Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Touring

[Autos_Editor]

While it is hard to tell at first glance that this redesigned 2013 Accord is all new, it is an excellent sedan overall.

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[redman]

As much as I think this Accord is a good car, it's just not enough in the right direction to get excited about.
Beyond some styling changes, Honda has gone the wrong way for me. First the struts replacing its traditional double-wishbone front suspension, added CVT and no D.I. engine.
It's seems like Honda wants to further distance it self from Acura. I recall when Toyota did the same with Lexus.

[PRNDL0L]

An overall equivelent of 25 US mpg in a 3400 lb sedan with 180hp is pretty efficient. The styling is ho-hum with a vaguely Hyundai Genesis rear 3/4 view and a more-than-slight resemblance to the unfortunate Crosstour front end. The interior is great, however once I noticed that strange plastic blob trim piece just to the right of the NAV screen I couldn't stop focusing on it.  It would've been better with just the dashboard there.

[jpd]

From my experience with my 2012 Honda CRV,  I won't trust any of those fuel conumption numbers for the Honda Accord!

[easyrider]

                            HEAD ROOM  HIP ROOOM  LEG ROOM  SHOULDER ROOM  TOTAL

ACCORD                    37.5             54.7              38.5                56.5                 103.2
ALTIMA                      37.1             52.1              36.1                56.1                 101.9
FUSION                      37.8             54.4               38.3                56.9                 102.8
MALIBU                      37.5             54.3              36.8                57.1                 100.3
SONATA                      37.8             54.9              34.6                56.7                 103.8

Not a lot of difference between any of the mid size competitors IMO. don't have the camry numbers. I think this class will come down to personal preference more than anything.

[mastodon]

It is probably the class leader overall IMO.  Not as good looking as the Korean companies or as luxurious as the VW, but overall the best midsize car.

[mixmanmash]

As much as I think this Accord is a good car, it's just not enough in the right direction to get excited about.
Beyond some styling changes, Honda has gone the wrong way for me. First the struts replacing its traditional double-wishbone front suspension, added CVT and no D.I. engine.
It's seems like Honda wants to further distance it self from Acura. I recall when Toyota did the same with Lexus.

The 4 cylinder in this new Accord is a DI Engine.

[redman]

As much as I think this Accord is a good car, it's just not enough in the right direction to get excited about.
Beyond some styling changes, Honda has gone the wrong way for me. First the struts replacing its traditional double-wishbone front suspension, added CVT and no D.I. engine.
It's seems like Honda wants to further distance it self from Acura. I recall when Toyota did the same with Lexus.

The 4 cylinder in this new Accord is a DI Engine.

Yep, you're correct on the 4 but not on the 6. Thanks mixmanmash.

[Danno001]

I suspect Honda did not engineer a DI V6 as future fuel economy standards will make the V6 a rare or non-existant option in the very near future. 

[whaddaiknow]

While it is hard to tell at first glance that this redesigned 2013 Accord is all new, it is an excellent sedan overall.

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I took a ride in the V6 Touring a couple of weeks ago. While I was very impressed with the overall package - the engineering thought and attention to detail was evident everywhere - I found the ride too firm and jarring for my liking. Made it even more apparent when I jumped into my 328i immediately after and the bimmer suspension soaks up road imperfections so much better. Other than that, it's a good effort from Honda.

[easyrider]

While it is hard to tell at first glance that this redesigned 2013 Accord is all new, it is an excellent sedan overall.

Read More...

I took a ride in the V6 Touring a couple of weeks ago. While I was very impressed with the overall package - the engineering thought and attention to detail was evident everywhere - I found the ride too firm and jarring for my liking. Made it even more apparent when I jumped into my 328i immediately after and the bimmer suspension soaks up road imperfections so much better. Other than that, it's a good effort from Honda.

Aren't mid size sedan supposed to be about getting around comfortably? It seems that people make such a big deal about an inch and a half of leg room but what about that ride. I would be more apt to be concerned about the firm and jarring ride also.

[JRM]

This is an improvement over the previous gen Accord, but now it's so mainstream that it is lost in a sea of sameness.   That said, it's still right up there with the best of the mainstream family sedans.   I'd say it's among the top three along with the next gen Mazda6 and new Ford Fusion imo.   

[hemusbull]

Honda is coming back as a leader! 2013 emergency Civic and this Accord show Honda is loyal to customer's needs. I just compared 2012 best in class fuel efficiency and realised 2012 Acoord is in par with Altima. (No natural resources official data for 2013). So my feeling is 2013 Accord will be the top performer in this department. It isn't a problem the missing double wishbone front suspension, the ATS that bests BMW 3 is with McPherson. I'm just praying the CVT to be a reliable long lasting unit...

[Jaeger]

Exterior is immediately forgettable - barely distinguishable from the bland blockiness of the previous model.

Isn't it odd that measure how good a CVT transmissio is by how well it mimicks a good conventional automatic?  Kind of begs the question - why not just develop a good conventional automatic?

[Mike]

Exterior is immediately forgettable - barely distinguishable from the bland blockiness of the previous model.

Isn't it odd that measure how good a CVT transmissio is by how well it mimicks a good conventional automatic?  Kind of begs the question - why not just develop a good conventional automatic?

[canuckystan]

Personally, I think this Accord is great - DI 4 cylinder with 6 speed manual (with hill assist) in a family sedan, what's not to love?  First car in a long time that I would buy new off the lot.

Question though - the article stated that lanewatch is availabe in EXL and above - is there a trim above EXL?  Hoping it would have been available on lower trims.

[greengs]

A white sport accord along with Fusion are the best looking sedans in this class IMO.  If I were in the market in this segment Accord would be at the top of the list likely.

[chamadarla]

Exterior is immediately forgettable - barely distinguishable from the bland blockiness of the previous model.

Isn't it odd that measure how good a CVT transmissio is by how well it mimicks a good conventional automatic?  Kind of begs the question - why not just develop a good conventional automatic?

Over the years Honda tranny issues always came up.  Hit and miss.

[Jaeger]

Exterior is immediately forgettable - barely distinguishable from the bland blockiness of the previous model.

Isn't it odd that measure how good a CVT transmissio is by how well it mimicks a good conventional automatic?  Kind of begs the question - why not just develop a good conventional automatic?

Over the years Honda tranny issues always came up.  Hit and miss.

So should we be comforted or concerned that they are exploring new (for them) territory with the CVT?

Mike - is development of a new brand new auto tranny more costly than the development of a brand new CVT?

[Mike]

Exterior is immediately forgettable - barely distinguishable from the bland blockiness of the previous model.

Isn't it odd that measure how good a CVT transmissio is by how well it mimicks a good conventional automatic?  Kind of begs the question - why not just develop a good conventional automatic?

Over the years Honda tranny issues always came up.  Hit and miss.

So should we be comforted or concerned that they are exploring new (for them) territory with the CVT?

Mike - is development of a new brand new auto tranny more costly than the development of a brand new CVT?

From what I have been told, yes.  Less moving parts to develop then manufacture.  But I am no mechanical engineer.