2008 Honda Accord: Laser Focus

It's irrelavent that the Fit is an "econobox". It has a better dash...period!

I'm all for simplicity, but the slider on the Fit should go. It's so 70's and this is not a retro car.
While Fit's dash center console is simple and functional, it's plain ugly IMHO. The new one is not no better either. Yuck...

To be fair, the Accord has a couple of great features that the Fit doesn't. Namely, dual zone climate control, navigation, and true iPod integration. Those account for most of the Accord's "extra" buttons, and you can't b*tch about both too many buttons AND too few buttons (i.e., iDrive-like systems with multi-layer menus to change the radio station).

I will grant that having all of the AC buttons on the same side (except of course for passenger side temp control) would have been a lot easier. But symmetry is the name of the game, and makes it much easier to convert to right-hand drive for other markets. And like all such things, it rarely matters to the owner/daily driver who quickly learns his way around, as much as it does to the nitpicky test driver.

I'm kind of surprised it has taken this long for someone to comment on the button madness of the Accord dash. Remember when "lean and clean" defined Honda's approach to interior ergonomics? I do.

The Fit's fresh air/recirc slider shows the age of this old car.

The above picture is a clear demonstration of superior Honda intelligence and mastery of ergonomics.

Honda should forget trying to copy BMW all the time. They pick up all the bad habits as well. This is one of them.

I agree the FIT is better. As to the manual vent slider = economy car. Cheaper for your right hand to open the register than Honda to put in an electric solenoid.

Yeah and the fit also doesn't have navi, dual zone climate control and xm. As a owner of this car it's not rocket science to operate...trust me!!

"I see the Accord's dash has the HVAC controls on either side of the stereo".

This isn't how every Accord is set up. In the non-navi models the HVAC controls are together. I have this model and usually use the voice commands for the a/c. The voice commands also control xm, navi, am/fm, and everything else on the dash.

Yeah and the fit also doesn't have navi, dual zone climate control and xm. As a owner of this car it's not rocket science to operate...trust me!!

"I see the Accord's dash has the HVAC controls on either side of the stereo".

This isn't how every Accord is set up. In the non-navi models the HVAC controls are together. I have this model and usually use the voice commands for the a/c. The voice commands also control xm, navi, am/fm, and everything else on the dash.

Looks like Honda wants to make sure no one will ever put an aftermarket stereo in an Accord.

Not a plus.

"Looks like Honda wants to make sure no one will ever put an aftermarket stereo in an Accord".

Why would you need a aftermarket stereo?

Voice controls for the A/C? Seems like technology for technology's sake.

"Voice controls for the A/C? Seems like technology for technology's sake"

Well that's the world we're living in...right?

"Why would you need a aftermarket stereo?"

Cars last 20 years or more.

You don't expect anything better then an OEM Honda stereo to come around in the next 20 years?

"You don't expect anything better then an OEM Honda stereo to come around in the next 20 years"?

20 years?? I don't expect to be in this car in 5 years.

Yes the Accord has a lot more buttons than the Fit. It also has a lot more features.

Scott, did you find it to be a bad thing? Was it difficult to use? Which car would you rather deal with? Are the extra buttons worth the extra features?

honestly, i like the slider for econobox cars. i could more easily control the temperature of the air. my car has dual zone climate controls right now...i turn off the automatic features and the knob is either at 60 degrees or 80 degrees

THe Fit's interior doesnt really look better, it just has less buttons because it has less features.

Honda shoudl learn how to create an interior that doesnt require a separate button for every damn function. The GM black tie radio has multifunction buttons for the radio. They control presets when you are in radio mode but double as selection buttons when you are changing settings for the sound system. There is no need for a button for every occasion. The text or icon indicating what each button does is displayed in the head unit.

Personally I dont think the Accord's center stack is confusing at all. The problem is the buttons dominate the center stack styling because they are huge and are labelled with 16 point type as if this is a Lincoln town car.

Honda stereos? When has Honda ever been known for great OEM steros? Honda owners probably invest in aftermarket stereos more than any other set of owners. My coworker has a Pilot and said the base sound system is a disgrace.

i rarely use the slider so it's not a problem for me, and i prefer setting the temperature or fan speed to any setting with one flick of the wrist vs. pushing a button multiple times.

