[AG3]

The Accord Sport model is kinda attractive and makes me believe someone at Honda has a pulse. And there's a manual option for those of us who want to row their own.

I agree, the Sport model looks nice. In general, I think its a big improvement over the previous one.

The Accord Coupe's proportions also improved.

 

[Beau Tie]

I would consider this for sure, after a new Malibu of course. This is right up there.

 

[LONGHORN]

Mr. Opportunity, is that you?

No, I am Howie Long.

 

[LONGHORN]

Unfortunately for the Malibu, there are 10 midsize offerings - Malibu, Camry, Accord, Altima, Fusion, Mazda 6, Sonota, Optima, Passat, and Regal.

Who has the time to test drive all of them? So, people will cross some cars off their list based on any number of things - looks, safety, reputation/reliability, fuel economy, features, etc. The Malibu's strength (nice, solid quiet ride) is something that cannot be gleaned from a spec-sheet. People may keep it on their list based on looks - but in price, fuel economy, reputation, features - there's nothing that makes it stand out from the usual suspects.

I saw a Malibu at the dealership (haven't seen them on the road) and it has a nice stance to it, the higher trim. Mr. Welburn shows his midas touch again. With that said I don't see as much movement in the rankings in the midsize segment. Honda will continue to blow everyone else away in retail sales but remain #2 in overall sales, Ford has stated they are not chasing the #1 title and want greater profit per unit sales, Toyota has vowed to remained #1 and has the production capacity to do so, Nissan will continue to be the fleet queen. In the end, not much change.

 

[LONGHORN]

I agree, the Sport model looks nice. In general, I think its a big improvement over the previous one.

The Accord Coupe's proportions also improved.

I agree, I like the Sport trim too though I wish it had the push button start, maybe at the MMC it will. Honda saw the 40% or so take rate of the Camry SE, and was wise to have a similar model. Young families that can only afford an LX but want something more in looks.

Funny thing is, I remember GM in the late 80s & 90s having "sport" models. Specifically the Lumina had a trim package with a spoiler and nice (for the time) rims.

 

[Mcmflow]

I think the new Accord looks pretty nice, I really like the exterior, looks classy to me. I am disappointed they couldn't match the Altima's MPG numbers. Even the "bad" mid sizers this go around are not bad at all.

 

[Beau Tie]

It was released already behind the Malibu and Altima. But it is a Honda, so Honda fans will flock to it like white on rice. I don't anticipate them taking away any owners from the competition.

 

[Tre-Tre]

I really don't see what the big deal is about with this one.

 

[spidge]

One thing you did not mention is with the 4 cylinder Honda, is you get the CVT. I drove a CVT rental in June and it was horrendous. As far as the V6 fuel efficiency for the Honda, I am very impressed.

I'm not a fan of CVT's, and am glad Honda still offers manual transmissions in this segment, as they make some of the best in the industry. Combine that with the exemplary handling of their cars which almost makes you forget they have FWD.

 

[Stéphane Dumas]

For the coupe, I tried to edit the frond end with Gimp (a software alternative to Photoshop), to see how the front end might had looked if it got hidden headlights. I got to confess the edit isn't successeful. ^^;

 

[YEH]

While the design of the sedan has improved overall, as well as the proportions of the coupe, the front fascia of the current coupe is better than this.

 

[01sunfire01]

If it's an EX-anything it's the 2.4L rated at 190 hp/172 lb-ft. No, they're not too peppy although once a person drives a modern 4-banger and then one from 15 years ago the difference is night and day. I've chosen so far to stay the V-6 route but the decision to go to an I-4 is easier than ever.

And actually it's i-VTEC, aha.

My g5 has the gm 2.4L 173hp and its way faster then her accord granted i have a lighter car. She had a 99 altima she bought brand new but it was nothing but problems so she bought the accord. The 2 things she said she misses about the altima was it was faster and the ride was better along with the cabin noise. But I also couldn't drive a family car with a 4cly. I could not see packing the car with the family a full tank of gas and a trunk full and going on a trip somewhere. I would have to keep on the gas to much to keep the car going. V6 for me or a turbo 4cyl.

 

[concordefreak]

This is a clear rehash of the 5th and 6th gen cars, which I though was a a better looking camry at the time.

Honda basically switches back and forth and released a newer styled version of each generation; lazy yes, but it sells.

I have 2000 accord with the 4cyl and 5 spd, it's a fun car to drive. 150hp in 2900lbs goes a long way, but its a car built for fuel economy. all highway travel i can usually get 30 to 32 mpg (the car is rated for 27 or 28 mpg).

When you own a honda, its easy to see why its hard for owners to bother looking at other brands. They are built well, they're more engaging than most cars (firmer suspension and handling) and fuel efficient. The interiors aren't the best, they are functional. It's a car, and its usually cheaper to maintain than another counterpart (jap, american, or german).

This would be the perfect car to replace a perfect car with.

 

[CheetahDC]

One thing you did not mention is with the 4 cylinder Honda, is you get the CVT. I drove a CVT rental in June and it was horrendous. As far as the V6 fuel efficiency for the Honda, I am very impressed.

You can get a six speed manual transmission with the four cylinder, too. What was the CVT rental, out of curiosity?

 

[Ed753]

The 2013's are hitting the dealer lots, I stopped by my local Honda Store last night, they had 5 on the ground of which 3 were clearly just dropped off the trailer.

Not dramatically different, but dramatically different, if you follow, I was getting a Infiniti G Series, M-B E-Class vibe rolled-up into the last generation Accord.

The Sport with dark interior was overall very sharp, the base wheels on the LX don't look base, very nice overall.

This is a very good time for the mid-size car buyer.

With the new 2013 window stickers, the combined number is the only one readable from 5 feet away, that big 30 really sticks out.

Part content reflected 65% US/Canada and 25% Japan.

Not only does the LX have (nice looking) aluminum wheels, its also got blue-tooth, steering wheel controls and expanded view drivers mirror. :clap:

 

[turbo240]

They spent money on sheetmetal. They didn't try dramatic changes with the identity of the car, which is what works so well for the likes of Porsche or Audi. They focused on body language, overall fluidity and presentation through stance. The malibu already had its with cut out for it, but some remarkable discipline has led accord to come out a much better competitor and a more well rounded car overall.

 

[roy219]

I really don't see what the big deal is about with this one.

You're correct; it's not really a big deal. Non-electrified versions of the ninth generation Honda Accord simply continue the nameplate's tradition of excellence among midsize sedans and coupes. Like its predecessors, the newest Accord isn't necessarily class leading in every attribute relevant to midsize sedan/coupe drivers, but arguably the best overall for individual (non-fleet) customers.

Perhaps the hybrid (HEV and PHEV) versions of the Accord expected to arrive next year will genuinely be a "big deal".