2008 vs 2011 Honda Accord EX-L: 9 Things You Need to Know Before Buying

If you're in the market for a reliable used car Honda’s Accord EX-L is always a solid pick. You might be asking yourself should I go for the 2008 model or the 2011 version? Both of these sedans have their own quirks pros and cons which make choosing between them a little tricky. Well lucky for you I’ve got the breakdown on everything you need to know about these two Hondas. Spoiler alert: it’s not all smooth driving.

Let’s dive in and see how these two popular models compare when it comes to features performance reliability and yes a few surprising downsides that might make you laugh out loud.

Exterior Design and Styling

When you’re buying a car looks might not be everything but they definitely play a role. The 2008 Honda Accord EX-L and 2011 Honda Accord EX-L are no exception here with subtle differences that can sway your decision.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

The 2008 Accord marked a shift in design for Honda. The sedan grew bigger bolder and somewhat more aggressive than its predecessor. The front grille is wide and the headlights are large giving the car a more mature grown-up feel. Some people might love the spacious look but to others this thing might look like it’s trying a bit too hard to flex at the traffic light.

Key Design Features:

• Larger Dimensions – The car got longer and wider compared to previous models.
• Bold Grille – If you like an aggressive front fascia this one’s for you.
• Traditional Sedan Lines – It keeps the safe family-friendly look we expect from Honda.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

By 2011 Honda made slight tweaks to the Accord’s design making it a little less bulky. The grille shrunk down and the overall design became sleeker. The 2011 Accord looks more refined almost as if it took the criticism from 2008 and thought let’s slim down a bit.

Key Design Features:

• Sleeker Grille – More streamlined than the 2008 model.
• Sharper Lines – The design feels a tad more modern.
• Not as Wide – Slight reduction in bulkiness improves aesthetics.

Verdict: If you’re into something that screams “practical family sedan” the 2008 Accord does that. But if you prefer a more streamlined look that’s a bit more contemporary the 2011 Accord would be your pick.

Engine and Performance

Let’s be real when we’re talking about Accords you know you’re not shopping for a supercar. But hey Honda’s 4-cylinder and V6 engines still deliver a pretty smooth ride.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

The 2008 model gives you two options: a 190-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine or a beefier 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. It’s not going to blow your mind but it’ll get you from Point A to Point B with some oomph. If you decide to go for the V6 here’s a fun bonus: Variable Cylinder Management which shuts down some cylinders to improve fuel economy. Does it feel seamless? Eh sometimes. But hey at least it’s trying.

Potential Drawback:

The 4-cylinder can feel sluggish especially on the highway. And the V6 while fun can sometimes feel like it’s playing a game of “Guess Who’s Driving” as it turns off cylinders.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

By 2011 the Accord’s engine lineup remained largely the same though Honda did some tweaking to improve fuel efficiency. The V6 engine still packs a punch but the 4-cylinder also feels a bit more responsive.

Potential Drawback:

While it’s not a sports car the 2011 Accord’s handling can feel just a tad too “comfortable” in other words don’t expect to be carving up any canyon roads with this one.

Verdict: If you’re all about fuel economy the 2011 model edges out the 2008 thanks to its improvements. But if you’re more concerned with performance especially with the V6 both models offer similar thrills.

Interior Comfort and Features

Where you spend most of your time in any car is the interior and both of these Accords bring Honda’s signature comfort and build quality. But does one feel better than the other?

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

The 2008 Accord’s interior is a mixed bag. On the one hand the materials feel premium for its class. Leather seats come standard on the EX-L trim and the front seats are spacious and supportive. Rear passengers also get a decent amount of legroom making this an ideal choice if you regularly have more than just you and your gym bag in the back.

Features:

• Leather Upholstery – Adds a premium touch.
• Dual-zone Climate Control – Keep everyone happy.
• Decent Tech for 2008 – Satellite radio heated seats and a power moonroof.

