The saloon’s boot was smaller too, a consequence of the new, bulkier, multi-link rear suspension. After the launch sparkle had faded, it was apparent the new Accord was caught between a rock and a hard place – the cheaper but no less impressive Ford Mondeo below and the classier and more characterful Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series above.
It means that, today, the classifieds aren’t entirely drowning under second-hand examples. Saloons comfortably outnumber Tourers, making the latter more valuable, and there are slightly more diesels than petrols, which is unsurprising given the model’s appeal to company car drivers.
Staying with the engines, the rare 198bhp 2.4 i-VTEC petrol is out of its depth – noisy and hobbled by its standard-fit, five-speed automatic gearbox. Meanwhile, the 154bhp 2.0 i-VTEC is sluggish and needs revving hard on gradients.
That leaves the two 2.2 i-DTEC diesels. The 148bhp 2.2 is smooth and quiet but a tad pedestrian. The more powerful 177bhp is a better choice but is even rarer than the 2.4i petrol, although it’s worth seeking out for its 280lb ft of torque. The six-speed manual gearbox, available on all models apart from the 2.4i, is light and precise.
The Accord was facelifted in 2011, when it gained a restyled nose and tail and new lights. The interior had a slight makeover too, but the ergonomic car crash that is the dashboard remained unchanged. There’s not much leg room in the back, but otherwise the cabin is a nice place to be.
Plenty of trims were offered, but today ES (most creature comforts) and EX GT (powered sports seats, sunroof) are the most plentiful. Under way, the Accord’s handling is secure, motorway ride comfort is excellent and it’s quiet and refined.
Crucially, the model is also more reliable than most, and when it comes to buying an older used car, unless you’re a speed freak, that’s about the only quality that matters.
Honda Accord 2008-2015 common problems
Engine: Manual diesels can suffer premature clutch slip, so boot it from second and see how it likes it. Diesel autos have a low, 1200kg towing limit, making them unsuitable for most caravan-towing duties.