Edmunds Comparison Test; Honda Accord VS New Mazda 6 VS Nissan Altima

Comparison Test: 2009 Mazda 6 vs. 2008 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Nissan Altima
1st Place: 2009 Mazda 6 - For 2009 Mazda takes the styling up a notch, dials out some harshness and dethrones the benchmark Honda Accord.
2nd Place: 2008 Honda Accord - Providing exactly what's expected but nothing more, the Accord will still supply miles of performance.
3rd Place: 2008 Nissan Altima - Widely considered the sportiest front-drive family sedan, the slick Altima comes up short this time around.

Finding the Sweet Spot in Family Sedans
By Chris Walton, Chief Road Test EditorDate posted: 09-07-2008

Our recent test of the 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring showed us that Mazda can still offer sporting dynamics in its all-new family sedan, even while providing more room, more features and more power. We were concerned that the sporting spirit of the last-generation, fun-but-snug Mazda 6 might have been lost in the search for commercial success, but we came away believing this new car still has that zoom-zoom thing.

Like Mazda, we believe a family sedan can be lively as well as practical. So to gauge the way in which the 2009 Mazda 6 fits into the new world of family sedans, we figured a comparison is in order. A 2009 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring would be our starting point.

Then we enlisted the 2008 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE with its continuously variable automatic transmission. It's the car that most people consider to be the sportiest in this category, matched with a transmission that shatters all expectations about CVTs. (We know this car is available with a manual transmission, but we also know the CVT is a better choice. Trust us.)

The all-new 2008 Honda Accord is the standard of the category, the winner of our last comparison test of family sedans. A 2008 Honda Accord EX-L Navi matched up nicely. Hailed for its value, refinement and excellent quality, the well-mannered Accord would challenge the Mazda's practical abilities.

And so we began our family sedan comparison test, and we're wondering how far the Mazda 6's fun-o-meter has swung away from "I could use a Red Bull" toward "My adrenal gland is sore and I need to grow up."

For the rest of the article;
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=131667?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*#2

Honda Finds more HP in 3.5L V6

Excerpt from Press Release dated 8/7/2008

Testing of production engines for horsepower and torque output of the 2008 Accord V-6 has revealed that the average horsepower and torque produced by these engines is higher than originally estimated prior to the start of mass production. Though there have been no design changes to the engines to create more power, the horsepower and torque ratings for the 2009 models have been increased to reflect the actual output of the engines. For 2009, 271 hp replaces 268 hp on all V-6 models, 254 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on automatic transmission models and 251 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on manual transmission models.

How the VCM works in a 2008 Honda Accord V6 Engine

VCM = Variable Cylinder Management.

Here's how it works;

i-VTEC with 3-stage Advanced Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™)
The Accord’s available SOHC V-6 with automatic transmission includes i-VTEC with Advanced VCM. With the boost in fuel efficiency attributable to VCM, the larger and more powerful Accord V-6 with automatic transmission actually gets better fuel economy than its smaller, less powerful predecessor when tested with the same methodology.

VCM Operation
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the V-6 engine available with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the latest generation of Honda’s VCM is used. This is the first application of VCM on a non-hybrid Accord model. Unlike previous VCM systems that switched between three- and six-cylinder operation, the Accord’s system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders.

During start-up, acceleration or when climbing hills – any time high power output is required – the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.

With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel economy gets a further boost. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel economy – two characteristics that don’t typically coexist in conventional engines.

VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC (Variable Valve-Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while the Powertrain Control Module simultaneously cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.

The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation.

The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system’s electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is unnoticeable to the driver.

Green Cars that Automakers WON'T Sell You

Here's one that I didn't know about;

The new 2008 Honda Accord boasts an environmental first: a six-cylinder gasoline engine that's cleaner than many hybrid systems.

There's only one catch: You can't actually buy this ultra-green Accord, or the four-cylinder version that also produces near-zero pollution. That is, unless you live in California, New York or six other northeast states that follow California's tougher pollution rules. Only there can you buy this Accord, or the roughly two dozen other models that meet so-called Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle standards, PZEV for short.

