Report: The two 'most American' cars are Japanese

The two most American cars aren't, well, American, according to a new ranking by our friends at Cars.com. For the third straight year, Toyota Camry, a product of Japan's largest automaker, is the "most American car," as determined by Cars.com formula. Honda Accord, the flagship of Japan's second largest automaker, is second.

The highest car on Cars.com annual ranking from a Detroit Big 3 maker is General Motors' Chevrolet Malibu.

Cars.com's annual American-Made Index ranks the most-American vehicles based on percentage of their parts that are made domestically, where they are assembled and how many are sold to U.S. buyers.

Both Camry and Accord are made with 80% of their parts coming from the USA. And most are assembled in the U.S. Camrys are made in Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind.

The Ford Explorer comes to the list, reborn as a crossover, with a higher percentage of domestic parts, 85%, than a Camry or Accord and is made in a Chicago factory. But it doesn't sell in as great a numbers as they, meaning also that it probably results in fewer American factory jobs.

"In today's global economy, there's not an easy way to determine just how American a car is," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor in chief. "Most cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using at least some parts that come from somewhere else. Additionally, many U.S. automakers assemble vehicles in Canada and Mexico, while foreign automakers have opened plants on U.S. soil. Our index is another resource that car buyers can use to help guide their purchase decision."

Besides Camry, Toyota also has the Tundra (No. 9) and the Sienna (No. 6) on the list. GM also has three vehicles on the list -- the first time since 2009. In addition to Malibu, they are Chevy Traverse (No. 8) and the GMC Acadia (No. 10). Honda held two spots in the top 10, while Ford and Chrysler each held one.

"Despite the disaster in Japan, and General Motors usurping Toyota as the world's largest automaker, we're not surprised to see the Camry in the No. 1 position again," said Olsen. "The Camry remains an incredibly popular vehicle, and higher total sales require a higher number of U.S. factory workers and a larger number of U.S. suppliers – all of which contribute to Toyota's ranking."

Here's the list of the top 2011 model-year vehicles on Cars.com's list, and their percentage of domestic parts:

Toyota Camry: 80%.
Honda Accord: 80%.
Chevrolet Malibu: 75%.
Ford Explorer: 85%.
Honda Odyssey: 75%.
Toyota Sienna: 75%.
Jeep Wrangler: 78% for 2-door, 79% for 4-door.
Chevrolet Traverse: 75%.
Toyota Tundra: 80%.
GMC Acadia: 75%.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/06/ranking-the-two-most-american-cars-are-from-japanese-makers/1

Honda Recalling 2010MY Accord and CR-V Models in the States for Engine Stalling Problems

Honda has issued a new recall for certain 4-cylinder Accords and CR-Vs from the 2010 model year to check a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector, as it may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.

"The wire harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly, which can lead to engine stalling over time," the Japanese automaker said in a statement, adding that it identified this problem through warranty repairs, and that no related accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 2,277 vehicles in the States.

Under the recall, the firm's dealers will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. Notification to customers is expected to begin in early February, 2011.

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Honda Recalling 2010MY Accord and CR-V Models in the States for Engine Stalling Problems

Honda has issued a new recall for certain 4-cylinder Accords and CR-Vs from the 2010 model year to check a potential failure with the engine wiring harness connector, as it may cause intermittent spark firing or the engine to stall.

"The wire harness coupler could have been damaged during vehicle assembly, which can lead to engine stalling over time," the Japanese automaker said in a statement, adding that it identified this problem through warranty repairs, and that no related accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall affects 2,277 vehicles in the States.

Under the recall, the firm's dealers will inspect and replace the ignition wiring harness connector free of charge. Notification to customers is expected to begin in early February, 2011.

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Honda Germany Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Edition Models

Honda has launched a new series of special edition models in Germany to celebrated the company's 50th anniversary in Europe. The first Honda store in Germany opened in 1961 in the city of Hamburg. The lineup of special edition models includes the CR-Z hybrid sport hatch, the Civic, the CR-V, the Accord and the Jazz, all of which feature additional standard equipment such as larger alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems (depending on the model) without a price increase. More details on the 50th Anniversary specials can be found on Honda's German website.

