2008 Honda Accord
For 2008, Honda's midsize Accord grew in length, interior room, and horsepower.

If there is a single word that defines the 2008 Honda Accord, it is probably "more." The new Accord is bigger, offers more passenger space, and is more powerful.

More "Accord-ness"

Honda identifies the Accord's two main competitors as the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima, and plans to succeed against these competitors by increasing what it calls "Accord-ness." The stated goal was to improve upon what existing customers like about the Accord, but also to incorporate more of the things people like better about the Camry and Altima. Instead of "settling" for the middle ground between the two, Honda says the new Accord "moves beyond them and redefines what a midsize car can be."

The Accord was previously the "sporty" entry in the midsize sedan class. Gary Robinson, Accord Product Planner, said that in recent years Altima has succeeded somewhat in becoming the sporty choice, while Camry continues to appeal to an older, more comfort-oriented consumer. However, Accord buyers are growing older, too. Honda says that in 1995 the median age of Accord buyers was 41, but by 2005 the median age increased to 50. Clearly Honda needs the new Accord to appeal to younger consumers, but can't risk turning off the loyal base of older buyers.

2008 Honda Accord
Accord sedans are available in LX, LX-P, EX, and EX-L models. Coupes come in LX-S, EX, and EX-L models.

Honda has identified two target markets for the new Accord. "Young Professional Couples" who Honda defines as Generation Y newlywed DINKs (Dual Income No Kids) with a $70,000 household income, flourishing careers, and who enjoy "couple-hood." The second target market is "Older Professional Couples"; empty-nest Baby Boomers, with a $90,000 household income, with many of them beginning second careers like starting their own business. Honda sees both of these groups as sociable, success-driven consumers that have active lifestyles and are style and image conscious, yet intelligent and value-savvy.

Honda says it needs the young couples to "usher in the next generation of Accord," while the older couples are the core, loyal Accord buyers. According to Honda, the coupe is very important for attracting younger buyers.

Accord sedans are available in LX, LX-P, EX, and EX-L models. Coupes come in LX-S, EX, and EX-L models. Standard equipment on all models includes ABS, side airbags, curtain side airbags, air conditioning, power mirrors and locks, a tilt/telescope steering column, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and keyless entry. All models come standard with 4-cylinder engines, but the EX and EX-L sedans and EX-L coupe offer V6 power.