Not only can't you buy one, but the government says it's currently illegal for automakers to sell these green cars outside of the special states. Under terms of the Clean Air Act—in the kind of delicious irony only our government can pull off—anyone (dealer, consumer, automaker) involved in an out-of-bounds PZEV sale could be subject to civil fines of up to $27,500.

So, just how green is a PZEV machine? Well, if you just cut your lawn with a gas mower, congratulations, you just put out more pollution in one hour than these cars do in 2,000 miles of driving. Grill a single juicy burger, and you've cooked up the same hydrocarbon emissions as a three-hour drive in a Ford Focus PZEV. As the California Air Resources Board has noted, the tailpipe emissions of these cars can be cleaner than the outside air in smoggy cities.

That's amazing stuff. But what's more amazing is how few people have a clue that the gas-powered, internal combustion engine could ever be this clean.

Naturally, no company wants to bring too much attention to a car that most people can't buy, unless it's Ferrari. And there's the catch. PZEV models are already available from Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, Volvo, Ford, and yes, GM. They're scrubbed-up versions of familiar models.

It's not all the fault of the car companies. The crazy quilt of environmental regulations is forcing carmakers to design and build two versions of the same cars. And it costs real money to make a car this green. So in states where there are no regulations to force their hand,automakers don't want to have to boost their prices for the green versions—or to simply eat the extra cost and make less profit.

Honda appears to be doing just that. It currently charges Californians and other green-staters about $150 extra for these solid-citizen models. But experts suggest that it costs carmakers closer to $400 a pop to install the gear.

Another issue: The PZEV cars don't get any better mileage than conventional versions. Would most self-interested Americans even pay a lousy 100 bucks for cleaner air that doesn't put fuel savings back in their pocket? "With hybrids, the selling point is fuel economy, so there's a dollar amount on that," said William Walton, Honda's product planning chief for U.S. cars. "We want to give people the cleanest vehicles we can produce, but how much are people willing to pay for clean air?"

As often as automakers express envy and resentment over Toyota's image, you might think Honda would be filming TV ads, erecting billboards, shouting from rooftops that the Accord is the world's cleanest six-cylinder car. In the green game that Toyota has played like a chess master, it seems like this is a lost opportunity for Honda, Nissan and the rest to siphon off some of Toyota's goodwill.

So give Honda's talented engineers credit for this clean-burning Accord. But give its marketing department a big, smoggy raspberry for keeping it a virtual secret—and keeping it off-limits to buyers in 42 states.

Source: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434502
By Lawrence Ulrich

2008 Honda Inspire Modulo Concept pic's

http://www.autoblog.com/ has a nice article on the 2008 Honda Inspire Modulo Concept vehicle, here are a few snap shots with a link to more. The Honda Inspire is the North American Honda Accord, just sold in Japan.

Here's the link;

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/28/tokyo-auto-salon-08-honda-inspire-modulo-concept/

Mugen Tuning pkg for the Honda Accord/Inspire

The Honda Inspire is Japan's version of the North American Honda Accord. The famous Honda tuning firm, Mugen, which was formed by the son of Honda Motor Company founder, Soichiro Honda, present their tuning package for the upmarket targeted sedan. Consisting of the usual body kit components, front and rear bumper fascias, side skirts, grille and rear deck spoiler the Mugen Inspire also receives strut assemblies, brake rotors/calipers and stainless steel cat-back exhaust mid-pipe with dual mufflers. Looks nice.

How the -VTEC with 3-stage Advanced Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM™) Works

The 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 engine available in the Accord Sedan is the largest and most powerful engine ever offered in a Honda passenger car. It builds on technologies that have been developed and refined on previous Honda power-plants. With its 60-degree V-angle, the Accord’s V-6 engine is inherently very smooth and has compact overall dimensions that allow efficient packaging within the vehicle. The V-6 with automatic transmission incorporates cutting edge i-VTEC technology that boosts fuel efficiency using Advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

VCM Operation
To help improve the fuel efficiency of the V-6 engine available with the 5-speed automatic transmission, the latest generation of Honda’s VCM is used. This is the first application of VCM on a non-hybrid Accord model. Unlike previous VCM systems that switched between three- and six-cylinder operation, the Accord’s system can operate on three, four or all six cylinders.