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Honda Germany Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Special Edition Models

Honda has launched a new series of special edition models in Germany to celebrated the company's 50th anniversary in Europe. The first Honda store in Germany opened in 1961 in the city of Hamburg. The lineup of special edition models includes the CR-Z hybrid sport hatch, the Civic, the CR-V, the Accord and the Jazz, all of which feature additional standard equipment such as larger alloy wheels and upgraded audio systems (depending on the model) without a price increase. More details on the 50th Anniversary specials can be found on Honda's German website.

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Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

The Honda fan-boys over at the Temple of VTEC claim to have intercepted an internal memo with details on the firm's upcoming models, which was sent out today to dealers. The email reportedly states that Honda will be releasing a lower-priced based version of the Accord CrossTour equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, with sales to start in "mid-summer". We'll remind you that that CrossTour is currently offered exclusively with a 275HP 3.5-liter V6 and available four-wheel drive.

The website notes the memo also mentions the 2012 Civic, which will arrive in "late April" (this has already been officially confirmed by Honda that will show a pre-production study at the Detroit Show next week), as well as the 2012 CR-V and the Pilot SUV, without, however, getting into any more details.

Source: Temple of VTEC

Honda Dealer Memo Says 4-Cylinder CrossTour and 2012 CR-V on their Way Along with New Civic

The Honda fan-boys over at the Temple of VTEC claim to have intercepted an internal memo with details on the firm's upcoming models, which was sent out today to dealers. The email reportedly states that Honda will be releasing a lower-priced based version of the Accord CrossTour equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, with sales to start in "mid-summer". We'll remind you that that CrossTour is currently offered exclusively with a 275HP 3.5-liter V6 and available four-wheel drive.

The website notes the memo also mentions the 2012 Civic, which will arrive in "late April" (this has already been officially confirmed by Honda that will show a pre-production study at the Detroit Show next week), as well as the 2012 CR-V and the Pilot SUV, without, however, getting into any more details.

Source: Temple of VTEC

Consumer Reports picks best cars for teens and seniors: Honda Accord

Consumer Reports Picks Best Cars for Teens and Seniors
Honda Accord is the right fit for the young, old, tall and small

YONKERS, N.Y., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the fall semester just around the corner, Consumer Reports offers its best choices for parents and teens out shopping for a car to bring back to school.

When looking for the right car for teens, including used models, Consumer Reports recommends picking cars with safety features such as electronic stability control and curtain air bags and good crash-test results.

"Often parents think that putting their child in the biggest car is the safest thing they can do, but that's not so. Teens are the most inexperienced drivers on the road, so you want to make sure they're driving something that handles well, is agile and has as many safety features as possible--especially electronic stability control," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

In addition to naming good cars for young and older drivers, Consumer Reports also names good picks for all sizes and types of drivers including the tall and small. All the models on Consumer Reports' lists have at least average reliability and are Recommended vehicles. Consumer Reports named only one car suitable for all four driver types: the Honda Accord.

"When it comes to finding the right cars for seniors, we recommend vehicles that offer easy access, good visibility, a roomy driving position and comfortable seats," Champion added.

Here is a look at some of Consumer Reports' picks for teens and seniors:
Good Models for Teen drivers: (ESC is standard or optional starting with the years listed below).

-- Small sedans:
Hyundai Elantra SE (2008-2010),
Mazda3 (2007-),
Scion xB(2008-)

-- Midsized sedans:
Acura TSX (2004-),
Honda Accord (2008-),
Kia Optima(2007-)

-- Small SUVs:
Honda CR-V (2005-),
Nissan Rogue (2008-)

Good Models for Senior drivers:

-- Minivans:
Honda Odyssey

-- Small SUV:
Subaru Forester XT Limited

-- Upscale sedan:
Hyundai Azera

-- Family sedan:
Honda Accord

-- Microvan:
Kia Rondo

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/03/consumer-reports-picks-best-cars-for-teens-and-seniors/

Globe and Mail: 2010 Honda Accord: Accord a choice selection

Choosing a family sedan is a daunting task.

