The 2008 Honda Accord's body uses 48% high-strength sheet steel for greater stiffness and reduced weight, compared to 39% in the previous-generation. This greater use of this steel (590 and 440 grade) reduces body weight while increasing rigidity, which pays dividends in ride, handling and interior quietness. This also helps the 2008 Accord target the top durability, quality and reliability (DQR) in its class.
New design techniques and the widespread use of high-strength sheet steel make the 2008 model the stiffest Accord ever, and yields benefits in ride, handling and overall durability. With the most high-strength steel of any Honda car in history, the 2008 Accord is stronger as well as larger, without imposing a significant weight increase. Specific improvements are found in the rear of the vehicle, where 33% greater vertical rigidity directly enhances ride quality and handling.
A summary of Accord's rigidity improvements compared to its predecessor include:
20% greater torsional rigidity
33% greater rear vertical rigidity
36% greater front horizontal rigidity
The 2008 Accord is the first vehicle to use Honda's new unit-body frame rail system. Positioning the stamped steel frame rails above and inside the Accord's body structure floor – instead of underneath it – creates a nearly flat bottom under the car. The result is greater aerodynamic efficiency for improved fuel mileage, and reduced interior noise that can result from air turbulence underneath the car. The Accord's new frame rail design does not compromise interior room.
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a pioneering Honda unit-body construction technology. Introduced to Accord for the first time in the 2008 model, it maximizes the body's ability to disperse crash energy in a frontal collision and is designed to deliver top safety ratings. The 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe are projected to receive a 5 Star frontal impact rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" frontal crash safety rating from the IIHS.
Front and rear plastic bumper fascias on the V-6 models are uniquely sculpted for enhanced visual appeal.
More slender body A-pillars, constructed of high-strength steel, provide a greater field of view without compromising strength. Based on Honda internal measurements, the new A-pillars allow a greater effective visibility rate (the index for visibility during cornering) than either the Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima.
All Accord models use a dual door-seal system to reduce the possibility of wind noise or rain intrusion. To further reduce operating noise, the 200-hp four-cylinder and V-6 Accords feature under-hood noise insulators and acoustic engine covers. Accord Sedan and Coupe V-6 with automatic transmission, and all four-cylinder EX models, also feature a special Active Noise Control system.
Fuel capacity has increased to 18.5 gallons from 17.2 gallons, an increase of 8%. The most ever offered on Accord, the additional fuel capacity helps extend cruising range between fill-ups. Made of polypropylene resin, the tank is located farther forward than in the previous generation Accord, helping to improve mass centralization for better ride and handling, and rear-seat roominess.
Reducing audible wind noise was an important Accord engineering goal, particularly high-frequency noise that can be distracting and impede conversation. The flatter bottom of the car, together with careful tailoring of the body shape, window moldings, windshield wipers and outside mirror shapes, all play a part in reducing wind noise.
Aerodynamic efficiency is likewise improved. The coefficient of drag for the 2008 Accord is just over 0.31 Cd for the Sedan and 0.33 Cd for the Coupe. This compares favorably with the 0.34 Cd figure for the previous generation Accord. In addition, the Accord's coefficient of lift (Cl), which indicates how much body lift occurs at speed, drops from over 0.20 Cl to just over 0.17 Cl for the Sedan and 0.14 Cl for the Coupe.
Additional under-vehicle aerodynamic aids include a wide chin spoiler that directs air under the front subframe. Additional strakes are positioned ahead of the front and rear wheels, plus two additional deflectors that smooth airflow over the front suspension. An engine under-cover directs airflow under the engine, while two middle under-covers direct air around the edges of the fuel tank.
In addition to being lighter and wider, and offering a greater opening range, the moonroof operation is also improved. To tilt or slide the moonroof the driver or front passenger needs only to fully press the ceiling-mounted switch once (instead of pressing and holding it for several seconds). The moonroof fully opens or closes automatically. However if the operator wishes to only partially open or close the moonroof (such as to achieve partial ventilation), a lighter touch yields fully manual control. The moonroof can also tilt to provide ventilation. A pinch protection feature is built in, helping to ensure that the moonroof will not forcefully close if someone's hand or arm is positioned in the path of the moonroof. If an obstruction is detected, the moonroof mechanism will reopen the moonroof.
In addition to an auto up/down driver's window feature, every 2008 Accord model except the LX Sedan has an auto up/down feature for the front passenger's window. As with the moonroof, the power windows include a pinch-protection feature. All power side windows and the moonroof may be opened via the keyless remote. In addition, turning the key twice in the driver's door lock simultaneously closes the windows and moonroof.
The windshield wipers on the 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe are tucked below the hood line, out of the direct airflow over the hood to reduce turbulence, aerodynamic drag and noise. The arms are unobtrusive to the driver's field of view, and their clean design allows air to flow past with less turbulence.
Large storage volume is a big selling feature for sedan customers. With 14.0 cu. ft. of storage space, the new 2008 Accord Sedan matches the excellent trunk volume of the previous generation. The exterior appearance of the trunk lid is improved by the elimination of the key cylinder. On all 2008 Accord models, the trunk is released via a lever located on the driver's side floor, or else by the trunk-release button on the remote.
Some of the target cargo capacities for the 2008 Accord Sedan include up to four typical suitcases or two large suitcases, four golf bags, a stroller or wheelchair, or a large ice chest. The lift-over height is a low 28 inches for the Sedan and 31 inches for the Coupe. The trunk is a generous 46.75 inches long in the Sedan and 46.5 inches long in the Coupe, allowing the storage of some surprisingly long items. Maximum trunk width is likewise impressive at 55.5 inches for both vehicles. In the Coupe, when the rear seat is folded down, the maximum storage length grows to 76.5 in. The Coupe trunk volume is 11.9 cu. ft.
The steel trunk lid has a composite garnish at the bottom rear, which can be replaced after a collision. This lowers repair costs to lend a more favorable profile for the Accord in IIHS repair-cost studies.
In keeping with its expressive nature, the 2008 Accord has more chrome-appearance accent pieces. On all V-6 models the door handles are of a chrome appearance vs. painted on the four-cylinder models. In addition, all Accord models except the LX Sedan have chrome plated muffler tips for a more sporty appearance.