The 2008 Honda Accord interior features: cloth interior with moquette seat inserts, tricot side bolsters, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, MP3/WMA & aux-in, Gunmetal and silver-tone trim, 6-speaker audio system with CD player and Radio Data System (RDS) and Cruise control. For the Accord Sedan LX Premium the interior also features: 8-way power driver's seat, security alarm, auto up/down front passenger-side power window and an armrest tray.
Honda Press Release:
2008 Honda Accord – Interior
Overview
The Accord Sedan and Coupe appeal to a wide range
of male and female buyers - from couples with no children to empty nesters and retirees. Comfort, quality, style and functionality are important to all of these groups because many have active lifestyles. Some need a vehicle functional enough to serve as a daily commuter, others need a vehicle elegant enough to transport business associates, while other groups seek stylish and comfortable transportation. The 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe serve all these needs exceptionally well.
Before designing the 2008 Accord, Honda visited distinct types of people in different parts of the U.S. to observe how they use their vehicles and what features they appreciate and want. High on their list was ease of entry and exit, followed by seating comfort, quality, style and versatile storage capability. Logically, they found that professionals and couples use their vehicles for a range of activities including commuting, client activities, travel with friends, sports and pleasure, while young married couples use them primarily for social and recreational activities.
From these interactions a set of criteria was developed and performance targets established for the 2008 Accord interior. These include:
- "Simply premium" design concept
- Larger interior for Accord Sedan
- Open and expansive feeling
- Bold and dramatic styling
- Improved seating comfort
- Slender A-pillars for improved field of visibility
- Reduced interior noise, vibration and harshness
- Advanced electronic technologies
Standard Features
Accord Sedan Four-Cylinder Models
Standard interior features for the 2008 Honda Accord Sedan LX include:
- Cloth interior with moquette seat inserts and tricot side bolsters
- Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
- MP3/WMA & aux-in
- Gunmetal and silver-tone trim
- 6-speaker audio system with CD player and Radio Data System (RDS)
- Cruise control
Added interior features on the Accord Sedan LX Premium (LX-P) include:
- 8-way power driver's seat
- Security alarm
- Auto up/down front passenger-side power window
- Armrest tray
Added interior features on the Accord Sedan EX include:
- Silver-tone trim (Black and Gray interiors)
- Wood grain trim (Ivory interior)
- Tricot insert and stitched bolster fabric seat upholstery
- Interface dial with 3-line audio display
- 6-disc in-dash CD player
- Driver power lumbar support
- Ambient lighting
- Active Noise Control (ANC)
Added interior features on the Accord Sedan EX with Leather (EX-L) include:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Leather-covered steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 270-watt Honda premium audio system
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Compass
- Exterior temperature gauge
- XM® Satellite Radio
- Auto headlights
- HomeLink (V-6 only)
- 4-way power front passenger seat (V-6 only)
Added interior features on the Accord Sedan EX with Leather (EX-L) with Navi include:
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition (replaces compass)
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™
Beyond Midsize Spacious Interior
The 2008 Accord Sedan is the first Honda car to move to the EPA Large classification from the Midsize category. Now the Accord Sedan offers the largest interior in its class, although customers will still typically compare it to midsize competitors. The Sedan is rated at 106.0 cu-ft. of passenger volume, a 3.2% increase over the 2007 Accord Sedan. Total interior volume (passenger plus cargo volume) measures 120.0 cu. ft.
Accord Coupe Interior Volume
The 2008 Accord Coupe has 92.7 cu. ft. of interior passenger volume, up from the 2007 Accord Coupe's 91.1 cu. ft. Cargo volume is 11.9 cu. ft.
Interior Styling
The interior is designed to be sophisticated, comfortable and useful - a perfect balance of the rational and emotional. Design goals were a simple and clean style with a premium look that evokes an upscale and elegant feel. Key concepts that designers used in creating the interior include:
- Simply premium - Stylish and intuitive interface between passengers and technology.