There are way too many choices, including the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and the Volkswagen Jetta – to name just a few. So when it comes to narrowing down your choice, a good option is to turn to the best-sellers like the Honda Accord to find out what all the fuss is about.

The 2010 Honda Accord sedan comes in a number of trims. The base LX model starts at $25,290. The most expensive model is the top-of-the-line EX-L V6 Navi sedan, which costs $37,390. My tester is in between – it's an EX-L Navi sedan with an inline-four-cylinder engine. It's $32,790 and offers a nice balance of luxury, practicality and affordability.

The 2010 Accord is a carry-over from 2009. Design-wise, the Accord isn’t a stunner, but it’s not distasteful either. It has attractive sharp angles across its body.

Even if you settle for the base model you won’t be disappointed. It’s well-equipped for the price, outfitted with power heated side-view mirrors, power door locks, power windows, cruise control and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column.

My tester adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power moon roof and a fantastic navigation system that is simple and straightforward to use. Unlike many other navigation systems with touch screens, this one is accessed via a dial you turn to scroll through the alphabet to input your destination. You can even do it while driving, which some people might consider a distraction, like talking on your cell phone. But it’s intuitive and fast – you barely take your eyes off the road to program it. What is distracting is the layout and all the buttons and knobs that surround the driver. It’s difficult to quickly find some functions, like the scan button.

The cabin is spacious and the front seats are comfortable. They’re eight-way power adjustable with height adjustment; while the passenger seat is four-way power adjustable on my tester. The base model gets six-way adjustable seats, but it’s manual so it requires some elbow grease to find the perfect driving position.

Buttons on the leather-wrapped steering wheel let you set the cruise control, change the radio, or adjust the volume. The controls are illuminated so it’s easier to see at night. My tester has an upgraded stereo with a 270-watt premium system with six-CD changer, MP3/WMA capability and seven speakers including a subwoofer.

It also has many useful storage compartments including a centre console bin, front and rear door pockets, a sunglass holder, driver and passenger seatback pockets and dual front illuminated vanity mirrors. A centre armrest in the back has dual cup holders and a locking trunk pass-through to carry longer items such as hockey sticks or skis.

In the rear, legroom is a little tight for taller passengers; but headroom is excellent thanks to the Accord’s tall roofline. The trunk is spacious, too, with 397 litres of room. And the rear seats fold down should you need more space.

My tester has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. If that’s not enough you can opt for the top EX-L V-6 trim with a more powerful 3.5-litre V-6 engine that puts out 271 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a five-speed automatic transmission with smooth and seamless gear changes. There’s no manual-shift mode, either, which I like. I rarely use the gadget anyway.

The four-cylinder doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ride. Even though it’s a four banger, the ride is steady, refined, and compliant. The Accord accelerates quickly and gets up to speed when merging onto the highway with faster-moving vehicles.

It’s agile and perfectly sized so it doesn't feel awkward to park or drive. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and small pillars. The sedan also soaks up potholes and other degradations in the road well. But when pushed, some engine noise is noticeable. While it’s sure-footed and comfortable, the steering is a bit loose for my tastes.

Overall, it’s a practical family car and an excellent daily commuter. It’s also more fuel-efficient than the V-6, which is rated at 11 litres/100 km city and 6.7 highway. My inline-four tester is rated at 9.9 city/6.5 highway, which is respectable, especially if you do a lot of highway driving.
All Accords also come with numerous standard safety features such as front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front seat head restraints, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, child-proof rear door locks and lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH).

Amid the pack of mid-size sedans, the Honda Accord stands out as one of the best family cars on the market.

