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Honda Accord (8th Gen)

08-12 · Honda Accord

88out of 100

The 8th gen fixed the V6 transmission issue that plagued its predecessor and added standard ESC, making the K-series Accord finally complete.

Score breakdown

85/ 100Reliability×2.583/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.086/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A larger, more refined Accord. The K24Z3 produces 177hp and remains chain-driven and reliable. The V6 transmission problem from the 7th gen was resolved for the 8th gen. Honda moved to ESC standard across the lineup. The 5-speed automatic is the sweet spot for daily use.

Why it's on this list

Clean 8th gen Accords under $10k represent outstanding value. The K24 is still one of the most maintainable engines available, ESC is standard, and the cabin is genuinely comfortable for long commutes.

The honest trade-offs

Some 08-10 models had an airbag issue under the Takata recall, verify it was completed. The EX-L trim requires premium fuel for the V6. AC compressor failure is a known issue on high-mileage examples. Factor in $600–900 if it hasn't been replaced.

What to buy and what to avoid

10-12 EX-L four-cylinder automatic is the best buy, improved build quality, standard stability control, and the Takata recall was completed on most by now. Verify the Takata airbag recall is closed before purchase.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,485 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$400 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$180 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,000 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,540 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,580 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,120 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
27[5]
MPG city / hwy
23 / 34[5]
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl (K24Z3)
Horsepower
177 hp
Torque
161 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
14 cu ft
Stock tires
215/60R16
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Also available in coupe. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
17%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$400 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.3[1]
Severe issue probability
9%[1]
250k-mile survival
62%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$18 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Honda Accord?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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