2008 Accord

It would be one of two cars I'd select to buy if I had to buy a car
today.

 

"ACAR" wrote

Funny, I think my 2004 Accord cloth seats are great. Now my future car
choice has a lot to do with the seat! Since I was recently considering a
small SUV for a future replacement, I sat in a CR-V, RAV-4, Forester, and
Outback. To me, none of them could compare to the comfort and quality of the
2004 Accord seat. I wouldn't be able to tolerate any of them. I think it was
because the seats themselves are shallower than those of the Accord. If the
2008 seats are even better, then I'm glad to hear that.

On alt.autos.honda (or whatever it is), a fellow reported he prefers the
styling of the CR-V over the RAV-4. Go figure. ;-) This is why there are
many manufacturers and models from which to choose -- something for
everybody's tastes and needs.

 

Just to add to my earlier post, those 2 cars today would be the Accord
or Corolla tho I'd prefer to not to buy them in their first model year
unless I have to have a new car (I already have 4 cars so not likely I
need one immediately). Of course I could buy lexus, bmw, etc.. but
I have better things to do with my excess money. And yeah, I buy with
cash nowadays.

 

I am confused...
Why do you think you need to explain your financial situation here?
Let's talk about cars, how you pay for them and how much is on
your savings account is not our business

 

Just to explain that I could have no problem obtaining more expensive
cars but otherwise I agree with you. Don't worry I won't discuss my
financial situation any further.

 

snip

Well, there are plenty of aftermarket seats if that's the only thing a
particular vehicle needs to make it onto your "buy" list.

Yeah, the AWD V6 RAV4 is a pretty interesting package considering the
outstanding mpg, strong engine and utility.

 

"ACAR" wrote

Isn't there an "issue" with replacing all the OEM seat's electricals and the
side air bag into the aftermarket seat?

 

electricals can be handled;

side air bag - that's a problem I hadn't considered...but now that
you mention it that's why my dealer suggested I go to a seat re-
upholsterer when I complained about seat comfort.

 

"ACAR" wrote

Yeah, all that. It ain't the 60's no more... But moving right along, it's
the size, depth, and shape of the seats I've complained about that can't be
"fixed" by an upholsterer... unfortunately. If I hadn't ever owned my 2004
Accord I probably would never have noticed how "bad" the aforementioned car
seats are to me now. Right after I plunked myself down into a RAV-4's driver
seat, I had to get out. It was all over at that point.

 

I'm not so sure about that. My dealer assured me they can change just
about everything other than the side air bag. On the other hand, my
dealer just wanted to sell me a car...

.... unfortunately. If I hadn't ever owned my 2004

Those 2004 Accord seats are pretty firm. Toyota seats are usually too
soft and too short in seat cushion length IMHO. The contrast between
your Accord and RAV4 might mask real comfort issues (although I really
don't doubt your assessment of those Toyota seats). You might want to
"sit around" a few dealerships for a butt check. I think Volvo
seats are highly regarded by the automotive press. I personally like
BMW's Sport seats.

FYI: I found the RAV4's driving position more awkward than I found the
seats to be uncomfortable but I'll admit to not having spent any
significant time behind the wheel.

 

"ACAR" wrote

The "too short in seat cushion length," as well as its shape, particularly
under the thighs, has become the big issue for me. All the cars I cited have
seats that are too short for me now. But as you suggest, the driving
position of the RAV-4 (or any SUV) may have something to do with my
discomfort in them. When I sat in them, I knew I'd be very unhappy in any of
them for having to drive any length of time. Thus the old maxim "try before
you buy."

 

I've tried today.
I drove V6 and 4cyl. and I can tell these are two different cars.
I didn't like 4cyl. I still prefer my '05 Buick Lacrosse.
When comes to V6. This one is better then my Lacrosse, but Honda is much
lauder.
Altogether I liked V6 Accord and I believe this will be my next car (next
year)

 

Yeah...bought one, cash. An EX w/4 cylinder in black with tan/wood
interior/cloth seats. Larger, super ride, stiff chasis, handling, interior
design and materials, looks, engine power/smoothness, etc...and finally a
dash display that I can look at again ( last one I liked was '90-94 model
year )! Big fat Michelin tires ( $150 and up a pop I might add come
replacement time ), sweet high-beams/lights, great seats, familiar Honda
interior design lay-out, etc...