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/reviews/accord-a-choice-selection/article1605194/

Autonet.ca: Quick 2010 Honda Accord Review

Accord is simply desirable
It only takes a few minutes to realize what’s so refreshing about the 2010 Honda Accord sedan - it’s almost completely gimmick-free.

There are no panoramic sunroofs, paddle shifters, cooled gloveboxes, push button ignitions or hip-sounding eco-friendly technologies to be found anywhere.

Of course there’s certainly nothing wrong with those things - most of them anyways - but listening to the average consumer and even auto journalists over the years, it’s clear there are still plenty of people who want nothing more than to own a vehicle that’s uncomplicated.

If cars had middle names, ‘simple’ or ‘uncomplicated’ would fit the four-door Accord perfectly.

Now, there’s sure to be detractors who would replace the ‘refreshing’ description with ‘routine’, but our EX-L tester feels nothing of the sort. It just feels ... good.

This eighth-generation Accord doesn’t receive a lot of changes for 2010. In fact, we drove a nearly identical model - not just in looks, but in features and price - in 2008 and it still feels nothing short of familiar a couple years later. The only real difference between the two is their transmissions. The 2010 version has a five-speed automatic (standard on all trims except the lowest-priced LX), which does its job admirably, providing smooth shifts during typical driving situations, while gearing down quickly when quick acceleration is needed.

The only downside to the auto is the higher fuel consumption numbers.

The five-speed auto is mated to a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 190-horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, which is about average for this segment. It’s not exactly whiplash-inducing power, but it allows for quick passing manoeuvres when needed. It’s quiet, too, thanks in no small part to the well-insulated interior.

Speaking of which, the best part about the Accord sedan is the interior and how it fits four passengers like a glove. Seats are covered in supple leather and have lots of padding to keep backs and bums from getting sore. On paper, the rear seats aren’t as spacious as a lot of competitors, but no matter - they still stand out as some of the most comfortable in the segment.

Up front, the office is laid out predictably. Honda and Acura products are typically button-heavy and though the Accord is no exception, it’s still easy to find everything thanks to a bias toward text (as opposed to indecipherable symbols), and a bit of colour to draw the eye to an oft-used control like temperature.

It’s worth noting the excellent quality of the Accord. Nothing about the interior is chintzy and materials have an upscale look and feel.

When it comes to extras, there isn’t much the EX-L is missing. It has a ton of safety features, an upgraded sound system, sunroof, eight-way power driver’s seat and steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, just for starters. A navigation system is the only available option, and it comes highly recommended as it adds Bluetooth connectivity for your phone - a nigh-essential piece of equipment with hands-free laws becoming more and more commonplace.

The ride itself is soft but stops short of ‘floaty’. This sedan isn’t bred to pull off any really fancy footwork but stays composed around corners regardless, keeping body lean to a minimum.

So the Accord may not be nearly as flashy as ever-evolving competitors, but there’s something to be said about its being so reliable and easy to use. It also happens to stand as an excellent in-between for those who aren’t ready to commit to the Accord Crosstour and its wagon bodystyle, but need something more practical than the coupe.

Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2010/04/23/13691641-autonet.html

10 Car Seller In America

10 Car Seller In America | Best-selling car in the United States was the Honda Accord

Popularity Honda Accord in the United States seems to have very entrenched. Having previously been awarded as the most stolen cars in 2008 and the most widely used car sought in the first half of 2009, the Accord is now also a new car purchased by most of their customers in the United States.

Survey conducted by the Cars site is asking a lot of new car dealers. Honda Accord became the most favorite left the Dodge Challenger and the Honda Civic.

While rival Accord, Toyota Camry, had to settle for fourth with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 and Honda Odyssey diurutan five, six and seven. Meanwhile, the host who is also a movie star of the Chevrolet Camaro transformer must be satisfied in the eighth.

So did a duet Toyota, Prius and Corolla are also to be satisfied in order the ninth and tenth.

And if we are keen to see this list, it becomes increasingly clear dominance of domestic manufacturers in the land of rising sun Uncle Sam.