- Comfortable - Wide spacious feeling with a wide console area.
- Powerful and Personal - Including the use of bold colors and materials.
Accord Coupe Interior Design
The new Accord Coupe interior retains the premium look of the sedan but is more powerful, personal and sporty in appearance. The Coupe interior has several unique components including the front and rear seats, door panels and rear side panels, along with an exclusive 3-spoke sport steering wheel. Components shared with the Sedan include the instrument panel and center console, some seat components and the upper portion of the front cabin.
Standard Features
Accord Coupe Four-Cylinder Models
Standard interior features for the 2008 Honda Accord Coupe LX Sport (LX-S) include:
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- MP3/WMA & aux-in
- 6-speaker audio system with 6-disc CD changer
- 3-line audio display with interface dial
- Cruise control
- Active Noise Control (ANC)
Added interior features on the Accord Coupe EX include:
- 270-watt Honda premium audio system
- Silver-tone trim
- Ambient lighting
- Sport seat fabric
- Armrest tray
- Auto up/down power window on the front passenger side
Added interior features on the Accord Coupe EX with Leather (EX-L) include:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Leather-covered steering wheel
- 8-way power driver's seat
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- XM Satellite Radio
- Auto-dimming mirror
- Compass
- Exterior temperature gauge
- Auto headlights
- HomeLink (V-6 only)
Added interior features on the Accord Coupe EX with Leather (EX-L) with Navi include:
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition (replaces compass)
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™
Accord Coupe V-6 Models
The 2008 Accord Coupe EX V-6 adds:
- Leather seating
Added interior features on the Accord Coupe EX V-6 with Navi include:
- Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition (replaces compass)
- Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™
Interior Features
Interior Materials
The 2008 Accord interior exhibits high quality and refinement throughout, even down to the feel of the switchgear, console and door panels. The available leather is softer and more supple than the leather used in the previous Accord models. In addition, the upper portion of the instrument panel (including the SRS lid) is now made with the same material and finish for improved consistent appearance.
Instruments
Two large analog meters, surrounded by silver trim rings, provide a premium sporty appearance. The instruments use white numerals and bright red needles for easy information access at a glance. The 8000-rpm tachometer and 160-mph speedometer are flanked by temperature and fuel gauges. Below the meter array is an LCD odometer display that can show odometer, Trip A or Trip B functions. Maintenance alerts also appear on this display.
Steering Wheel
The 4-spoke steering wheel on the Accord Sedan (leather wrapped on EX-L and V-6) creates a luxury feeling while the Accord Coupe gets a unique 3-spoke steering wheel (leather wrapped on EX-L and V-6). In another first for Accord, all 2008 Accord models offer steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise-control switches including Mode, Volume and Channel, plus Cruise, Cancel, Set/Decelerate and Resume/Accelerate. In models equipped with the navigation system, the steering wheel also features switches for navigation voice control, and for the driver's compatible Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™.
Center Panel
The Accord's new center panel has been carefully designed for maximum visibility and ease of use. Its large central display is mounted at the top of the center stack for easier visibility, and the switches are mounted lower for easier reach. All components are flush mounted with high-grade materials for an upscale appearance and feel.
Center Console
The center console offers storage including a covered forward box, a covered two-level console with armrest, and new covered holders that accommodate two large cups. The console is nearly three inches wider than that of the previous generation Accord to ensure more storage space for personal belongings. A new spring system improves the operating feel of the cover, which doubles as the center armrest. In addition, the console offers 5.4 liters of storage space (up from 5.2 liters in the previous-generation Accord) and can now store 22 CDs (up from 20 CDs). The armrest slides fore/aft nearly a half inch more for improved comfort for drivers of different heights.
