CTC Review: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe

[jww]

Ah yes - the 2-dr coupe niche. I wonder if it will displace SUVs/CUVs in terms of sales in the marketplace 

I must admit that while I am not a big fan of 2 dr coupes. I see their appeal, it's just that to me, it's simply another part of the marketplace where everyone seems to think they need to have a big play. Driving an Altima or Accord coupe suggests 'wannabe-ism' to me. I can't afford a real sports car, so I'll drive a family car that has been dummied out to a coupe instead. I don't doubt that they are very good cars, and the evidence is plentiful that they can be fun to drive - but the thought of attributing sports car status to a family sedan just somehow doesn't sit right with me.

'course, that probably would change if I were to drive one.

I think most people that buy a car like this want a car that looks and feels sporty but can seat 5 people. I don't see a problem with this I since I have long been a fan of the Accord coupe and the new Nissan Coupe. I'm not sure how you define these people as  "Wannabes" since the performance numbers for both the V6, 6 speed, accord and Altima have been quite respectable for a FWD car. 0-60 for both are about the same at 6.2-6.3 seconds accord-ing to http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123357
these numbers are better then alot of other cars that I would consider sportier.
http://www.car-videos.net/performance/speed.asp?Speed1=0&Speed2=60

I know 0-60 isn't every thing but there it is.

I do get what you are saying. It's just that I can't quite get my head around sporting out a family sedan to a coupe version. I would not want to get into the rear of either the Accord or the Altima coupe. That doesn't mean I don't think people will buy them - quite the contrary - they will, of that I am pretty confident. It's just not for me, that's all.

[JSCC]

Don't forget the camry based Solora. 

[articsteve]

SOLARA coupe will be history for 2009.

[Otto Pal]

I have been driving a 2003 automatic Accord coupe and I love it.
However, what percentage of Canadian drivers drive manual cars?
Why don't you test drive and review a new car for the great majority of "automatic" drivers?
In your position you shouldn't be a purist quite removed from reality. Why do you follow your own preference (bias) when reviewing cars. In a sense you become irrelevant.

[dougjp]

Otto Pal, you didn't do a proper sample before making those comments, and then expanding those comments making them excessive. Perhaps its because you just happen to drive this make/model of car in auto form and wanted a total comparison?

An overwhelming percentage of reviews on Cdn. Driver are automatics. I'd guess about 8/9 out of 10, which sounds to me about ballpark for the mix of sales, whatever that is (depending on the category of vehicle).

I have the 2004 coupe with 6 speed manual, and also think its great as a "daily driver". Certainly not a track car, but I don't need that any more. Decent shots of power available for occasional entertainment, if the engine is in the mid range and higher. At lower revs its pretty dull, but adequate and smooth. Handling is "OK" however with this car especially its necessary to dump the OEM tires and get performance radials to be happy.

I'd be a possible candidate for a trade to this car except Honda blew it by making the car too heavy and large, taking it out of my focus. I already think sometimes that the 2004 is too big for me, so this one doesn't quite fit. We also have a 2006 Jetta turbo dsg that is more fun (engine-wise) in normal driving conditions.

[wing]

Otto, we don't get a choice the manufacturers send us the cars equipped as they see fit.

Doug's answer is pretty spot on, a manual test car is RARE!  Besides the transmission the auto and manual are identical including price so I don't see an issue here anyways.  I guess you just wish me to be bored silly driving minivans instead.

[davidm]

Good feedback as always SAM -- I'll try, one issue though it is VERY hard to hold a camera and fold seats.   I have a tripod but the threads on my camera are stripped.

Time to find a friend with steady hands.  (All yours Saf ...  )

[Jaeger]

The Accord Coupe should have more rear seat room than the Altima Coupe - after all, it's bigger than the Altima Sedan.

One ergonomic feature I definitely don't like is the deeply-recessed batcave in the dash to house the nav.  Totally breaks the flowing lines of the dash, IMHO.  And if you don't have the Nav, you're stuck with it anyway.  A bit of overkill just for a radio display, no?



Jaeger

Oh - and thank HEAVENS you are testing a manual!

[The Fuzz]

EZ Rock?? ??  I thought you were younger than me....

[wing]

Fuzz I think Jaeger took that picture randomly off the net -- not sure how hold he is though.

[airbalancer]

EZ Rock?? ??  I thought you were younger than me....

My wife listen to that station, I also try to hit the Q when I am in TO

[safristi]

U cheap arses ain't on SAT............ ...

[Jaeger]

Fuzz I think Jaeger took that picture randomly off the net -- not sure how hold he is though.

Nope.  Pic is of my Dad's '08 Accord Sedan - already posted elsewhere on this site.  His musical tastes are his own.



I give him a hard time for buying a car with the GT package standard across the model range: Geriatric Transport. 

Bottom line is he loves the thing.  His second choice was the Toyota Avalon.  This should tell you something.  Here's hoping the Coupe delivers the sporting goods.

Jaeger

[johngenx]

Uh, that steering wheel is tres ugly!!

[Cortina]

The Accord coupe feels to me like an ideal GT-type vehicle: quick and sporty when you ask for it, but quiet and comfortable on the highway, and with the practicality of five seats (in a pinch) and a generous trunk.

   Oh' stop it, You're teasing me.

[Jaeger]

Kudos to Honda for making 18" rims available on the Coupe.  I wish Nissan had done the same.  Surprised to hear about the notchy shifter - odd that it would only manifest in one gear.

[Darryl]

Well, I hope Honda fixed the electrical problems that had with the 03' Honda Accord Coupe!  Remember - the dash radio electrical going out!  GPS, may be one more problem that enhances the nightmare from 03'

[Blueprint]

Otto, we don't get a choice the manufacturers send us the cars equipped as they see fit.

Doug's answer is pretty spot on, a manual test car is RARE!  Besides the transmission the auto and manual are identical including price so I don't see an issue here anyways.  I guess you just wish me to be bored silly driving minivans instead.

There are differences between the manual and slushboxed Accord Coupes : the automatic has the cylinder deactivation feature, while the manual does without it.  Plus, the manual has different mapping at higher rpm's to enhance engine response.

Oh, and Wing, next time you're feeling bored in a minivan, just master the art of handbrake / parking brake turns with these 4000 lbs utility marvels.  Wheeeee !! 

[wing]

That would be sweet if they provided something other than a foot brake

[safristi]

FOOD BREAK.................