I wouldn't recommend the LX..in fact, Honda doesn't even think they'll be
the best sellers ( which is odd )...they think the EX will, and I agree.

Only "regrets"..wish I could have waited a month or two to pay a little less
( I did the MSRP thing, dangit!...but I was one of the first to get one, and
they were even trying to get up to $2000 OVER MSRP and sucke..err..folks
were buying them like bottles of water! ), and wish the stock stereo was
better. Then again, I don't listen to radio when I drive, so it matters not
to me or else I would have gotten a better one to begin with.

Oh..and I *prefer* the 4 over the V6...especially at speed during
passing...I can't handle to "lag" a V6 goes thru to "kick in".

I love my '08 Honda Accord EX sedan! I am more satisfied with it over
previous Accords. I almost got an '07 Accord, and I am SOOO glad I didn't.
The new Accord kicks the '07s butt in every way. Anyone who says differently
is trying to justify their purchase IMHO...put the two next to each other,
and I do NOT believe anyone would ask for the keys to the older model.
Unless they don't want the better car for some reason.

"Hold on tight to your dreams!" ( thats an old ELO song in the commercials
for those too young to remember ).

And I have lost count how many people have come up to me, pulled up beside
me admiring the car, asking about it...its a stunning ride IMHO and it turns
heads in person.

Oh yeah....mine is PZEV rated, and in NY, that means I have a 15
year/150,000 mile warrantee on the Emmisions system, which covers a LOT of
stuff.

YES!!!!!!!!

Peace,
Polfus

 

We prefered the 4 also, but chose the V6 instead to get the power seats.
Wife was (still is) pretty steamed at Honda for shortchanging the passenger
seat - it only has 4-way power. She is short and likes to raise the seat up
to see better, but she can't do it in the new Accord. Heck, her old
Trailblazer she traded in had full power on the passenger seat - seems
Honda's flagship car could have that, too. Doesn't make much sense to have
to put an aftermarket seat cushion in a $29k top-of-the-line car. What
were you thinking Honda??? Btw, I'm sure they sell the '08 Accord in the UK
so they must have full power driver seats that would fit the passenger side
of US cars - what are the chances for a retrofit? We'd like to keep this
car a long time and it's the little detail things like this that add up to
disappointment over the years.

The headrests are pretty uncomfortable also - they seem to push your head
too far forward and there is no fore/aft control. Beware if you have long
hair - you'll have to wear it down or in a bun on TOP of your head to be
comfortable - ponytails not allowed in this car.

It also seems odd that they don't have a hanging hook on the passenger side
of the rear seat like they do on the drivers side.

Other than those deficiencies, it's been a great car so far. Just wish
Honda would work on their details a little more - it could be so much better
of a car with very little extra added at the factory.

 

Don't they put power sits in 4-cyl EX-L(eather) version?

 

My 4 cyl sedan has the power seats ( 8 way ).

Maybe its a Coupe thing? Lemme go check...Honda site says the EX-L Coupe has
8 way seats with a 4 cyl.

http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-coupe/price.aspx?Model=CS1188JNW

What am I missing?

Dang..thats nice. My EX sedan has manual passenger seats...shoot.

I'm sorry..that must be fraustrating for her.

Aren't coupes like an Accord puts out supposed to be about a single driver
pretty much?

Meaning...passengers and back seat occupants aren't really something a Coupe
buyer worries about really anyway?

Or am I off base here...point is, when I got my '90 Coupe as a younger man,
I wasn't thinking about transporting anyone really buy myself.

Now that I do think of those things...well...thats why the 4 door sedan this
time.