Seats
The new Accord's front seats are broader, more comfortable and have supportive side bolsters to help keep the driver and front passenger securely in position during cornering. The rear seat offers substantially more legroom than in the previous generation Accord, and offers a clean, flowing style that mirrors the rest of the interior. Likewise, the Accord's larger interior volume allows more room between passengers. There is nearly 1.6 inches more room between the driver and front passenger, and over an inch more room between front and rear passengers.
Power Seats
An 8-way power driver's seat is standard on all models except Accord Sedan LX and Accord Coupe LX-S. Accord V-6 models features a 4-way power passenger's seat.
Power Driver's Lumbar Support
A power driver's lumbar support is standard in EX, EX-L and V-6 models for the first time in Accord history. Switching to electric activation from manual activation offers more than just convenience - the new lumbar support offers nearly a half inch more lumbar support than the previous generation Accord.
Adjustable Steering Column
The tilt range for the steering column (now nearly two inches compared to 1.6 inches in the previous-generation Accord), along with a nearly 0.6-inch greater seat height adjustment range, enhances comfort for a wider array of drivers.
Rear Seat Entry and Egress
In the coupe, the passenger-side front seat has a one-touch release that folds the seatback and allows the seat to slide forward to make rear-seat ingress and egress simple.
Center Display
The center display provides an important advancement in usability and convenience. Its easy-to-see location at the top of the instrument stack allows the driver to quickly see information. In fact, the new 2008 Accord display requires just 17 degrees of driver eye movement - an improvement over the previous Accord. The LX display shows clock and audio-system information, while the EX's 3-line display features a digital clock, audio mode, and track and time information for XM, CD and MP3. Dual HVAC temperature readouts and a digital compass are included in Accord EX with Leather.
Underneath the center display are two movable HVAC vents, the emergency flasher switch and a passenger-airbag off light. Below the vents are the HVAC controls. Audio-system controls are located in a separate row and feature larger switches that are easier to identify at a glance. At the bottom of the stack, LX models have easily accessible volume and tuning knobs. EX models also have an interface dial in this location, flanked by Menu and Cancel switches. The dial is rotated to select among different on-screen items. Pushing the controller selects the highlighted item.
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation
The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the EX with Leather (EX-L) and V-6 trim levels. Similar to the system used in the Acura RL, it features improvements that make it the most sophisticated Navi system ever available on a Honda. Upgrades from the 2007 Accord system include a new 8-inch screen and Bluetooth® cell-phone connectivity. It also features a nationwide Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions.
In developing the 2008 Accord's controls, Honda focused on making safe driving the primary task, with the controls designed and positioned logically. As such, the navigation system has been reworked to make it easier to use. In addition to being larger, the display screen is now positioned higher in the instrument panel, recessed more deeply to be better shaded from glare and positioned farther away for more convenient viewing.
The Navigation system's simplified controls are designed to be used at a glance - or without looking at them at all. The system can be controlled by voice, or by the interface dial with clear tactile feedback that speeds control inputs and reduces the need to look at the screen to confirm the system's response. With these voice commands and prompts, the driver can control the system, and get feedback and directions without looking away from the road. For voice operation, the driver simply presses the "Talk" button on the steering wheel and says any of a number of preset command phrases. The system also incorporates a hands-free Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ phone system that automatically links to the driver's cell phone address book once a simple setup procedure is performed.
The new Navigation system offers useful advances over the previous-generation Accord. These include:
- Larger 8-inch screen.
- Improved voice recognition hardware.
- Expanded command dictionary of 745 total commands (up from 655).
- Voice recognition system recognizes city and street names as spoken words.
- Ability to search up to five routes.
- Database covers the continental U.S.
- Zagat Survey™ restaurant guide provides detailed information and reviews on restaurants in database, which can be read on-screen or spoken over the audio system by a synthesized voice.
- Over seven million points of interest are stored on an updatable DVD.
- Business and recreation directory of virtually the entire continental U.S. complete with phone numbers.
