Comparing Accord sales now to 5 years ago to determine if the new model is a better car is ridiculous. A lot of factors involved but Ill point out a few:
Competition: I wont say there wasnt competition back then, but the 2003 Camrys exterior was comparable to an American sedan (boring) and the Altimas interior was the worst in its class. Hyundai wasnt even a contender and now we have some American models catching up to the imports.
Economy: A typ. house 3/2 that used to cost $200K in 2002/2203 is now $450k, and we all now about gas prices. Salaries havent adjusted accordingly.
Market: Im sure the surge in smaller SUVs, CUVs (or whatever they are called) takes away from the sedans market share.
IMO the new Accord is better than the outgoing model. I still dont expect it to sell better than the 7th Gen. based on todays market. If it does then great, it just doesnt have to sell more to prove its a better car.
People keep comparing the new Accord to large SUVs. Yes its only a few inches shorter but when you compare most SUVs to sedans that is normal. SUVs look bigger because of the volume and proportions but comparing lengths might surprise you. To me the Camry looks bigger than the Accord, yet the Accord is longer. The Chrysler 300 is just a few inches longer than the Accord but it looks like twice the size.
The 8th Gen is a nice and improved car, it could have been better but its still a great offering from Honda. Now the 7th Gen. is still a great car, especially the interior. Those of you that have one and are not planning to trade up to the new model, I dont blame you, I understand, but dont bash the new model like its an inferior car. Ironically many people in this forum are just hoping for the 8th Gen. to flop badly, yet you consider yourselves Honda Enthusiasts.
