Item: Used Honda Accord Saloon 2008 - 2015
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Saloon

Honda is a company that doesn’t like to follow the crowd. So, while it competes in most of the traditional sectors of the car market, in each case it does something a little bit different.

The Jazz, for example, might look like just another rival to Britain’s best-selling car, the Ford Fiesta, but it’s actually much more practical than its rivals, with a flexible boot and Tardis-like interior.

The bigger Civic is also a practical choice, but it’s mainly distinguished by having eye-catching, love-it-or-hate-it styling, despite competing in a sector of the market that’s usually more conservative than a blue rosette.

And while it may not seem so radical now, Honda’s large SUV, the CR-V, was one of the first to forego any pretence of being an off-roader and instead focus on on-road driving dynamics.

HONDA

ACCORD

A well-equipped and stylish family saloon

Used Honda Accord Saloon 2008 - 2015

The diesel models average 50.4mpg or 48.7mpg, depending on their power, while the 2.0-litre petrol does around 38mpg, and the 2.2-litre about 32mpg.

When it comes to emissions, the lower-powered diesel emits 148g/km, while the Type S produces 154g/km. The petrols produce between 168g/km and 209g/km.

Insurance premiums aren't unreasonable, with the majority of models classed between groups 22 and 27.

One benefit of Honda ownership is the slow deprecation rate, especially in the desirable diesel models.

Servicing costs are generally slightly cheaper than those of rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat, but the Honda will cost more to buy in the first place.

A well-equipped and stylish family saloon 

The majority of Accords are diesel-powered, mainly because they were bought as fleet and lease cars. The fabulously smooth and flexible 2.2 i-DTEC is the pick of the range. It comes in either 148bhp or 177bhp variants, with the first suitable for most.

If you're intent on a petrol Accord, then the 154bhp 2.0-litre is refined and fairly frugal, while the 198bhp 2.4-litre has lots of pace, but high fuel costs. From launch, the only automatic gearbox option was available on the petrol models, but a five-speed auto 'box was introduced on the less-powerful diesel model in 2009.

The entry-level ES model comes with climate control, alloy wheels, electric windows and cruise control. The EX trim gets leather upholstery, sat-nav and Bluetooth. GT adds a sporty bodykit to both the ES and EX models, while Nav models add sat-nav. There's also the sporty Type S - fitted with the more powerful diesel engine - which gets goodies such as leather-trimmed and heated electric seats.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

Honda always does well in customer satisfaction and reliability surveys, and the Accord upholds this tradition. It topped the family car category of the 2010 JD Power survey, and came fifth overall.

However, there is the odd grumble from owners, with the cabin the most problematic. Stereo issues and temperamental Bluetooth phone systems have all been mentioned, but the biggest reported concern is cabin trim and build quality. Squeaks, rattles and poor resistance to everyday wear and tear are common complaints.

Despite looking like the previous Accord, this model is classed as an all-new car. In reality, it's an evolution of the older design, improving on the car's already capable performance.

It's designed with the business user in mind. It's refined on the motorway, with virtually no wind- and road noise penetrating the cabin.

There's plenty of leg- and headroom for three in the back, while those in the front won't go short on space, either. The downside is the modest-sized boot.

Honda has a good reputation for reliability and the Accord lives up to it.

Used Honda Accord Saloon 2008 - 2015 review

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