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ Wireless Telephone Interface
Another first for the 2008 Accord is the new available Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink™ hands-free phone interface. Designed to work with many Bluetooth® enabled mobile phones, the system uses radio frequencies to connect the driver's cell phone to the Accord's Wireless Telephone Interface. This allows the driver to make or answer cell-phone calls without taking his or her hands from the steering wheel. The system is compatible with Bluetooth® enabled cell phones that have the Hands Free Profile (HFP).
HandsFreeLink™ is designed for easy use. After the driver completes a one-time "pairing" process to link the cell phone with the Accord, HandsFreeLink™ can communicate wirelessly and securely with the driver's cell phone when the phone is within about 10 feet of the car. Once the driver enters the car, he or she simply stores the phone in a pocket, briefcase, purse or a storage bin inside the Accord cabin and the call transfers through the Wireless Telephone Interface.
Operational features include:
- Telephone ring tone plays over the audio system for incoming calls.
- Phone numbers of incoming calls are displayed on the audio sub-display.
- Pressing the steering wheel-mounted "Pick up" button answers the call and mutes the audio system.
Caller is heard through the audio-system speakers.
- Two overhead microphones pick up the driver's voice clearly while minimizing background noise and echoing.
- To make a call hands free, the driver first activates the system using the steering wheel-mounted fingertip controls, then "dials" the number by voice.
- Numbers with voice tags may be stored in the system's memory.
- Up to six different compatible mobile phones can be paired with the HandsFreeLink™ system at one time.
Audio Systems
A pair of audio systems are available in the 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe. The standard 160-watt system includes an AM/FM receiver with a single CD player and six speakers, plus an MP3/aux-in accessory jack. A large-format display provides system information, and steering-wheel audio controls are standard in all 2008 Accord Sedan and Coupe models. An in-glass antenna pulls in AM and FM signals without the visual or mechanical complexity of a power mast antenna.
Radio Data System (RDS)
Included in all 2008 Accord models, the Radio Data System (RDS) expands the capability and functionality of the audio system. By continuously receiving and interpreting a 57 kHz FM subcarrier frequency, the Accord radio can automatically display the radio station ID, music track name and artist on stations that provide this information.
Honda Premium Audio System
The Accord's premium audio system features a 270-watt main amplifier and seven speakers (including the first use of a factory subwoofer in an Accord), and comes standard on all Accord EX-L and V-6 models. Designed to outperform the top competitive sound systems (engineered by Bose in the Nissan Altima and JBL in the Toyota Camry), the Honda Premium Audio System offers serious audio power and clarity.
The four main speakers feature 6.7-inch Kevlar cones for reduced distortion and improved sound reproduction. Twin tweeters, mounted on the A-pillars, use an aluminum dome instead of the traditional soft dome to reduce distortion by some 10 dB. This likewise improves sound quality with clearer high frequencies. Finally the 7.9-inch subwoofer, mounted behind the rear seats, is driven by a devoted 90-watt amplifier to provide powerful, defined low-frequency tones in the 30-50 Hertz range.
The system offers song-scrolling capability through an interface dial when playing CDs that provide this data. The song title appears on the Information Display, which can show three lines of text. In addition, the system features a 6-disc CD changer. XM Satellite Radio comes standard on Accord EX-L and V-6 models.
Speed-Sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC)
All Accord audio systems incorporate speed-sensitive volume control (SVC). If the driver so chooses, SVC automatically adjusts the volume as the vehicle's speed increases to counteract the gradual buildup of road and wind noise. Low, medium and high operating modes are available. The system may also be disabled at the driver's preference.
Auxiliary Input Jack
For the first time, the 2008 Accord comes with an auxiliary input jack (aux-in) that allows the easy connection of personal audio players to the audio system. The aux-in jack is conveniently located in the center console, along with a 12-volt power point that can charge the personal audio player. Plugging a portable audio device into the aux-in jack automatically sets the volume at a preset level; when the device is unplugged, the volume resets to its previous level.