During start-up, acceleration or when climbing hills – any time high power output is required – the engine operates on all six cylinders. During moderate speed cruising and at low engine loads, the system operates just one bank of three cylinders. For moderate acceleration, higher-speed cruising and mild hills, the engine operates on four cylinders.

With three operating modes, the VCM system can finely tailor the working displacement of the engine to match the driving requirements from moment to moment. Since the system automatically closes both the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders that are not used, pumping losses associated with intake and exhaust are eliminated and fuel economy gets a further boost. The VCM system combines maximum performance and maximum fuel economy – two characteristics that don’t typically coexist in conventional engines.

VCM deactivates specific cylinders by using the VTEC (Variable Valve-Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system to close the intake and exhaust valves while the Powertrain Control Module simultaneously cuts fuel to those cylinders. When operating on three cylinders, the rear cylinder bank is shut down. When running on four cylinders, the left and center cylinders of the front bank operate, and the right and center cylinders of the rear bank operate.

The spark plugs continue to fire in inactive cylinders to minimize plug temperature loss and prevent fouling induced from incomplete combustion during cylinder re-activation. The system is electronically controlled, and uses special integrated spool valves that do double duty as rocker-shaft holders in the cylinder heads. Based on commands from the system’s electronic control unit, the spool valves selectively direct oil pressure to the rocker arms for specific cylinders. This oil pressure in turn drives synchronizing pistons that connect and disconnect the rocker arms.

The VCM system monitors throttle position, vehicle speed, engine speed, automatic-transmission gear selection and other factors to determine the correct cylinder activation scheme for the operating conditions. In addition, the system determines whether engine oil pressure is suitable for VCM switching and whether catalytic-converter temperature will remain in the proper range. To smooth the transition between activating or deactivating cylinders, the system adjusts ignition timing, drive-by-wire throttle position and turns the torque converter lock-up on and off. As a result, the transition between three-, four-, and six-cylinder operation is unnoticeable to the driver.

Comparison Test: 2007-2008 V6 Family Sedans; 2008 Honda Accord VS 2008 Chevy Malibu VS 2007 Toyota Camry VS 2007 Nissan Altima

Edmunds Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh did a nice write up comparing the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Sedan, 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Sedan, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ V6 Sedan, and the 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 sedan.

Each of the four entrants chosen for their comparison test represents the highest available trim level, and each is also packed with nearly every available option and an overachieving V6 power plant driving the front wheels. Heck, the least powerful engine in this test churns out 252 horsepower, a figure that was unheard of in the mainstream sedan world not long ago.

Here's the results;

1st Place: 2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Sedan

The 2008 Accord isn't the cheapest, fastest or most feature-laden car in our comparison. But if you're familiar with the Goldilocks effect, you already know how the Accord came to finish in 1st place.The Accord is a full 2.4 inches wider than the Malibu and devotes all of this to interior space, and the result is a notable impression of spaciousness combined with excellent visibility. Rear seat passengers are likewise treated very well, with ample thigh support and space easily sufficient for 6-footers during long road trips. There are also more useful storage bins and little nooks than in the other cars in this comparison.The quality of the materials is best in class. And since there are few of the usual chrome-plated bits masquerading as style items, the number of distracting reflections is kept to an absolute minimum. One area of the interior that could use some more work is the busy collection of buttons on the Accord's center stack. They're large and clearly labeled, but there are just too many of them lined up like bathroom tiles. On the other hand, the interface for the Accord EX-L's navigation system is the most intuitive to use by far, and there's thankfully no touchscreen to accumulate smeared fingerprints.Though it has a large cabin, the Accord doesn't drive like a large car. Its steering manages to be quick and communicative right around center, and this helps make the driving experience feel natural and intuitive. As it goes down the road, the Accord responds to surface imperfections with crisp suspension action that has just enough compliance to minimize complaints from the passengers, yet keep the driver in touch with reality. At the same time, we'll acknowledge that the Accord does feel a little too busy over some pocks and bumps, so the Honda engineers still have something to fuss over.Acceleration from the Accord's mannerly 3.5-liter SOHC V6 trails the pack on paper, since midrange grunt is not this engine's strong suit. Nevertheless, the Accord manages to squirt through the urban jungle with respectable speed thanks in large part to its cooperative five-speed transmission. Though the competition has adopted six-speed transmissions, Honda's five-speed manages to overcome its disadvantage with smart calibration and quick shift action. You won't miss the extra gear while climbing hills, since the transmission's excellent grade logic makes for frustration-free ascents.This V6 also incorporates cylinder deactivation, a system that promises to improve fuel economy, and it's easier to feel the transition between the system's modes than we'd hoped. Nevertheless, the Accord's EPA fuel economy estimates of 19 city/29 highway are the best in this group (once the 2007 models are adjusted to the 2008 EPA standards), and we're curious to see if the expected gains will materialize during our extended test of this long-term car. So far we've seen an average of 22.8 mpg over 2,200 miles, just slightly better than the 21.2 mpg over 18,575 miles recorded by our long-term Altima.Chart-topping evaluation scores and strong feature content at the second-lowest price in our test give the Accord the edge. And this reflects the wave of progress in this class of family sedans. Though these cars are not Camry-like in detail, they share the Camry's overall spirit of well-equipped quality, a measure of luxury in the family sedan world. The Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry have now left behind any overtones of down-size cheapness and embraced a new spirit of full-size sophistication.