Because of the new ten list of most favorite cars, the cars from Japanese manufacturers master the 8 position is much more dominant than the only master ruamah represented by Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro are only two positions and eight of the ten list of most favorite new cars in America in Parus 2009 was the first.

Here's a list of most favorite new car in America in the first half of 2009.

1. Honda Accord
2. Dodge Challenger
3. Honda Civic
4. Toyota Camry
5. Honda CR-V
6. Toyota RAV4
7. Honda Odyssey
8. Chevrolet Camaro
9. Toyota Prius
10. Toyota Corolla
    

Car and Driver: 2010 Honda Accord - 2010 10Best Cars - Car and Driver

Honda's top US auto exec says competition may force company to quicken pace of model updates

NOVI, Mich. — Ask any car company executive how they plan to turn a profit in the future and they'll rattle off plans to sell efficient and well-equipped small and midsize cars for premium prices.

John Mendel, Honda Motor Co.'s top U.S. auto executive, is well aware that the plans sound as if they were photocopied from the Japanese automaker's playbook.

The increasing competition faced by Honda's bread-and-butter models, the midsize Accord, compact Civic and CRV small crossover vehicle, is what keeps Mendel awake at night.

He says Honda will stay ahead of the pack with new technology and by introducing models in new market segments, but Mendel concedes it may have to update its cars more frequently as competitors keep getting better in quality, reliability and fuel economy.

"We don't have the gap that we had years ago," he said Friday just before unveiling a new Accord crossover vehicle in suburban Detroit. "There's nobody out there building junk any more."

The Accord, Honda's top-selling car and traditionally among the bestsellers in the U.S., Honda's largest market, is under serious assault from prime competitors Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) and General Motors Co.

All four competitors have four-cylinder midsize models that have passed the Accord in highway gas mileage, and most have received good marks from independent reviewers.

Mendel, speaking before he introduced the new Accord Crosstour, said in some hotly contested market segments, Honda may have to speed up its normal two-year cycle of refreshing vehicles and roughly five-year cycles of total redesign.

Honda is scheduled to update the Accord next year and redesign the car by 2013. But Mendel says the redesign could take place before then as Honda introduces new technologies to raise fuel economy.

New four-cylinder versions of GM's Chevrolet Malibu (33 mpg highway) and Ford's Fusion (34 mpg highway) have passed the Accord's 31 mpg in highway gas mileage, even though Honda usually leads the pack. Toyota Motor Corp. updated its top-selling midsize Camry for 2010 by adding a six-speed manual transmission, boosting highway mileage to 33, and Nissan's Altima gets 32 mpg.

Both GM and Ford used six-speed automatic transmissions to raise highway mileage with taller gearing that makes engines more efficient by working less. The Accord, though, still has a five-speed automatic.

Honda, Mendel said, normally waits for the redesign cycle to introduce new technologies that would boost fuel economy, but he wouldn't say specifically what the company might do with the Accord.

Honda already has developed six-speed automatic transmissions for two new models in its Acura luxury brand, the ZDX sport coupe and the MDX sport utility vehicle.

Mendel says he is constantly thinking about how to balance keeping the company's products fresh against the cost of more frequent updates. On some models, like the Accord, leasing patterns have grown longer, so people don't trade vehicles as often. But that has to be balanced against the competition, as well as how much the company is able to do in the two or three-year refresh, he said.

A lot can be done in mid-cycle updates with new engines or transmissions and a new body style that can change a car's looks as opposed to redesigning the whole vehicle, Mendel said.

"So you get new for less than the cost of new, at least in the customer's eyes," he said.

The redesigned Accord certainly will get new engine and transmission technology as well as aerodynamic improvements, Mendel said. Stricter government fuel economy standards also may force Honda to update vehicles more frequently, he said.

Source;
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hDZHgV1CP5RSdQe7eLL-xmq999ZA

More 2010 Honda Accord Information

As reported in a previous post, the Leather models in the Honda Accord will be getting Bluetooth capabilities, previous to this it was only the Navi models to get this.

