Highlights: This is the ninth-generation Honda Accord. The vehicle has grown from being a compact to a roomy midsize sedan over the years.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $33,140
Seating Capacity: 5 occupants
Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain); vehicle stability control; ABS; electronic brake distribution; tire pressure monitoring system; and daytime running lights
Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; automatic headlights; heated (front) leather seats; 10-way power driver’s memory seat; a voice-activated NAV system; a push-button keyless starter; a dual-zone automatic ventilation system; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a back-up camera; a rear deck spoiler; and an illuminated visor vanity mirrors.
Standard Audio: a 7-speaker 360-watt AM/FM/CD MP3 player with XM radio
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Bluetooth Compatibility: Included
MP3 Capability: Included
ipod Capability: Included
a USB audio interface: Included
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5- liter, 278-horsepower
Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/28-hwy
Other Accord Coupe models:
LX
LX-S
EX
What’s New: The 2013 Accord has received a thorough makeover for the 2013 model year. In fact, it’s totally redone, even slightly shorter than the previous generation. Although at first glance, the Accord looks like the 2012 model. A closer look reveals that this vehicle is totally new, inside and out. Everything from the headlights to the tail lights to all of the high-tech features that are now available on one America’s best midsize vehicle are all new. The Accord even provides an increase bump in MPG (miles per gallon), too!
Pros: In the midsize segment, where sedans rule, Honda and Nissan are the only automakers to offer a coupe. (However, we hear that the Altima Coupe is on its last leg.) As noted in the previous section, the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe receives a number of new features. The vehicle now incorporates LED lights, an easy-to-use touchscreen audio system, a forward-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system.
We were equally impressed with the industry-first Honda LaneWatch Blind Spot Display. Unlike the typical electronic blind spot system, Honda provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway via the NAV screen, when the right turned signal is in use. Boy, this is better than any electronic blind spot system. In fact, we hope that Honda incorporates this technology on the right side of the vehicle, too. Without a doubt, having Honda’s LaneWatch Blind Spot system will greatly reduce accidents.
Moreover, we can’t forget about the vehicle we reviewed being outfitted with a six-speed manual transmission. Yes, this feature put the spunk back into driving a midsize vehicle.
Cons: Like Toyota’s current-generation Camry, Honda followed suit, refusing to make dramatic changes to the exterior. In the competitive midsize segment, every vehicle has received dramatic exterior changes except Toyota and Honda over the past few years. Ironically, both Toyota and Honda hold the top spots for car sales in the midsize segment, as it relates to retails sales in the midsize segment. So, I guess their philosophy is, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Moreover, we also found the turn-styled navigation system to be quite difficult to use, when attempting to locate a street address. We finally gave up, after making several attempts.
Lastly, we found the Accord’s ride is still too firm for a vehicle in this segment, although most loyal Honda owners won’t complain.
The Verdict: The Accord has been a staple in America for approximately thirty years. As most Accord owners realize, the 2013 model is this the best one to date. Unlike the previous generation, the 2013 Accord is loaded with a number of must-have safety tech features.
Furthermore, the Accord offers a variety of configurations to suit everyone needs. The Accord is available in either a two-door or four-door configuration with either a manual, automatic or hybrid plug-in engine, depending on the trim selected. Pricing starts out at $22,470 for a base sedan, while a base coupe starts out at $24,140.
And although this is one of the most competitive segments in the industry, the Accord continues to be competitive no matter how dramatic its competitors are, as it relates to styling. Accord owners always know with a Honda, the vehicle will be reliable and trouble-free (for the most part). This is what keeps Honda owners coming back!
Competition: While there are no coupes in the midsize segment, here are the sedans the Accord competes against: Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and VW Passatt.
____________________________________________________________________________
Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to JeffCars.com. Follow him at twitter/jeffcars.