Usually one of the first things i look at when buying a car is how easy i can put an aftermarket stereo in. Factory stereos just hurt my ears. Bose is the worst. No highs no lows must be bose. Even the most expensive cars with their 30 speakers dont sound good. U dont need 30 speakers. Its all about the install and car manufacturers cant get it right. Im not talking about bass either like these kids with their civics and all their subs. Im talking about sound quality not spl. A nice sub with flat freq response in a proper enclosure (built by me) with a good component set aimed and tuned right and a good amp will blow pretty much all factory stereo systems away. I am sorry but i am an audiophile. I know most people arent.

Usually one of the first things i look at when buying a car is how easy i can put an aftermarket stereo in. Factory stereos just hurt my ears. Bose is the worst. No highs no lows must be bose. Even the most expensive cars with their 30 speakers dont sound good. U dont need 30 speakers. Its all about the install and car manufacturers cant get it right. Im not talking about bass either like these kids with their civics and all their subs. Im talking about sound quality not spl. A nice sub with flat freq response in a proper enclosure (built by me) with a good component set aimed and tuned right and a good amp will blow pretty much all factory stereo systems away. I am sorry but i am an audiophile. I know most people arent.

"Honda should learn how to create an interior that doesnt require a separate button for every damn function. "

Exactly.

I'm sorry. I'm still mulling over the fact that you take a car to go 1.5 miles to work every day.
Dang man! I'd love that commute! I'd take my skateboard though. Or bicycle. Maybe a pogo stick.

Great entry today. I couldn't agree more.

Honda used to have some of the most intuitive, easy to live with interiors in the world. The latest models from them (including Acura) have been straying from that path. Shame on Honda.

Actually, the Fit could do much better. I would've liked to see 3 buttons plus 3 dials for the HVAC and a standard DIN or double-DIN radio above it.

Yes, the Accord controls are a mess of buttons and simpler is better as Honda has proven in their older, ergonomic focused designs.
Thank you for stating what has frustrated me so much with the new Accord.

Fit with it's simple, intuitive controls and analog gauges is great.

The other gripe I have is the digital speedometer in the Civic. Civic has a great design for the exterior and a dash that reminds me of the early 90's Chysler electronic dash or an 87 Cougar XR7's dash with electronic speedometer.

"Honda stereos? When has Honda ever been known for great OEM steros? Honda owners probably invest in aftermarket stereos more than any other set of owners. My coworker has a Pilot and said the base sound system is a disgrace."

Honda certainly isnt known for great OEM stereos but the 350W system in select Civics (EX/EX-L/Si coupe and Si sedan) is a very nice system. The system in the higher end Accords is pretty decent too.

The ELS (DVD-A) system in the 09 Acura TSX is the best Ive heard in any car at any price range. To top it all off the 09 TLs ELS system from what Ive read betters the ELS in the 09 TSX.

"The system in the higher end Accords is pretty decent too."

Well I am certainly glad in the 7th or 8th generation that Honda have the Accord a nice uplevel stereo but if I'm not mistaken in typical Honda fashion you can only get it in the top model. Previous accords never really had nice stereo options and HOnda refuses to offer a name brand speaker system. I have noticed that generally speaking the base stereos in American cars are far better than those offered in imports. Honda and Toyota just started taking OEM systems serious (not counting lux brands) within the last few years. The ELS systems are probably great but great sound systems are a dime a dozen in luxury cars.

The Japanese and GErmans are going in opposite directions when it comes to controls. The GErmans believe they need to do away with buttons and centralize controls in a screen based interface. The Japanese have simply added buttons to deal with all the new features in their cars. American cars are in the middle. Most American cars concentrate functions in the nav system or head unit display. At least GM cars do. Most reviews have said the CTS and MKS interfaces are extremely user friendly and they dont need 50 buttons or iDrive.

"U dont need 30 speakers. Its all about the install and car manufacturers cant get it right."

I just read that fewer and fewer people are investing in aftermarket head units and stereos because a) younger people arent that interested in aftermarket systems as much as they are MP3 compatibility and interface and b) factory systems are better than ever. To the average person an uplevel factory system sounds pretty good. Especially the systems in luxury cars.