2nd Place: 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE Sedan

Of all the sedans tested here, the Nissan Altima is the most sporting of the bunch. Not just because it blasts past the competition with a 67.3-mph pass through the slalom, but also because it feels just right through the controls. Thanks to the weight of the steering effort and character of the response, the action and feel of the brake pedal, and the suspension's firm control of body motion, the Altima speaks more clearly to enthusiasts than any other car here.At the same time, you don't have to be a car nut to appreciate the benefits of a communicative driving experience. The more attuned a driver is to a vehicle, the more confidence he will have behind the wheel. And as far as we're concerned, safety begins with confidence.Stiff tire sidewalls and firm damping contribute to the Nissan's precise character on the road, but they also produce a choppy ride, and this is the downside to the Altima's sporty bent. In addition, this is the only car in our test that recommends the use of premium fuel — the others drink regular, which can add up to real savings in the long run.Nissan's 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 has received accolades for years, and it remains a terrific all-around performer. The big surprise this time is that the Altima's continuously variable transmission (CVT) reaps the highest scores of any gearbox in our test.This CVT behaves as if it's been hard-wired into the mind of the driver, as its ability to know when to let 'er rip and when to dial things back is completely uncanny. The CVT also helps lend the Altima a far more eager disposition than the quicker-by-the-clock Malibu. And we love the CVT's refined yet super-quick manual-mode shift program.Broad, flat front seats are a glaring flaw in the Altima's driver-oriented mission, as they don't provide the support that's necessary. Backseat passengers fare better, though headroom is lacking. The surroundings in either situation are of high quality, if on the austere side.If you want features, the Altima is the car for you. Armed with a back-up camera, dual-zone HVAC, a keyless ignition system, DVD-based navigation, sunroof and Bluetooth, our Altima is the most comprehensively equipped sedan here.You pay for all this, though. At $32,545 as-tested, the Altima is the most expensive car of the bunch, a factor that takes a toll on the car's final placement in this comparison. And be aware that the Altima's options are clustered into expensive packages rather than being available à la carte.

