- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.5i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
202kW, 339Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 10L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2009 DCOTY – Honda Accord V6: Modern classic review
Eleven years ago seems like the blink of an eye when you reflect back, but the motoring landscape has changed significantly since the Honda Accord won Drive’s Car of the Year award in 2009.
- An advanced cylinder deactivation system
- Quality interior
- Great value when launched
- Bland styling
- Lacking low end punch
- Can be thirsty
Honda was hit hard – as many manufacturers were - by the GFC post 2008, and the Accord was one of the last cars released before the brakes were forcibly pumped on research and development. It was a malaise that would hurt the brand globally for nearly a decade.
In 2009, though, the Accord was a compelling large sedan when pitted against the competition. Don’t forget, Honda fans could also have an Accord Euro if they wanted something more compact.
Unsurprisingly, Australia’s best-selling car in 2009 was the Holden Commodore, with more than 44,000 finding homes in Australian driveways. Australia was yet to move to SUVs in huge numbers, or dual-cabs for that matter, showing that cars – and sedans specifically – were still prized by Aussie buyers.
Back in 2008, a Honda Accord Luxury V6 was powered by a 3.5-litre petrol engine with a five-speed automatic and cost $39,990 before on-road costs. Now, the two-model range starts with the 1.5-litre VTi-LX auto from $47,990 and the range-topper is the 2.0-litre VTi-LX Hybrid, which starts from $50,490. On one hand, then, you can distinctly see the shift to smaller, turbocharged engines over the past decade, but you can also see that pricing has climbed.
The DCOTY judges noted the engineering tech, which allowed the Accord to run on three, six or four cylinders, as well as six airbags and ESC as standard – haven’t times changed there? Honda’s signature build quality, attention to detail, feeling of premium ambience inside the cabin, and the general driving dynamics, all came in for a mention as well.
It’s fair to say the 2008 Honda Accord hasn’t yet attained modern classic status, despite being a rock-solid second-hand – not to mention bargain – buy. The DCOTY winner has aged pretty well too. Thanks to contemporary styling that didn’t push the envelope too far, the Honda Accord has stood the test of time well.
Where it is today – Redbook price estimate is $6400-$8100
Current equivalent – 2020 Honda Accord VTi-LX priced from $47,990
Key details | 2008 Honda Accord V6 |
Engine | 3.5-litre petrol V6 |
Power | 202kW @ 6200rpm |
Torque | 339Nm @ 5000rpm |
Weight (tare) | 1605kg |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
Transmission | Five-speed automatic |
Power to weight ratio | 125.9kW/t |
Price when new (MSRP) | $39,990 (or $49,990 for the V6 Luxury model) |
At a glance | 2008 Honda Accord V6 |
Fuel consumption (claimed combined) | 10L/100km |
Fuel tank size | 70L |
Length | 4945mm |
Width | 1845mm |
Height | 1475mm |
Wheelbase | 2800mm |
Warranty | Three-years, 100,000km (when new in 2008) |
Price (MSRP) | $39,990 or $49,990 for V6 Luxury (when new in 2008) |