Chassis

Chassis Summary

• Refined driving feel with a fun-to-drive character.
• Double-wishbone front suspension.
• New multi-link rear suspension design.
• First application of 4-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist on all trim levels.
• Active safety technologies including VSA, ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. (Please refer to the Safety tab for more information.)
• Variable Gear Ratio (VGR) steering – This new steering system uses variable mechanical ratio steering, in addition to variable power assist, to provide precise on-center feel and greater responsiveness at larger steering angles.
• A front strut tower brace on Sedan EX and above models and all Coupe models adds chassis stiffness to accommodate the additional torque and larger tires of the 190-hp four-cylinder and V-6 models.
• Lowering the engine and fuel tank in the chassis and enhancing the roll center helps the Accord corner more flatly and increases driver confidence and passenger comfort.
• Wider track dimensions (1.1-inch front/1.0-inch rear) and wider tires enhance cornering performance.
• Tighter turning radius of 18.5 feet for the Sedan and 18.21 feet for the Coupe improves low-speed maneuverability.
• New engine-mount systems improve powertrain isolation, ride smoothness and steering feel.

"Safety for Everyone"

Consistent with the Safety for Everyone initiative, every 2008 Accord integrates sophisticated safety technology that includes the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS); driver's and front passenger's dual-chamber side airbags; and side curtain airbags. The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision energy management through a network of load-bearing front frame structures designed to improve the likelihood for two vehicles to connect during a frontal collision in such a way as to absorb more crash energy compared to a conventional design.

Advanced Safety Technology Every 2008 Accord incorporates newly-designed side-curtain airbags and dual-chamber front- side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), along with active head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Additional standard safety features include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

2008 Accord safety features include:

Standard active safety systems:
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
• Standard Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA ®) with traction control (Electronic Stability Control)
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  
  Standard passive safety systems:
• ACE™ compatibility body
• Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags
• Side-curtain airbags for all outboard occupants
• Dual-chamber front-seat side airbags with OPDS
• Active front seat head restraints
• 3-point seatbelts at all positions
• Front seatbelt load limiters and pretensioners
• Head restraints for all occupants
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system (rear seat only)