This latest-generation Honda Accord stays true to its roots with contemporary yet conservative design highlighted by a strong character line that slopes down and forward like that of the Acura TL. Honda hallmarks like narrow windshield pillars and a low cowl for good forward visibility remain, and the rear door pillars share the kink popularized decades ago by BMW and becoming ever more frequent.

While you can see the hood and the top of the fenders where they meet the hood, the edges are not so visible; the swept-back light housings minimize protruding corners and ease maneuverability but exercise caution until you're certain where they are. Many modern design elements are the result of auto/pedestrian collision standards and the Accord is not immune, even the wiper arm mounts are designed to break away when hit.

Forward lights are aptly described as hawk-like and look fiercer on coupes because they use projector headlamps as opposed to the conventional reflector design on the sedans; V6 models include fog lamps. At the rear the lamp elements appear cut off at the style line rather than extending up to the top trunk seam. This contributes a sense of heaviness and more closely mirrors the princess rear end styling of the Acura RL rather than the taut crispness of the TL.

Following trends, the 2008 Accord is larger than any before, and although it competes in the mid-size market segment it is by EPA interpretation a large car. It is about five inches longer than a Camry or Altima, about the same length as a Maxima.

The coupe has grown similarly from the last Accord coupe but you won't confuse it with a large car. Virtually every dimension save width is 2-4 inches smaller outside than that of the sedan. The coupe is sleeker yet still fits the Accord mold. All coupes use projector headlights, body-color rocker panels and add a passenger side easy-entry feature for rear seat access.