RPM Daily full preview of the 2008 Honda Accord
Even though the Honda Accord hasn't been the sales leader in the highly competitive midsize segment, they're been the best in the eyes of critics and enthusiasts alike. The last generation Accord had a best in class interior, an absolutely incredible 3.0L V6, and terrific driving dynamics. For 2008, Honda couldn't rest on its laurels, and the Japanese automaker went all out with the 2008 Accord. Click Here to read RPM Daily's full preview of the Honda Accord coupe and sedan, complete with many high-resolution photos.

Exterior
The 2008 Accord isn't exactly a daring styling statement, and "play it safe" was definitely at the top of discussions in the Honda design center. The sedan and coupe both grew quite a bit from the previous generation, as both configurations are now considered full-size. Many say the front end of the Accord looks an awful lot like a 2003 Saturn LS200, and we tend to agree. The profile is much more appealing, as it takes on more of an Acura appearance. The Accord's rear also looks more high class, with great looking tail lights accentuated by well sculpted bumper.

Interior
Honda has been on its A game with regards to interior for what seems like forever. The midsize competition never actually caught up with the last generation Accord, so hopes were high for the new model.

For 2008, Honda kept the basic theme of the last Accord, but supersized the buttons and knobs for even better usability. The navigation screen now sits higher, above the center air vents. The large screen is inset to protect against glare, and the information center is directly below. Beautiful wood-grain accents (or brushed aluminum) really sets off the two-tone scheme of the up-level Accords, but the base Accord looks cheap in comparison. Overall, the interior looks more like something you'd see from Acura or Lexus than any mass-volume Honda, which bodes very well for owners of the Accord.

Powertrain
When the 3.0L V6 in the previous generation Accord was given a bump in power to 244 HP, it was bested by only larger 3.5L V6 in the Altima. Eventually, the competition caught up by offering their own 3.5L powerplants, and the Accord fell to the middle of the pack. The 2008 Accord now has its own 3.5L engine, which is right a the top of the class once again, this time pumping out 270 HP. With Honda's terrific reputation for smooth, high-quality grunt, we safely assume the 3.5 will be of high character.

What intrigues even more are the 180 and 200 HP variants of Honda's 2.4L four cylinder. The two engines are best in class for four-banger power, with everybody else staying at 175 HP or lower. The Accord is now a bigger vehicle, so the extra power is needed.

Honda is keeping five speed as its automatic of choice, bucking the trend set by the competition to offer six gears. Honda does keep the five speed manual for the coupe, which was excellent powering 244 HP, and at 270 and gobs more torque, shifting should be more fun than ever.

RPM Daily impression
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that Honda had a lot on the line with the 2008 Accord, though some of Honda's engineers could probably be gainfully employed in the aerospace field. The success or failure of the Accord will lie in Honda's decision to enter the large vehicle class with the Accord's new-found size. With that size comes an extra $1,500 tacked onto the base price, and a little less friendly fuel economy. We're guessing that the Accord will be just fine, but in the end the decision is up to Honda's loyal customer base.