honda accord review

Few vehicles over the past three decades have garnered as much respect in America as the Honda Accord. It hasn't achieved this by being sporty, glamorous or sexy. Instead, it has, for every year, offered what most Americans want out of their daily transportation. Take an Accord for a test-drive, and you'll find it comfortable, roomy, intelligently engineered and easy to drive. Research it, and you'll find it backed by a solid reputation for reliability, a strong resale value and an emphasis on safety.

It is true that competing sedans or coupes hold certain advantages over the Accord. Some are faster, others are more prestigious or less expensive. What's special about the Honda Accord, though, is its completeness. It scores well in all of the categories that people expect a family-oriented sedan or coupe to cover, not just a few. When examined from a holistic standpoint, it's easy to see why this Honda car has become an automotive icon and one of our editors' top recommendations.

Current Honda Accord

The current Accord is bigger than previous models and boasts better engine performance without any loss of fuel efficiency. It's available as a midsize coupe or sedan and in a variety of trim levels to suit almost any buyer's needs. Entry-level LX models have the basic necessities while top-line EX-L models feature items like leather upholstery, Bluetooth and an optional navigation system. All models come with a full array of safety equipment, including side curtain airbags and stability control.

As has been the case with past Accords, the newest model comes with either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine makes 177 horsepower; an upgraded version of this engine available on the EX trim makes 190 hp. For more power, a 271-hp, 3.5-liter V6 is available. The four-cylinder engine has a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a five-speed automatic as optional. The V6 typically comes with a five-speed automatic, though V6-equipped coupes are available with a six-speed manual.

In reviews, we've found the latest Honda Accord continues to be a satisfying family sedan or midsize coupe, despite the fact that many rivals have caught up in recent years. The interior is very roomy and high in quality, though some might take issue with the car's multitude of buttons on the dash. Compared to some Accords of the past, the latest model is less sporty to drive, and it also has elevated road noise and mediocre brakes. Nonetheless, it still offers the usual Accord strengths of crashworthiness, reliability and comfort.