Yesterday, 9/18/07, I was fortunate enough to participate in the Accord Ride & Drive in Houston Texas. 

I must say that there has not been a Pair of Accords like these…..

Just a Couple of Quick Facts that you may not know:

• The “Non Touch” Screen Nav Unit is by far one of the best Honda has released. It recognizes voice commands VERY well, especially over the pre-08 Models. It also has the LARGEST screen (8 Inches) than any other Nav unit in its class…..and after comparing the Honda Nav to the Camry and Altima Nav in side-by-side tests….it is by far the Easiest to use.
• The 2008 Accord is the ONLY vehicle that gets PZEV ratings on both the V6 AND 4 Cylinder engines.
• The 2008 Accord is manufactured with 48% High Strength Steel….and is the ONLY vehicle currently manufactured that will MEET or EXCEED the New for September 2008 “50 MPH Rear - Offset Collision” test coming out next year.
• VSA is Standard of course across all trims….and they now come with 4 Channel / 4 Sensor Brakes.
• The overall Fit and Finish is some of the Best Honda has produced, keeping its Legendary Reputation in check.
• Noise Reduction has Increased 2 fold….especially in the Higher Trim Models.
• Suspension and Handling as well as Steering is some of the Best I have seen from Honda….especially after the Oppertunity to “Drive them Like we Stole Them”.

Some things that are Standard on the Accord V6 Sedan, and either Optional or Just Not Available on the Camry or Altima:

• Power Multi Adjustable Power Seat….not available on Altima.
• Rear Seat Pass-Through…..not available on Altima.
• 2nd Row Manual Head Rest….Not available on Altima
• Vehicle Stability Control / Traction Control - Optional on Camry and Altima
• Variable Ration Rack and Pinion Steering - Normal R&P on Camry / Altima
• 17 Inch Wheels….16 Inch on Camry and Altima
• 600 Foot Slalom - 58.7 MPH @ 6.95 Seconds (Camry: 55.5 MPH @ 7.37 Sec / Altima: 58.2 MPH @ 7.02 Sec.)
• Daytime Running Lights….Not available on Altima.

For the Audio Systems….the LX trims are made by Clarion / EX and Above are made by Pioneer and all Nav Units are Made by Alpine….and I must say they sound good for Factory Bumps.

The overall Interior Layout annd Feel of the Accord Rivals the Best Camry has to offer and Completely Dominates anything that the Altima Has. I noticed how cheap and plastic the Wood and all dash pieces were in the Altima, as well as how bad the Fiti and Finish were in it. The camry is much better than the Altima in Materials, but still not on par with Honda.

How so You Ask? Well by all means let me point out why. Number one, the Camry is always focused on the Feel of sitting on a Recliner while driveing on a Couch when riding….and for me that just doesnt do it….as most of you who like Honda’s will agree with. I have also noticed that since the 2002 Model Toyotas, the Quality of Materials and the Dependability of the Mechanics (Electronics Included) are slipping more and more.

In their race to sell Maximum Units, they are forgetting what made them Legendary in their own right, and that was being on par with Honda when it came to Quality, Dependability and Durability.

I know I am Biased to Honda, but in your Shopping….actually TOUCH and WIGGLE and FEEL the Materials and the way they are put together in both the Camry and Altima, and I will let that test speak for itself.

Now on the Coupe…..

Once you see one in person you will have that little nervous feeling in your stomach like you know that it will truely be something special. It is by far one of the BEST looking vehicles Honda has made, and that follows through into the Interior as well as the Driving experience of the Vehicle.

I along with one of my co-workers drove both the Sedan and the Coupe as HARD as we COULD.
Squeeling tires (which to make them squeel was a Task in itself) moaning Brakes…..35 MPH to a Dead Stop with in FEET of hitting the Brakes….I could go on and on.

All I can say is go drive one yourself…..but do it AFTER you drive the best V6 Camry and Altima.

Take note of the 1.5 Seconds the Camry takes to even START accelerating after you push the pedal to the floor. Jot down the Fact that the inside of the Altima Looks like some committee got to decide what went into it…but never talked to each other when coming up with Ideas….and the fact that both look like they were put together with a “Looks good enough” attitude.

After you are finished doing that, go to your local Honda Dealer….and drive an 08 Accord. If you are in Texas, I will be happy to oblige you. If you are not in Texas, just make sure that once you fall in love with your soon-to-be new car, you contact me first and I will help you make sure that you buy it the right way.

Chris Bond - Gunn Honda