The Accord setup isn't confusing, but I would still rather not have it. I like this Fit's interior much more then the new '09 Fit interior.

On my mom's 08 Accord without Navigation, all the buttons are very easy to use and my mom figured out how to use them all as soon as she got into the car. Also, some people have complained about the gauges, and even though they're not as nice as the 03-07 generation, they did improve certain things, like the center armrest.

Tim.

I want to buy the guy who designed the Fit's dash a beer. Conversely, I want to hit the guy who designed the Accord's dash over the head with an empty beer bottle. I understand it has more features, but I look at that and I just can't make sense of it. All I can see is a sea of buttons.

Oh and table tennis is amazing. I think since they include that as an Olympic sport, they should also add air hockey. It would be epic.

Well all i have to say about the negative comments is that 247,244 people and counting disagree.

aj

"Well all i have to say about the negative comments is that 247,244 people and counting disagree."

Wow, you speak for each and every individual Accord purchaser? Neat. How'd you get that gig, exactly?

So each person who has purchased an Accord thinks it is perfectly flawless and cannot be improved in any single respect, is that it? Wow, what a supremely satisfied bunch they must be. Unprecedented, really.

So you say that the Fit has less buttons than the top of the line fully loaded with Navigation, Auto A/C, XM radio, equipped Accord. What a surprise! Imagine that!

"
"Honda should learn how to create an interior that doesnt require a separate button for every damn function. "

Exactly."

Its called iDrive and people hate that too!

Thank god someone in the car editing world has noticed how dumb Honda controls can be. My office has two '05 Pilots and 3 Odysseys. The Pilots radio controls are way too small and the Odysseys are too far away. Why would someone put the tuning knob as the furthest from the driver? Sister has an Accord. didn't like those controls. Like Scott said, way too busy.

"So each person who has purchased an Accord thinks it is perfectly flawless and cannot be improved in any single respect, is that it"?

Did I say that...um no!

Rather you like it or not people aren't forced to buy this car, we buy them for a reason. My reason being the upscale feel that you don't get in cars at this price range.

"When has Honda ever been known for great OEM steros"?

When has Saturn ever been known for great OEM Stereos?

"Well all i have to say about the negative comments is that 247,244 people and counting disagree."

A lot of people shop at Walmart. You think that proves it offers a great retailing experience? McDonalds is one of the highest revenue restaurant chains but that doesn't mean its the best quality meal on earth. People buy Accords based on the reputation of the brand, not so much the attributes of the car. If Honda sold the Sebring it will still sell 350k copies a year. The car really doesnt matter as evidenced by the success of the current bloated and oddly styled Accord.

"When has Saturn ever been known for great OEM Stereos"

Dont know, they've only been around for 18 years. GM typically offers good base and optional sound systems. Have you heard the 240w system in the Aura? Of course not but I'll tell you it can hold it's own with other cars in this class. GM was into sound systems long before Honda. Check out the Bose 425W system they offered on Cadillacs 10 years ago.

lilaj:

I have a couple of questions. Pardon me, I normally don't always pay attention to the Accord blog, all that gushing makes me jealous(I own an XR).

What year and model Accord do you own? If it is a 2008, did you test drive any other makes? Did you even consider a domestic? Be honest, most Accord or Camry owners normally won't even consider domestic(much to my chagrin)

Thanks in anticipation of your responses.

By the way, the weather in San Diego is perfect.

If I remember correctly, lilaj's Accord is a 2008 EX-L V6.
Am I correct?

aurakr

I have an 08 EX-L V6 black on black with navi.

I don't consider domestic cars only because they aren't paid enough attention by their manufacturers

" Be honest, most Accord or Camry owners normally won't even consider domestic(much to my chagrin)"

You are 100% correct and his response shows the ignorance of many import car loyalists. Not that there's anything wrong with the Accord but the average Accord buyer is operating off outdated and uninformed notions about the Accord's competition. And that's not just limited to domestic cars. I would through the Sonata in there as well. The 2009 Sonata is as good or better than the Accord in every way. For 2009 the Sonata and Malibu/Aura are more efficient than the Accord I-4 but most accord intenders wont know that because they are too unknowledgeable to recognize how good most midsize cars are today.