Yeah...4 way is still cool though. And the Trailblazer is a different
beast...and definately not a Coupe

How tall is your wife?

Hey...she must be shorter, or like to seat herself much much higher than
normal...in which case its a judgement subjective call as to if its the cars
fault or too much to expect from a Honda Accord Coupe...or your wife puts
herslef too high in the seat....

If that is in any way the case, then you should make sure if she does the
same thing with the seat when she drives, the steering wheel is corretly
lined up with her chest or else she'll get a facefull of airbag or a stomach
full of it....it should be aimed at the chest, and she shouldn't be too
close to the wheel or have it telescoping out too far...thats EXTREMELY
dangerous.

Just talking is all..I have no idea what she or you look like, and it
doesn't matter unless you wanna tell me...all I am doing is just enjoying
discussing Honda Accords!

I think its interesting I bout the SAME car I bought 15 years ago...a black
Honda Accord EX ( sedan and auto this time, though ).

That 1990 model Accord coupe had a 130 hp 4 and I had 5 speed manual which I
could use well.

The new Accords 190hp 4 is nice...takes you to speed smoothly...its
deceptively smooth, in fact...feels like its not as strong but it IS..its
just so smooth that it feels like its not even really exerting a lot off
effort.

But it does I just showed my friend who thought his Caddy's V8 was
fast....he tried to pull away and I just hung in his blind spot so he
flipped when he next saw that I was still beside him.

Good question....or else just get a nice pillow and be done with it.

Seems that they could make it 4 way still, just make the front/back the
manual type with the lever under the front of the seat, and change 2 of the
"4 way" functions to up and down for seat height.

Bah...its a Coupe meant to be driven by single driver types IMHO....

But I must admit that the back of the new Coupe is pretty dang big!

Those take getting used to..and you have to have them adjusted correctly or
else you'll experience what you are right now.

Check the Owner's Manual and you'll see what I mean I think.

I for one think the new headrests are sweet...the hell with whiplash,
dude..and ever little close of the distance between the occupant's head and
headrest is critical when a rear end collision occurs.

Again...adjusted correctly, that should be resolved.

Try it and lemme know...I think you have it too low.

Again...single driver Coupe thinking I believe.

But I tried to find what you meant..can't find a pic that explains what you
are talking about.

What "hook" are you talking about...on the actual back of the seat itself?

I gotta look at the back of my sedan's seats...I'll let you know whats back
there on mine.

Yeah...always the case, isn't it

Peace,
Polfus

 

We have the sedan EX-L. Power PASSENGER seat is ONLY available with the V6.
Had we realized it was so limited in it's power range, we would have stuck
with the four-cylinder that we originally wanted. Sucks to pay a $2500
premium and not get what you were expecting, except worse mpg, higher
maintenance costs, poorer handling, etc.

This is the sedan. Four door. Family car.

Nor is our sedan

She likes to seat herself high for visibility purposes rather than moving
the seat as forward as possible.

Exactly, which is why she would prefer to sit higher rather than further
forward. At least Honda knew to make the driver's seat 8-way - why didn't
they carry that over to the passenger side like one would expect?!?

I have a 2002 Accord coupe (150hp 4, 5 speed). It works well for my needs,
but I got the stripper model. I expected the wife's luxury model to be a
little better appointed.

Shouldn't have to do those kind of things for a $29k car that's had several
decades to get things right.

No, it's a sedan. Where did you get that it was a coupe?

I did all of that. Made sure the headrest was as the manual described. She
hates it that way and would rather drive without it, whiplash be damned.

See above.

Nope, it's a sedan.

It's the hook for hanging clothes on, it's near the OS (grab) handle above
the window. My wife travels for business a lot and appreciates extra hooks
(like her Trailblazer had). Honda does not have their clothes-hanging bar
available yet, so she is limited in carrying hanging clothes.