Active Noise Control (ANC)
The 2008 Accord has the latest version of Active Noise Control (ANC) first introduced on the previous-generation Accord Hybrid. Now standard on the 2008 Accord V-6 Sedan and Coupe equipped with automatic transmission, and all 190-horsepower four-cylinder models, ANC significantly reduces certain low-frequency sounds in the interior.
Dual microphones - one located in the headliner near the overhead console and the other near the rear overhead light module - pick up low-end drivetrain frequency noise entering the cabin. This audio signal is sent to the Active Noise Control electronic processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.
ANC dramatically reduces the booming sound of the exhaust for passengers in the front as well as rear seats. In the frequency range below 100 Hertz, ANC results in a remarkable 10 dB reduction in noise level.
Power Moonroof
The Accord Sedan and Coupe's available power moonroof is wider than in the previous generation Accord's and now incorporates a one-touch open/close feature. (Please see Body & Chassis tab for more information.)
Auto Up/Down Front Windows
Available for the first time in Accord EX models, both the driver and front passenger windows have auto up/down capability. (Please see Body & Chassis tab for more information.)
Auto-Dimming Mirror
An auto-dimming rearview mirror is standard on Accord EX-L models for the first time. The rearview mirror automatically dims to an anti-glare setting when bright headlamps are detected behind the vehicle.
Door Lock Buttons
In the previous-generation Accord, the inside door-lock button was located at the rear of the front door next to the B-pillar. For convenience, it is now located in within close proximity to the door handle. This both improves the appearance of the doorsill and provides easier operation.
Auto Lock/Unlock
All 2008 Accord models include a customizable Auto Lock/Unlock feature that can add a sense of security for vehicle occupants.
Choices for automatic door locking include:
- Doors lock when vehicle speed reaches 9 mph.
- Doors lock when gearshift is moved from Park.
- Automatic door locking function off.
Choices for automatic door unlocking include:
- Driver's door unlocks when engine is turned off.
- All doors unlock when engine is turned off.
- Driver's door unlocks when vehicle stops and the gear shift is moved to Park (automatic transmission models only).
- All doors unlock when vehicle stops and the gear shift is moved to Park (automatic transmission models only).
- Automatic door unlocking function off.
In all cases, the doors are designed to automatically unlock when there is a sufficient shock to the body to deploy the airbags while the ignition is turned on.
Cargo Carrying Versatility
A full range of convenient storage options exist for the driver and passengers in both the Accord Sedan and Coupe. These include:
Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe
- Two front beverage holders located in center console
- Center console (two-level in EX, EX-L and V-6 models)
- Two rear cup holders (located in center armrest for Sedan, side panels for Coupe)
- Folding rear seat
- Front door bins
- Two seatback pockets
- Covered forward box
- Ski pass-through
Door Trim
A new type of door-sash trim is used for the area of the A-pillar and B-pillar that are visible when the door is open. Instead of a color-matched tape surface (typical for the mainstream midsize car segment), the 2008 Accord uses a plastic garnish that is projected to have higher durability over the years. Likewise the exterior B-pillar uses a high-quality plastic garnish that replaces the tape trim used on the previous-generation Accord. The result is a neater appearance that will last longer.
Colors
Ivory, Gray and Black interiors are offered on 2008 Accord Sedan, while the Accord Coupe comes with a choice of Ivory or Black interior.
All interior color schemes are available in both cloth and leather upholstery.
- Ivory provides a light, warm, rich feeling that is complimented by wood-grain (EX Sedan) and silver-tone (Coupe) trim finishes on the instrument panel center pad and the door panels.
- LX Sedan interiors feature exclusive gunmetal interior trim finishes on door panels and instrument panels.
- Gray is modern and stylish, and available only on Accord Sedan.
- Black is deep and cool, with silver-tone accents on the instrument panel center pad and the door panels.