The EX Cloth model will now get Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control and Outside Temperature Guage.

Aside from these two changes, the car will remain the same.

Source;
Honda Canada

Honda Accord Crosstour Teaser #4

Well, here's teaser no.4, below that are the pieces to the puzzel that are already there.
Honda is supposed to release some official pic's on the Crosstour today, so stay posted.

2010 Honda Accord Changes

The FINANCIAL -- The 2010 Honda Accord lineup receives new features on certain models with an expanded application of Bluetooth HandsFreeLink to vehicles equipped with leather seating surfaces (previously exclusive to navigation-equipped models) and new rear seat ventilation ducts on Accord Sedan EX and EX-L models for more-direct rear passenger airflow.

Subtle modifications include graphically optimized climate control buttons and the addition of a trunk roof lining on Accord EX models.

"The Honda Accord offers something for a diverse range of people seeking anything from a comfortable family car to an aggressive coupe with looks and power," said Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The feature changes to the 2010 Honda Accord elevates its appeal and supports a legendary reputation as a class leader for quality and customer satisfaction."

The Accord Sedan's exterior expresses an upscale and powerful presence with a distinctive 6-sided grille, flared fenders and inset character lines sculpted into the sides of the body. Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe's unique muscular stance is highlighted by a longer hood, projector beam headlights and a sleek, lower-profile roofline.

"Interior styling on all models seeks to provide attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. Available premium features include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation1 System with Voice Activation and XM Radio2 . The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis," Honda reported.

New for 2010, a more-contrasting "lighter" gray color theme for the climate control buttons on all models helps to better differentiate the system controls in relation to nearby dark gray audio system buttons. Models equipped with the available dual-zone automatic climate control enhance the manual fan control override button to include on/off functionality with corresponding changes to the button graphic. For additional simplicity, the dual-zone activation button name changes to "SYNC" from "DUAL."

Available engine choices include a V-6 and a 4-cylinder engine. The 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. The VCM system contributes to an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/293 miles per gallon in the Accord Sedan V-6.

The performance-oriented Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission exclusively has a 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine (without VCM, hence no "i" in VTEC) that offers an exclusive valvetrain, intake and exhaust system that broadens the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range.

A 190-horsepower 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Accord Sedan EX, EX-L and Accord Coupe LX-S, EX and EX-L. The 2.4-liter Accord Sedan LX and LX-P four-cylinder engine produces 177 hp and features a DOHC i-VTEC valvetrain system. When equipped with the available automatic transmission, both 4-cylinder engines achieve an EPA rating of 21/31miles per gallon3 city/highway.

Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (available with all 4-cylinder engines and standard on V-6-powered models) and an available 6-speed manual transmission on the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash.

The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated arrangement for any vehicle, inspire spirited handling performance while also supporting a comfortable ride. The 2008 Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are available – all with MP3/Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio2 is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on Accord EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. New for 2010, Accord EX-L models now include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly connecting compatible mobile phones.

The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission. Every model features four-wheel disc brakes.
Approximately 80 percent of the Accords sold in the United States are produced4 at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.'s Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, and at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama. The Marysville plant is the sole global source of the Accord Coupe.

1 Certain functions that rely on a satellite signal will not work correctly in Hawaii and Alaska. These functions include but are not limited to automatic clock updates and time zone adjustments.

2 Required XM Radio subscription sold separately after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions are governed by the XM Customer Agreement available at xmradio.com/serviceterms. Other fees and taxes apply after trial period; see XM Customer Agreement for details. Fees and programming subject to change. Service not available in Canada, Alaska, or Hawaii. 2009 SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries

3Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

4 Honda products are produced using domestic and globally-sourced parts.

Source;
http://www.finchannel.com/news_flash/Oil_&_Auto/45483_2010_Honda_Accord_Adds_New_Features_on_Select_Models/

Much-Jumped 1987 Hoonda Accord For Sale For $250, Stunts On 13s!

