Review
Introduction
Honda’s large family car, available in coupe and sedan form, isn’t just a perennial 10Best Cars winner, it dominates the list. The last time the Accord wasn’t on the list was 1997, and the car has appeared a whopping 22 times. The reason? Simple: The Accord has everything you want in a sensible car—reliability, a comfortable and friendly interior, and good fuel economy—plus good engines and lively handling to keep pulse rates raised.
The 2008 model year brought the eighth-generation Accord, which was first introduced back in 1976. The big news for 2009 is the addition of a diesel powertrain later in the year. Power and torque for that engine are expected to be about 160 horsepower and 260 pound-feet, which should provide a very different driving experience from Honda’s high-revving gas engines. Those are still around, starting with a 177-hp four in LX and LX Premium trim levels in the sedan. The coupe starts in LX Premium trim with an upgraded, 190-hp engine, which also comes installed in the EX and EX-L trim in both coupe and sedan. Finally, EX V-6 (sedan only) and EX-L V-6 trims come with, you guessed it, a six-cylinder engine good for 271 horsepower.
Verdict
The Accord is a favorite of ours because of its willing powertrains and fun-to-drive personality, with good steering feedback and controlled body motions. On the downside, the latest model's new looks and gargantuan proportions may be a turn-off for those used to previous Accords, but to those folks we say not to worry: this is one darn good car.
Click here to read our full review of the Honda Accord sedan.
Click here to read our full review of the Honda Accord coupe.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Honda Accord.
What’s New for 2009
The V-6 power rating is up three horsepower. The diesel engine, Honda’s first for North America, is all-aluminum. Emissions are kept in check through a special two-section NOX converter. The first section stores NOX; the other converts NOX to ammonia (NH3). The ammonia then reacts with the stored NOX to produce water and nitrogen.
Highlights and Recommendations
The sweet spot for the Accord is the 190-hp four-cylinder. It sounds good, drives well, and returns the same EPA-rated 31 mpg highway as the base engine. High-end options such as satellite radio, navigation, leather, dual-zone auto climate control, and heated front seats require the EX-L trim or above. The V-6 offers impressive power and still returns decent fuel economy—29 mpg highway—but if you’re willing to give up the straight-line speed, you can save a lot of money without giving up much driving pleasure.
Safety
Honda likes to tout the standard safety equipment in its cars, and the Accord fills that bill. Front, front side, and curtain airbags are standard. Stability control, panic brake assist, and active head restraints also come at no charge.