"I don't consider domestic cars only because they aren't paid enough attention by their manufacturers"

Thats why the Malibu/Aura have 6 speed autos, get 22/33 with the I-4, have paddle shifter, laminated glass, LED tailights, trunk struts, split foling backseats, 18" wheels, side marker lights, hood struts, etc.? YOu have no clue what you are talking about. Then again, its much easier to make sweeping assumptions when you know little about the cars you are criticizing.

"Did I say that...um no!"

Um, yes, you did.

When you say that all Accord purchasers disagree that the dash is too cluttered, you are presuming to speak from them.

When you infer from the mere fact a large number of Accords have been sold that it is a vehicle beyond reproach, you are starting from an utterly flawed assumption. Remember when the Chevy Cavalier was the best selling car? Would it have been a valid response to the many criticisms of that vehicle to siply puff out your chest and quote sales figures? I think not.

I'm happy you like your car - but on a car discussion board you should perhaps prepare yourself for the fact that not everyone will think your car is beyond criticism.

As a fan on the manufacturer I am very disappointed with this lackluster effort from Honda. They are resting on their laurels and riding their rep. That tends to catch up with a manufacturer sooner rather than later in a highly competitive environment.

1487

I'm very aware of these things. It's just not enough to get me into the Saturn.

"I'm very aware of these things. It's just not enough to get me into the Saturn."

obviously. But this just goes to show the actual quality or capability of domestic offerings really is irrelevant to most die hard Honda/Toyota fans. I have believed this to be the case for some time but the naive amongst us swear that things would be different "if they just made a competitive product". Yeah right. The same folks that have preached for years about not spending their money on inferior American cars now embrace mediocrity from Honda. Its very interesting.

The guy likes his Accord. Get over it. The reality that you flat out refuse to address is that many people compare cars and PREFER Hondas. It's not because they're too chicken to buy domestics, it's not because they are too ignorant to be aware of their alternatives, it's not because they're too pig-headed to leave a brand. They PREFER Hondas. Honda sports cars, Honda sedans, Honda econoboxes, Honda SUVs, Honda hybrids and crossovers. Some people prefer Hondas and buy them. What is so God damned hard to get about this? If you don't prefer Honda, don't buy one. But get a clue - if IL editors find more to nitpick about the Aura, maybe it's because THERE REALLY IS MORE to nitpick. It's not because of some stupid, idiotic bull crap conspiracy to never bad-mouth a Japanese car. If the allure of a Honda is something you don't appreciate or haven't experienced personally, FINE. WhatEVER. Congratulations, you own a car you like, so do I, so does lilaj, so do most folks here.

I've been attempting to avoid the domestic/import debate that's been going on, but did have to throw in my $0.02 on the discussion.

My ex's dad bought a new Civic coupe about a year ago. You know how many other cars he test-drove or shopped it against? None. He never looked at a single other car. When he went to buy his wife a car a couple months later, he bought her a Civic sedan without ever driving it, looking at it, or researching the price. A local dealership told him he should pay above sticker on the second one because it was popular at the time, so he did. If you were to talk to him, you'd think that Honda were the only manufacturer left, and the Civic is the greatest car ever made.

Now, I know there are plenty of people who like the new Civic, and while it's a good car, it's isn't exactly flawless. My personal opinion is that it wasn't really a step forward from the previous generation, of which I was never a fan. (I've driven and spent a fair amount of time in both)

Yes, there are people who test-drive and cross-shop lots of cars and decide that a Honda is their favorite; to deny that would be silly. At the same time, though, there are definitely still people who will simply not acknowledge that quality competition exists, despite the fact that that simply isn't true, even if it might have been in the past.

I agree with you, penboy. Those buyers probably eliminate a lot of good options and great deals and experiences right off the bat.

At the same time, I think that if there are so many people who are willing to exclusively/blindly buy Hondas, that must say a lot for their cars. How else could Honda have attained this status in the industry? It has to be based on something tangible even if other makers have caught up by now. To say there's no advantage to a Honda, and claim - for months on end - it's baffling why anyone would "settle for such mediocrity" is kind of silly.

