NEW FOR 2009:
– No changes
Completely redesigned for 2008, the Honda Accord moves into 2009 with no changes.
Available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe, the Accord comes with a choice of four engines overall. Both four-cylinders are 2.4-litre; the version in the base LX sedan model makes 177 horsepower, while in the EX and EX-L model, it makes 190 horsepower. Both base with a five-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a five-speed automatic. Both 3.5-litre V6 models produce 268 horsepower, but when mated to a five-speed automatic, the engine includes Variable Cylinder Management, which shuts off either two or three cylinders under light load for improved fuel economy. The V6 coupe can also be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission, in which case the engine uses variable valve timing and intake system for sportier performance, and does not shut off any cylinders.
Features on the LX sedan include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, tire pressure monitoring system, heated mirrors, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, front splash guards, power locks with keyless entry, auto up/down driver’s window, cruise control, auto-off headlamps, illuminated vanity mirrors, tilt and telescopic column, six-way manual driver’s seat, floor mats, fold-down rear seat, and CD/MP3/WMA stereo with auxiliary input and wheel-mounted controls.
The EX sedan adds 17-inch alloy wheels, security system, power sunroof, chrome exhaust finisher, auto up/down front windows, Active Noise Cancellation, ambient console lighting, rear cupholders, eight-way power driver’s seat, and six-CD/MP3/WMA stereo with anti-theft system.
The EX-L sedan adds dual-zone automatic climate control, exterior temperature display, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated leather seats, and premium stereo with subwoofer.
The EX V6 sedan is equipped similarly to the EX, but adds chrome door handles.
The EX-L V6 sedan is equipped similarly to the EX-L, but adds chrome door handles, fog lights, four-way power passenger seat, and garage door opener.
Features on the EX coupe include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, active front head restraints, security system, tire pressure monitoring system, heated mirrors, front splash guards, power sunroof, speed-sensing variable intermittent wipers, rear cupholders, auto-off headlamps, power locks with keyless entry, front auto up/down windows, cruise control, tilt and telescopic wheel, six-way manual driver’s seat, floor mats, fold-down rear seatback, and six-CD/MP3/WMA stereo with auxiliary input, anti-theft feature, and wheel-mounted controls.
The EX-L coupe adds dual-zone automatic climate control, exterior temperature display, automatic headlamps, heated leather seats with eight-way power driver’s adjustment, leather-wrapped wheel, and XM satellite radio.
The EX-L V6 coupe and EX-L V6 MT coupe add 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and rear spoiler.
Benefitting immensely from last year’s redesign, the Accord features handsome styling, a comfortable ride, strong engines and good handling. The variable cylinders in the V6 model operate seamlessly, and allow the engine to run on six, four or three cylinders, depending on the load. Both sedan and coupe are roomy inside, although the rear seat folds only as a single unit, which isn’t as useful as a split-folding design. Those who love to shift will enjoy the V6’s short-throw, smooth-shifting unit.
