgrain accents that go a long way toward creating a warm, upscale ambiance. Some testers found models without woodgrain trim lacked character. Coupes have unique interior accents that impart a sportier feel.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Continues in the Accord tradition of offering good quality materials and solid assembly. Cabin impressions vary widely based on interior color palette. Depending on color, EX and EX-L sedans are available with woodgrain accents that go a long way toward creating a warm, upscale ambiance. Some testers found models without woodgrain trim lacked character. Coupes have unique interior accents that impart a sportier feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Accord sedan and coupe seats have grown for 2008 and are more comfortable as a result. The seats are more supportive than in previous Accords. There's ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. Larger door openings and a higher roof make entering and exiting Accord easy. Visibility is good all around in all models, but coupes have a more rakish roofline that obscures the view to the rear corners.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.7 |
Accord sedan and coupe seats have grown for 2008 and are more comfortable as a result. The seats are more supportive than in previous Accords. There's ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. Larger door openings and a higher roof make entering and exiting Accord easy. Visibility is good all around in all models, but coupes have a more rakish roofline that obscures the view to the rear corners.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Accord is longer for 2008, and much of that space went to the rear seating area. Sedans have good headroom, vast legroom, and comfortable seats. Again, larger door openings and a higher roof contribute to easy entry and exit. Coupes offer more space this year as well, though seating is still best left to children.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5.1 |
Accord is longer for 2008, and much of that space went to the rear seating area. Sedans have good headroom, vast legroom, and comfortable seats. Again, larger door openings and a higher roof contribute to easy entry and exit. Coupes offer more space this year as well, though seating is still best left to children.
Cargo Room
Sedans have a large, deep, usefully shaped trunk, though a smallish opening may prevent loading of bulkier items. Intrusive hinges force cautious loading of crushable items. Note that the folding rear seat is now one piece, not split 60/40 like previous generation. Coupes have a smaller trunk with a somewhat smaller opening. Sedan and coupe interior storage includes roomy center console with handy divided compartments, 12-volt power outlet, and MP3 port.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Sedans have a large, deep, usefully shaped trunk, though a smallish opening may prevent loading of bulkier items. Intrusive hinges force cautious loading of crushable items. Note that the folding rear seat is now one piece, not split 60/40 like previous generation. Coupes have a smaller trunk with a somewhat smaller opening. Sedan and coupe interior storage includes roomy center console with handy divided compartments, 12-volt power outlet, and MP3 port.
Value within Class
This perennial benchmark for midsize value and performance is redesigned for 2008, gaining power and passenger space. Though Accord is not leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a Best Buy for shoppers in this class.
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6.2 |
This perennial benchmark for midsize value and performance is redesigned for 2008, gaining power and passenger space. Though Accord is not leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a Best Buy for shoppers in this class.
Total Score
| LX-P sedan, automatic | EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic | EX-L V6 sedan, automatic | EX V6 coupe, manual | Class Average |
| 68 | 73 | 74 | 66 | 63 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2008 Honda Accord Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/16/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| LX 4-door sedan, manual | $20,360 | $18,458 | $670 |
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| LX 4-door sedan, automatic | $21,160 | $19,181 | $670 |
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| LX-S 2-door coupe, manual | $21,860 | $19,813 | $670 |
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| LX-S 2-door coupe, automatic | $22,660 | $20,536 | $670 |
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| LX-P 4-door sedan, manual | $21,360 | $19,362 | $670 |
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| LX-P 4-door sedan, automatic | $22,160 | $20,085 | $670 |
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| EX 2-door coupe, manual | $23,160 | $20,988 | $670 |
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| EX 2-door coupe, automatic | $23,960 | $21,711 | $670 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, manual | $23,060 | $20,898 | $670 |
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| EX 4-door sedan, automatic | $23,860 | $21,621 | $670 |
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| EX V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $25,960 | $23,518 | $670 |
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| EX-L 2-door coupe, manual | $25,160 | $22,795 | $670 |
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| EX-L 2-door coupe, automatic | $25,960 | $23,518 | $670 |
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| EX-L 4-door sedan, manual | $25,060 | $22,705 | $670 |
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| EX-L 4-door sedan, automatic | $25,860 | $23,428 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 4-door sedan, automatic | $28,060 | $25,416 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 2-door coupe, manual | $28,310 | $25,642 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 2-door coupe, automatic | $28,310 | $25,642 | $670 |
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| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation, manual | $27,360 | $24,783 | $670 |
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| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation, automatic | $28,160 | $25,506 | $670 |
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| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual | $27,260 | $24,693 | $670 |
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| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $28,060 | $25,416 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 2-door coupe w/navigation, manual | $30,510 | $27,630 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 2-door coupe w/navigation, automatic | $30,510 | $27,630 | $670 |
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| EX-L V6 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic | $30,260 | $27,404 | $670 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LX
Powertrain
2.4-liter 177-hp 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, folding rear seat, trunk pass-through, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/60HR16 tires, wheel covers.
LX-S adds to LX:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 190-hp 4-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Active noise control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: trunk pass-through.
225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
LX-P adds to LX:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Alloy wheels.
EX/EX-V6 adds to LX:
Powertrain
2.4-liter 190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 3.5-liter V6 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Active noise control, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment (sedan), heated power mirrors, power sunroof, upgraded sound system (coupe), AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic headlights (EX-V6).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: trunk pass-through (coupe).
Fog lights (EX-V6), 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels.
EX-L/EX-L V6 adds to EX:
Powertrain
6-speed manual (EX-L V6) or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, compass, universal garage door opener (EX-L V6), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45VR18 tires (EX-L-V6 coupe).
EX-L/EX-L V6 w/navigation adds to EXL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, wireless cell phone link.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2008 Honda Accord Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Honda Accord 2-door coupe | Honda Accord 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.9 | 110.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 190.9 | 194.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | 72.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.4 | 58.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3297 | 3213 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.9 | 14.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 41.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.9 | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.0 | 37.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /144 | 2.4 /144 | 3.5 /212 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 177 @ 6500 | 190 @ 7000 | 268 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 161 @ 4300 | 162 @ 4400 | 248 @ 5000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/31 | 22/31 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 18/27 |
| 5-speed automatic | 21/31 | 21/31 | 22/32 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Honda Accord 2-door coupe | Honda Accord 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Honda Accord Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Honda Accord Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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