Also a dumb statement? That somebody would buy a Sonata because it's superior to the Accord in every way. Buying the Hyundai by the numbers, price, and warranty is a smart move, but buying an Accord based on reputation, value, past experience, and personal preference is being a lemming? Is a result of being UNinformed? Come on, you can't have it both ways. Similarly, the Accord is bland, emotionless, boring to drive, vanilla tells me that all those buyers we're quick to criticize are basing their decisions on something other than lust, which must be research and practicality. Again, when that information and research leads you to a Honda, it's because you're blind to the rest of the automotive world, but when it leads you to an Aura, it's because you're the one who figured out the best-kept secret in the industry. Nah.

Let's talk about marker lights, 18" wheels, LED tail lights, and trunk struts. Um, not major or unique advancements in the industry or in the price class. Have to do better than that, I'm afraid. But when push comes to shove, we either say, "Oh, well, the things you criticize about GM cars don't matter anyway," like the sunroof switch on the Aura blog. It's dumb. The Accord doesn't off manual mode for the automatic. The Aura and Malibu don't offer a manual transmission at all, period. Too bad, actually. But hey, you know...18 inch wheels.

I think the latest Civic advances beyond the last generation in a few ways, albeit no big deal paradigm shift.

Anyway, you made a good point, and stated it well. Makes the conversation fun.

Very well put penboy, and I agree. My parents owned Toyota's for years, but now, my dad has a Mustang, and my mom has an Accord. That's because my mom wasn't interested in the new Camry, even though it's a nice car, and Toyota doesn't even offer a sporty car like Ford. So overall, that's why people either stray from certain brands or stay with certain brands.

Tim.

"Previous accords never really had nice stereo options and Honda refuses to offer a name brand speaker system."

1487, Honda used to use Pioneer and Alpine as sound system suppliers. Im unsure who Honda currently uses as a supplier. The 350W system offered in some Civics isnt branded yet its pretty nice system.

"GM typically offers good base and optional sound systems."

"GM was into sound systems long before Honda. Check out the Bose 425W system they offered on Cadillacs 10 years ago."

1487, from my past (limited) experience with GM systems the ones Ive sampled were extremely bass heavy, distorted easy and focused on everything BUT sound quality. Im not saying that the Bose system in the Cadillac you speak of had any of those traits (I havent heard it) but Ive yet to be impressed by anything Bose as the Bose system in my 03 Acura CL-S 6MT abosultely sucks. Bose is just a name whether its in a Honda or GM product.

I do find it funny however Acura used the inferior Bose DVD-A system (its not an equal to the ELS) in their top luxury sedan (RL) yet the 04-08 and 09 TL/TSX offer the superior ELS DVD-A system. I guess it boiled down to the product planning as the RL is Japanese based, the TSX is Euro based and the TL is designed and built here in the US.

"Honda and Toyota just started taking OEM systems serious (not counting lux brands) within the last few years."

1487, completely agree as the JBL system in my stepmothers 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited really suprised me, especially for a non luxury brand. Great sound quality, no distortion, great seperation, great demensional caracteristics, a lot of depth and volume.

"If Honda sold the Sebring it will still sell 350k copies a year. The car really doesnt matter as evidenced by the success of the current bloated and oddly styled Accord."

1487, being a bit sarcastic here? If the 2008 Honda Accord was the Sebring Honda would have gotten slaughtered. I remember when the 2008 Accord debuted all the cars reviews werent 100% peachy as a lot of publications said the Accord lost a lot its Hondaness/Accordness. I somewhat agree as the Accord is yet another unfortunate victim of Americanization. The good part is the Accord has been a consistently above average family car whereas the Malibu (until recently) hasnt. I think we would both agree that a good reputation has its merits.

"The same folks that have preached for years about not spending their money on inferior American cars now embrace mediocrity from Honda. Its very interesting."

1487, If my memory serves me correctly Ive seen you post more than S E V E R A L times the Malibu is just as capable as the Accord. Taking that into consideration would that mean you think the Malibu is "mediocre" also?