3rd Place: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

The 2008 Malibu has literally entered the big time. Riding on a longer wheelbase and weighing more than any of its rivals, the 2008 Malibu has stepped up both its size and its game. As if to underscore its arrival, the big Chevy's presence is graced with distinctively elegant styling.At the same time, there are practical compromises forced by the Malibu's style. The small greenhouse and thick C-pillars noticeably compromise outward visibility and impart a less spacious feel to the cabin. Meanwhile, the high-bustle tail has the highest trunk liftover height in our test. On the plus side, the Malibu's deck lid has scissor-type hinges that don't intrude on trunk space at all, unlike the gooseneck hinges on the other cars.Though our opinions about the interior color scheme of this Malibu LTZ were sharply divided, we all agree that the interior itself simultaneously impresses and frustrates. The Malibu's dashboard is impeccably fitted, yet the black plastic pieces look cheap. And if you're looking for dual-zone HVAC, Bluetooth compatibility, and keyless ignition, you won't find them in the Malibu, as this car's cost-conscious character means they can't even be found on the options list. However, OnStar is standard on the Malibu, a feature no other car in this comparison offers.Freeway cruises are a treat in the Malibu, as it's extremely quiet and quells wind noise better than any other car in our test. The front seats were universally lauded as the best in this bunch thanks to a first-rate combination of both comfort and support. By contrast, the rear seat offers the least amount of useful space and the fewest frills of all the cars here. Rear headroom is snug, the seat cushions are flat and there's no flip-down center armrest. (The Malibu is the only car here without one.)On the dynamic front, the Malibu's steering lacks feel, yet the effort loads up nicely in a corner and matches the well-controlled body motions. In fact, the Malibu sports the best compromise between ride and handling in our test, admirably dispensing with road harshness while still maintaining composure on winding bits of pavement. Moreover, the Malibu's brakes have plenty of stopping power, and this car turns in the shortest stopping distance from 60 mph.The Malibu ties the Camry in the sprint to 60 mph and posts the second-quickest quarter-mile time thanks to the solid traction available when it's launched hard. The Chevy's trap speed in the quarter-mile reflects a power deficit in this comparison, yet 252 hp and 251 pound-feet of torque from the 3.6-liter DOHC V6 ensure the Malibu never feels lacking for oomph when the throttle pedal meets the carpet.The Malibu's six-speed automatic transmission garners some black marks from us due to its lazy part-throttle calibration, which dulls the engine's potency. Top gear is summoned at every opportunity, and the gearbox doggedly refuses to downshift in a timely fashion. This is clearly a measure to enhance fuel economy, yet it also gives the car a sluggish disposition around town despite the V6's respectably broad power band.With a $27,245 as-tested price that undercuts its competition, the Malibu has a head start in our test scoring, but a relative lack of equipment and indifferent evaluation scores ultimately place it midpack. These shortcomings aside, the Malibu is a stylish, impressive car that commands attention and also deserves it.

4th Place: 2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6 Sedan

Kapow! The Camry, the clear winner of our last comparison test for V6 sedans, has been blown off by its newly refurbished rivals. Though it finishes in last place, the Camry remains well-equipped and powerful, but it's simply been leapfrogged by a new generation of competitors, largely because of driving dynamics.And we're not just referring to driving on the ragged edge like some hooligan either. Even in routine driving, the Camry's soft ride and deliberate chassis responses make it feel poorly controlled, as if it's wallowing down the road. Similarly, the Camry's steering is reasonably precise, yet it feels almost completely numb. The result is a limp driving character that seems even more pronounced in contrast to the far more engaging personalities of its rivals. The Malibu in particular demonstrates that body control and a compliant ride are not mutually exclusive.Then you floor the throttle and the Camry aims to erase these impressions, flinging itself to the quarter-mile mark in 14.9 seconds at 96.4 mph, quicker and faster than any other car in this test. Its 268-hp V6 and six-speed automatic combine to deliver a sweet powertrain, with plenty of power everywhere in the rev range and a willingness to flex its muscles even during routine driving. Several times we found ourselves remarking that the Camry's chassis is almost comically overshadowed by the refined performance of this V6.Front headroom is tight for anyone taller than 6 feet, but the Camry XLE's backseat accommodations are pretty luxurious. There is plenty of space, plus contoured seats that recline, a feature not found in any of the other sedans. Unfortunately, this design forces the deletion of the 60/40-split-folding function, and there's just a small pass-through into the trunk. Lesser trim levels of the Camry offer a split-folding seat, so you can decide whether your priority is passenger accommodation or available cargo volume.The build quality of our Camry test car trailed the others, and we noted more inconsistent interior panel gaps and interior squeaks and rattles than we'd expect from a car with fewer than 11,000 miles. The equipment level of this XLE model is fairly high, but it also results in the second highest as-tested price of $31,619, which proves to be yet another factor that weighs against it in the final analysis.Time has marched on, and what was outstanding a year ago is merely good today.

