The eighth-generation Honda Accord was released in 2007; in 2011, it underwent an update. The developers have retained the sporty prowess of its predecessor and added solidity to the new model. It turned out to be a daring challenge to the established business class and worthy competition to the premiums available at that time, and, above all, Toyota Camry. In what the eighth generation’s creators won and lost, how much does the Honda Accord cost today and what problems it can hide on the secondary, we understand the review.
Transmissions and fuel consumption
The eighth “Accord” is available with two types of gearboxes:
- six-speed mechanics, reliable, trouble-free, not having any complaints about work;
- A five-speed automatic, the same faithful and eternal, but with a sound trick. A characteristic “hum” is noted in 2.4-litre engines when the car starts to move and switches from second to third gear. The reason is the bearing seats of the primary and secondary shafts of the box.
In general, the machine travels 200-300 thousand km, sometimes needing to replace the solenoids.
Suspension and Performance
The eighth “Accord” suspension has an intricate design: two levers in front and a multi-link in the back. All elements, except for bushings and stabilizer struts, have exceptional reliability and resource. After 120-150 thousand km, the first repairs take place for accurate drivers – and after 200 thousand km of run. If you continuously overload the car, the breakup levers will quickly wear out, and the rear springs will sink. This, in turn, will cause wear on the inside of the rubber.
After 50 thousand km, the steering rack begins to knock. Bushing wear, corrosion and backlash in internal mechanisms can cause a problem. Replacement costs ~ $1300, so drivers prefer to restore the part, spending ~ $250 on it.
“Accord” is vast. On smooth roads, it confidently enters into turns; on bad roads, patches and potholes are felt due to the rigid suspension. The steering is well implemented – no steering or drifting is required on the road.
Salon, Electronics and Safety
Salon “Accord”, although made of materials of average quality, is quite presentable. The design “migrated” to it from the flagship of Honda – the Legend model. The centre console is somewhat overloaded with an abundance of buttons, but everything is ergonomic and informative.
The front seats have a wide range of adjustments and excellent lateral support. There is frankly little space for rear passengers. People taller than 180 cm are more likely to touch the top of the ceiling. The trunk of the “Accord” is designed for 464 litres of cargo.
When looking for a used car, we recommend taking a vehicle with fabric seat upholstery. This is especially true for vehicles produced in 2008-2009: the skin in them quickly worn out, folds formed. If the leather upholstery is okay, consider yourself lucky.
From security tools available:
- stabilization system VSA;
- adaptive power steering;
- frontal cushions with two degrees of opening;
- side inflatable curtains along the entire length of the windows.
According to the passenger safety level, the Euro NCAP commission awarded the Accord with the highest rating – five stars.
Things to Consider when Buying Accord’s 8 Generation
The eighth version of “Accord” was delivered to the market with two engines: 2.0 for 156 hp and 2.4 for 201 hp. The 156-horsepower engine has no apparent problems and complaints about the work, but the “older” installation does not boast of this.
It has no hydraulic lifters; valves are adjusted every 40 thousand km. After 50-60 thousand km, and increased oil consumption is observed due to low fuel quality. The problem is not widespread but common. It is solved by elementary decarbonization (the issue price is up to $50) or by a more radical measure – replacing the oil scraper rings, which costs ~ $700 (work + spare parts).
Another “disease” of the 2.4 engine is the VTC clutch. After a long period of inactivity when starting the engine, it may emit a crackling sound. Factory defect that was not fixed even after the update. After replacing the phase regulator gear ($150, together with the work of a specialist), the noise appears again after 20-50 thousand km. If you find it challenging to tolerate third-party sounds, consider this disadvantage when buying a Honda Accord.
On both engines, after 120-200 thousand km, there are stretches of the timing chain. The replacement will cost $250-$350 together with the work of the official service staff.
The “Accord” catalyst requires close attention. It begins to crumble during cold starts and in traffic jams after 150 thousand km. Installing a mechanical snag will cost $150, software shutdown – $190.
In general, the engines of the eighth generation Accord are quite reliable. The problems mentioned above serve instead as hints that should be paid attention to when buying and further maintaining a car.
Verdict
If the Honda Accord crossed your mind, we recommend you go for it. It’s a comfortable, reliable sedan with a presentable appearance – it is difficult to remain unnoticed on the road with it. But it is demanding to care for and expensive to maintain. If you take good care, the car will not let you down and will not upset you with breakdowns as humans do.