The Accord has always been considered a sporty performer among mainstream sedans and coupes, and for 2008 the Sedan and Coupe chassis were both developed to increase both driving enjoyment and passenger comfort. A performance-inspired double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are designed to provide world-class chassis dynamics. The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.4 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). The longer wheelbases contribute to improved ride characteristics. Ultimately, the premium suspension design and wider track (along with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist) are intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance in all situations.
Chassis Summary
Refined driving feel with a fun-to-drive character.
Double-wishbone front suspension.
New multi-link rear suspension design.
First application of 4-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist on all trim levels.
Active safety technologies including VSA, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. (Please refer to the Safety tab for more information.)
Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering – This new steering system uses variable mechanical ratio steering, in addition to variable power assist, to provide precise on-center feel and greater responsiveness at larger steering angles.
A front strut tower brace on Sedan EX and above models and all Coupe models adds chassis stiffness to accommodate the additional torque and larger tires of the 190-hp four-cylinder and V-6 models.
Lowering the engine and fuel tank in the chassis and enhancing the roll center helps the Accord corner more flatly and increases driver confidence and passenger comfort.
Wider track dimensions (1.1-inch front/1.0-inch rear) and wider tires enhance cornering performance.
Tighter turning radius of 18.5 feet for the Sedan and 18.21 feet for the Coupe improves low-speed maneuverability.
New engine-mount systems improve powertrain isolation, ride smoothness and steering feel.
"Safety for Everyone" Through a comprehensive and evolving approach to vehicle safety, Honda seeks to provide a high level of occupant and pedestrian protection in all of its cars and trucks, regardless of size or price, as well as increased compatibility with other vehicles as part of the Safety for Everyone initiative introduced in 2003.
Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS); driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags; and side curtain airbags. The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load-bearing front frame structures designed to improve the likelihood for two vehicles to connect during a frontal collision in such a way as to absorb more crash energy compared to a conventional design.
Every 2008 Accord incorporates newly-designed side-curtain airbags and dual-chamber front- side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), along with active head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
2008 Accord safety features include:
Standard active safety systems:
4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
Standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control (Electronic Stability Control)
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Standard passive safety systems:
ACE compatibility body
Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
Side-curtain airbags for all outboard occupants
Dual-chamber front-seat side airbags with OPDS
Active front seat head restraints
3-point seatbelts at all positions
Front seatbelt load limiters and pretensioners
Head restraints for all occupants
Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system (rear seat only)