Here's a link to the article;

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123842?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*#68

2008 Car and Driver Magazine 10 Best Cars Awards; 2008 Honda Accord & 2008 Honda FIT make the list

Well, it's not January 2008 yet, but Car and Driver Magazine has released their coveted 10Best Awards. They judge each car in three general areas, the first being how well the vehicle performs its intended functions. They expect sports cars to be fast and exhilarating, whereas we presume a family sedan will be frugal and practical. Then second, they show a preference for the more engaging cars in each category, be it athletic driving manners, a seductive look, or a powerful engine sure to induce a grin every time they climb behind the wheel. Finally, they are suckers for a good deal, so an inexpensive car that’s fast, fun, and practical will certainly rise to the top of our list.

The invited list works as follows: Last year’s winners are automatically invited back, as well as other all-new or significantly upgraded machinery for 2008. Each car gets only one shot at making their 10Best list, but many stay on it for years.

Here's a list of the winners this year with the article on the car;

2008 10Best List
BMW 3-series

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14359/2008-bmw-3-series.html
Cadillac CTS

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14360/2008-cadillac-cts.html
Chevrolet Corvette
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14361/2008-chevrolet-corvette.html

Chevrolet Malibu
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14362/2008-chevrolet-malibu.html

Honda Accord
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14363/2008-honda-accord.html

Honda Fit
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14369/2008-honda-fit.html

Mazda MX-5
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14365/2008-mazda-mx-5.html

Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14366/2008-mazdaspeed-3.html

Porsche Boxster/Cayman
Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14367/2008-porsche-boxster-and-cayman.html

Volkswagen GTI

Link: http://www.caranddriver.com/bestcars/14368/2008-volkswagen-gti.html

Here's a link on Wikipedia that shows the history of winners, just click on the year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_and_Driver_Ten_Best

Canadian Driver Tests the 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan AT 4Cylinder

Here's a nice little article from www.canadiandriver.com on the new 2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan AT with the 4 cylinder engine. Worth a read if you're looking for a good mid-size car.

Here's the link;

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jm/08accord.htm

Newsweek: Honda Accord destined to be #1 in US

Here's a article proclaiming the 2008 Honda Accord as moving into the top spot among US buyers (potentially dethroning the Mighty Camry). Worth a read;
http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/nov2007/bw20071116_686255.htm?chan=autos_autos+index+page_top+stories
Here's a link to Business Week;
http://www.businessweek.com/

2008 Honda Accord Coupe VS 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Comparison by Edmunds

2008 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe 6 Speed Manual Transmission.

2008 Nissan Altima V6 Coupe 6 Speed Manual Transmission.

Here's a nice comparison write up by http://www.edmunds.com/ between two really nice cars.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=123357#30

Enjoy the write up, and NO, it wasn't written by Honda.

2008 Honda Accord Concept

I stumbled across these pic's on http://www.autoblog.com/. Very nice. These are all factory installed accessories.

2008 Honda Accord Special Edition

This is the HF-S concept, created by Honda's accessory development team for the upcoming SEMA show. The SEMA show is put on to showcase the accessories that are available through Honda on a 2008 Honda Accord Coupe.

2008 Honda Accord Sedan Colours for Canada

I do not have a colour chart, but I do have the names that will be available, here goes;
Cloth Interior 4 Cylinder
Taffeta White / Gray Interior
Alabaster Silver Metallic / Gray Interior
Polished Metal Metallic / Gray Interior
Night Hawk Black Pearl / Gray Interior
Royal Blue Pearl / Gray Interior
Mystic Green Metallic / Black Interior
Basque Red Pearl / Gray Interior
Bold Beige Metallic / Ivory Interior
Cloth Interior V6
White Diamond Pearl / Gray Interior
Alabaster Silver Metallic / Gray Interior
Polished Metal Metallic / Gray Interior
Night Hawk Black Pearl / Gray Interior
Royal Blue Pearl / Gray Interior
Mystic Green Metallic / Black Interior
Basque Red Pearl / Gray Interior
Bold Beige Metallic / Ivory Interior
Leather Interior 4cyl and V6
White Diamond Pearl / Black Interior
Alabaster Silver Metallic / Black Interior
Polished Metal Metallic / Black Interior
Night Hawk Black Pearl / Black Interior
Night Hawk Black Pearl / Ivory Interior
Royal Blue Pearl / Black Interior
Royal Blue Pearl / Ivory Inteior
Mystic Green Metallic / Black Interior
Basque Red Pearl / Black Interior
Bold Beige Metallic / Ivory Interior