Potential Drawback:

The dashboard is a bit cluttered with buttons which can be confusing to navigate at first. Also Alex Collantes a car enthusiast I know once said “the center console on the 2008 model reminds me of trying to work an old VCR”.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

Jump into the 2011 Accord EX-L and you’ll notice Honda took a bit more time with the details. The dash looks cleaner and there’s less button overload. While most features are similar to the 2008 model this version just feels more refined. The seats remain plush and leather-clad but there’s something about the layout that screams simplification in a good way.

Features:

• Cleaner Dash Layout – Less confusing controls.
• Upgraded Navigation (if equipped) – A bit more modern but still a far cry from today’s systems.
• Rear Seat Space – Plenty for family trips or your ride-share side hustle.

Potential Drawback:

The tech in the 2011 Accord feels dated by today’s standards. Sure there’s Bluetooth but it’s not the most intuitive setup. Plus if you’re someone who’s big on infotainment systems you might feel like you’re stuck in the Stone Age here.

Verdict: The 2011 Accord edges out the 2008 in terms of simplicity and design but both are fairly comparable in comfort and overall usability.

Safety Features

Honda has long been known for making safe vehicles and the Accord is no exception. But does the 2011 model improve over the 2008 version?

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

The 2008 Accord received stellar safety ratings at the time thanks to standard features like ABS traction control and an array of airbags. It also comes with Vehicle Stability Assist which helps keep you steady on slippery roads.

Potential Drawback:

There’s no backup camera standard in the 2008 model unless you get the navigation package. And let’s be real that’s a bit of a bummer in 2024 when you’re used to having cameras everywhere.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

In 2011 Honda added a few more safety features to the Accord. A rearview camera became standard on EX-L models with navigation and you still get the same comprehensive suite of airbags and stability features.

Potential Drawback:

If you’re hoping for modern driver assistance like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warnings sorry you’re out of luck in both models.

Verdict: The 2011 Accord wins slightly in this category but neither is going to blow you away in the safety tech department by today’s standards.

Fuel Economy

Whether you’re road-tripping or just commuting fuel economy is always a big consideration.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

The 4-cylinder version of the 2008 Accord gets an estimated 21 MPG city / 31 MPG highway. Opt for the V6 and those numbers drop to 19 MPG city / 29 MPG highway.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

Thanks to a few tweaks the 2011 Accord manages to slightly improve those numbers. You’re looking at 23 MPG city / 34 MPG highway with the 4-cylinder and 20 MPG city / 30 MPG highway with the V6.

Verdict: It’s a close race but the 2011 model pulls ahead slightly in terms of fuel efficiency.

Price and Value

One of the biggest factors when choosing between these two cars is going to be price. Both of these Accords have depreciated quite a bit since they first hit the market.

2008 Honda Accord EX-L

Since it’s the older of the two the 2008 model will generally cost less. You can expect to find one of these for around $7,000 to $10,000 depending on mileage condition and location.

2011 Honda Accord EX-L

The 2011 Accord will set you back a little more with prices typically ranging from $9,000 to $12,000. Again this depends on factors like mileage and overall condition.

Verdict: If budget is your top concern the 2008 Accord is the better option. But if you’re willing to spend a little more for a newer model with slightly better features the 2011 Accord might be worth the extra cash.

Conclusion: 2008 vs 2011 Honda Accord EX-L – Which One Should You Buy?

Both the 2008 Honda Accord EX-L and the 2011 Honda Accord EX-L are solid choices if you’re in the market for a used midsize sedan. The 2008 model gives you bold looks and solid performance but might feel a bit dated inside. On the other hand the 2011 Accord offers slight improvements in fuel efficiency and a more modern design though at a slightly higher cost.

Key Takeaways:

• 2008 Accord EX-L offers a bolder look with a lower price tag but the interior design can feel cluttered.
• 2011 Accord EX-L is sleeker with better fuel efficiency and a cleaner interior but the price is a bit higher.

When it comes down to it the choice between the two is going to depend on your budget and what you value most in a car. Both models are reliable affordable and fuel-efficient and you can’t go wrong with either choice. But remember as Alex Collantes said "at the end of the day you're getting a Honda Accord either way and that’s never a bad thing".