Her Trailblazer had everything she needed except a good ride, good economy
and good stability in the wind, ice, etc. Those main things are why we
traded down to the Accord. Btw, why doesn't Accord offer a trip computer
that many cheaper models offer? She misses that, too.

 

The V6 is limited in its power range? You have to be kidding. Mine
can hit 100 mph in nothing flat if passing several cars. I have never
owned a car with that much power, including a 1967 Pontiac GTO.

My '03 with Nav shows:

Real time MPG
Average MPG
Trip Miles
Range (Miles to empty.)
Estimated Time remaining
Elapsed Time
Average Speed
Outside Temperature
Calendar
Caculator/Converter

What more did you want?

Dick

 

Sorry..I understand now..I thought you had the coupe, but I confused you
with another poster..senile moment, no doubt

nd I sure do wish my EX had some power passenger seats..but then again, I
don't *expect* it to.

IO still haven't even checked..I wonder if it has a manual height adjust? I
don't think so, but Im gonna check anyway...its in the parking lot and not
right outside or else I would have checked already...

Yeah..you would think that a Honda V6 would be killer since thats what they
use in Cart racing/Grand Prix/Daytona 500, etc...

( Steve Martin voice on ) "But..NOOOOOO!"

Its like its a cheap V4 or something...disappointing especially after one
drives the 190 hp 4 cyl and realizes the difference in the two is not what
one would expect.

Again...my bad..sorry...wrong model

See..there it is..I knew it...IMHO, your expectations might be high because
5' is short, man!

But still..if you got the cash, and the will...try to get you a European
Honda seat if you can't live with a pillow.

Lemme know how much they quote you for when you find out, if you go that
route.

Yeah...I understand. But I meant that Honda could re-allocate the
controls..still have the 4 way in the passenger, but make one of the dual
controls for height, and change the front/back dual button to the standard
manual lever under the seat.

You got me, my man...maybe they don't consider the passenger's height will
be 5', or that one would need to sit so high in the seat.

And to be accurate, the drivers is actually only 6 way...the 7 and 8th way
is just the lumbar support button!

So..6 way...up/down/front/back/seat up/seat back down.

Hey man....I understand. Especially since it wouldn't cost THAT much more to
include the height adjustment.

Probably some survey that they did also showed passengers don't care as much
about that feature, so maybe thats why they didn't include it?

Just a guess...remember, I too wish my EX had the power seat for the
passenger as well..and no doubt 6 or 8 way would be killer.

Yeah..or else your wife's needs aren't the same as the general buying
demographic?

I am playing devil's advocate here...maybe your expectations are too much as
well, because there aren't that many adults 5' or less.

See what I mean?

I AM NOT YOUR DEALER OR ENEMY..I am simply trying to let you understand that
your specific complaint would be like me saying the car is too small because
I am 6'7"...well....maybe Honda doesn't build cars for folks that are
6'7"...see what I am getting at?

Here's another thought, or guess, really" Maybe having a seat height
adjustment would put people too high in the seat for the passenger air bag
to deploy in the correct line of trajectory?

Regardless...would be real nice if Honda made it an OPTION...let the buyer
choose, right?!!

Unless again...its got something to do with the air bag?

Again, sorry..I thought you were another poster using a different email
account here...my fault. I understand that you have a sedan!

She wouldn't say that if she got a real case of whiplash, I guarantee you.

Well....I don't understand unless you sit up so straight that you drive with
your head almost or touching the headrest?

I mean..there *IS* room behind your head if its adjusted properly...take a
pic of what its doing and post it if you can!

Gotcha...but you can still use the grab handles if needed, no?

I wonder if the dealer can install one?

Mine has one doesn't it? What are you referring to exactly, as far as
features of a trip computer?

Peace,
Polfus

I hope lack of a seat height adjustment for the passenger, lack of a rear
passenger seat clothes hook, and lack of a trip computer degrade your
ultimate pleasure of owning the nicest Honda Accord ever built! There are
SOOO many new features that are at work that you don't even see that make
your car *excellent*.

 

Not on the passenger side, for sure.