Just when you think you've seen it all....
We've seen a lot of hoons here, but this may be the best classified ad we've ever seen for a hoonmobile. This Utah Hoonda has seen plenty of hang time!

Yes, this '87 Accord (go here if the ad disappears) is now for sale, and it's a proven desert jumper! Why would anyone sell such a great car? According to the seller, "Reason for selling: it's too damn ballin for us. We want to tone it down a bit and maybe get a Rally Van." And there you have it! Thanks to LTDScott for the tip!

Source;
http://jalopnik.com/5322616/much+jumped-1987-hoonda-accord-for-sale-for-250-stunts-on-13s/gallery/

Sales Watch: Honda Accord sales creeping up on Toyota Camry?

While the Honda Accord dominated the 1990s, it has been virtually all Toyota Camry in the new century. Yet a look back at the first six months of 2009 shows that the newer, larger Accord is continuing to gain ground on its chief rival. Camry sales have so far remained top in its segment, with 150,242 sales in the first half of the year. The Accord isn't far behind, though, as it has amassed 131,143 sales through June; only 19,199 behind Camry.

Wards Auto reports that the Accord's gains have been consistent over the past three years, as the sales gap went from 94,004 in 2006 to 80,877 in 2007 and 63,828 in 2008. With sales deeply depressed so far in 2009, though, the numbers can be a bit deceiving. Still, the Camry has seen a 37.4% drop in sales, as compared to 36.3% for the Accord.Toyota told Wards that one reason for the Accord's improved sales verses the Camry are increasing incentives on the full-size Honda. According to Edmunds, the Accord's April incentives increased four-fold verses the automaker's April, 2008 numbers. Even more interesting is the fact that cash on the hood has increased since April, hitting $2,183 in June. The Camry, on the other hand, had $1,538 on the hood last month; down over $400 compared to May.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/sales-watch-honda-accord-sales-creeping-up-on-toyota-camry/

TOV Rumours: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour CUV

Crosstour We've heard whispers of this product for so long it seems that it's been under development forever. We don't have any confirmation on the name yet, but Honda recently registered the Crosstour name, so at the moment it makes the most sense. A flurry of spyshots of a cleverly disguised test mule for this vehicle provided plenty of fodder for internet discussions over the past year or so, but we're still waiting to catch a glimpse of how it will look in production sheetmetal. So far, those spy photos have eluded us. We don't know a lot about this vehicle but there is at least some consistency in the rumors that we've been hearing. First of all, it will be based upon the Accord platform. It will be larger than a CR-V, yet smaller than the Pilot, and priced accordingly (one source tells us it will be equipped to match the Venza for the most part, yet it will undercut it in price). Drivetrains are expected to also be borrowed from the Accord, which would most likely mean you'll get your choice of 4-cyl or 6-cylinder power. Since it will supposedly be equipped to take on the Venza, our guess is that the Crosstour will also offer VTM-4. We've heard a tentative launch date of November, 2009, but we're also told that it could be moved up slightly or even pushed back to early 2010; the decision will be based upon Honda's inventory levels and the overall state of the economy as those dates get closer.
Summary: Honda's long-rumored Accord-based crossover will finally be reaching showrooms soon.
Watch For: Spyshots of camo'd test vehicles to begin surfacing soon.
Available: Oct/Nov '09 OR early 2010

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=828861

Honda Accord SR-9 Study Unveiled in Shanghai, Looks Better than Acura TSX

One of the new models at the Shanghai Auto Show that managed to momentarily escape our attention is the Honda Accord SR-9 concept study that was designed in cooperation with the firm's Chinese joint venture, Guangzhou Honda. Compared to the European-spec Accord and the North American market Acura TSX (they are the same cars), the Accord SR-9 features a newly designed front bumper with concave surfaces and a restyled grille with honeycomb inserts.

The show car also featured a set of side skirts and beefier seven-spoke alloy wheels. Even though the styling mods are minimal, the tweaked fascia would be a welcome change for both the European-market Accord and the Acura TSX.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/04/honda-accord-sr-9-study-unveiled-in.html