Honda's popular midsize sedans and coupes are little changed for 2007 pending a redesign for the '08 model year. Both body styles come in LX, EX, and EX-L trim. Sedans also offer price-leader VP, step-up SE, and gas/electric Hybrid models. The base engine is a 166-hp 4-cyl. LX V6, SE V6, and EX V6 models have a 244-hp V6. The Hybrid has 253 hp from a V6 assisted by an electric motor. The system self-charges the electric batteries; there's no plug-in charging. The Hybrid V6 has cylinder deactivation, and automatically stops and restarts at idle. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Hybrid and available for other Accords. A 5-speed manual is standard with the 4-cyl engine, a 6-speed manual is available in V6 coupes and EX V6 sedans.
All Accords come with ABS; V6 models add traction control. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats are standard on EX-L, EX V6, and Hybrid. Those models also offer a navigation system with voice control for some navigation, audio, and climate functions. The Hybrid has a unique grille and standard rear spoiler. It also includes Honda's Active Noise Control system, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.
News
Accord gets redesigned for model-year 2008. Sources believe the overall package will grow a bit to provide more interior space. Honda is developing 4-cyl and V6 "clean diesel" engines for North America starting in 2009. Either would suit the next Accord, but we'll have to wait and see. As for the Accord Hybrid, it hasn't sold as expected and will not continue for 2008. Honda is developing a 4-cylinder hybrid car.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 5 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
5.9 |
Four-cyl models peppy enough with slick-shifting manual transmission; test EX coupe did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Four-cyl models with automatic transmission fine in most circumstances, but can labor in passing maneuvers and climbing steep grades; test EX-L coupe did 8.6 sec 0-60. Conventional V6 lively, satisfying. Test automatic coupe did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph; feels markedly quicker with manual. Accord's automatic lacks manual shift gate, but is smooth, responsive despite occasional hesitation to downshift.
Hybrid faster off the line than conventional V6, feels strong thereafter, though not as linear. As with Civic Hybrid, some testers note exaggerated decrease in momentum, as well as periodic driveline shudder, when slowing to a stop.
Fuel Economy
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
5.1 |
In tests of 4-cyl coupes, manual-transmission EXs averaged 22.7-30.6 mpg, an automatic-transmission EX-L 25.2 mpg. Extended-use-test EX-L 4-cyl sedan averaged 26.1 mpg over 19,321 miles. Another averaged 22.4 in a separate test with more city driving. Automatic-transmission V6 EX sedans averaged 22.4 mpg in city/highway mix, 26.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test EX V6 coupe averaged 24.3 mpg with automatic transmission, 23.6 with manual.
Extended-use-test Hybrid averaged 27.5 mpg over 17,559 miles. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Accords.
Ride Quality
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
6.1 |
Generally absorbent on bumps and ruts, but all Accords have a decidedly taut ride. LX V6 and EX versions have 17-inch tires, and thump more on rough roads than other Accords, though it's seldom irksome. Hybrid seems slightly less composed overall than other sedans. V6 coupe feels sporty-car stiff.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
6 |
7 |
6.2 |
Poised and predictable on twisty roads, with a sportier feel than most class rivals. Steering quick, informative; tight turning radius eases low-speed maneuvering. V6 models are more athletic than other Accords, which come on narrower, less-grippy all-season tires. Hybrid's steering less direct feeling than other Accords. V6 manual coupe suffers significant unwanted torque steer, and test example drifted annoyingly with the crown of the road. Simulated panic stops with ABS test models were stable, progressive, but not super short.
Quietness
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6.2 |
A bit thumpy on sharp bumps and washboard pavement, but little coarse-surface tire drone. Wind rush generally modest. Some 4-cyl idle shake, but both engines otherwise smooth and unobtrusive even at high rpm. Despite antinoise system, Hybrid not noticeably quieter than regular V6s.
Controls
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 8 |
7 |
8 |
8 |
6.7 |
Exemplary. Clear, legible gauges. Simple, handy minor controls. Available navigation system easy enough to learn. Its voice activation is an upscale, user-friendly touch, but requires precise wording and a clear voice. Cabin materials sturdy, tasteful, with overall workmanship to Honda's usual standard, but a few test models had unexpected creaks, minor trim gaps, slightly misaligned dashtop panels.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
6.8 |
Ample space on comfortable, well-shaped seats, though some testers complain padding too firm for long-distance comfort. All models have tilt/telescope steering column; all but VP have height-adjustable driver seat. Headrests, tall rear deck, rear-pillar shape impede visibility aft and over the shoulder, especially in coupes. Windshield reflections a problem with lighter interior colors.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
3 |
5.1 |
Not quite wide enough for three adults, but two are comfortably uncrowded. Cushion's outboard ends surprisingly squishy, though, and some may find backrest too reclined. Head room is six-footer adequate. Leg and toe space good to generous, depending on front-seat positioning. No-strain entry/exit in sedans, but doors could open wider. Coupes, as usual, demand a crouch and crawl past long doors, which can be awkward in tight parking spots.
Cargo Room
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4.8 |
Spacious flat-floor trunks have low liftover but not much height under rear parcel shelf, and sickle-shaped trunklid hinges intrude. Note that Hybrid has 2.8 cu ft less cargo space than other sedans and no folding rear seatback, which is otherwise standard. Ample small-item cabin storage, plus bottle-holding door map pockets.
Value within Class
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 10 |
10 |
8 |
7 |
6.3 |
Accord is a Best Buy blend of confident road manners, precision engineering, and enviable refinement. To those virtues, add Honda's sterling record for reliability and resale value. Starting around $32,000, the Hybrid is pricey vs. its potential fuel savings.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. |
EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. |
Hybrid |
EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. |
Class Average |
| 68 |
68 |
66 |
60 |
59.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score |
|
47 |
| Average Score |
|
59 |
| High Score |
|
69 |
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/16/2007
|
|
| VP 4-door sedan, manual |
$18,625 |
$16,890 |
$595 |
|
|
| VP 4-door sedan, automatic |
$19,425 |
$17,613 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 2-door coupe, manual |
$20,475 |
$18,562 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$21,275 |
$19,265 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, manual |
$20,125 |
$18,246 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$20,925 |
$18,969 |
$595 |
|
|
| SE 4-door sedan, manual |
$21,575 |
$18,878 |
$595 |
|
|
| SE 4-door sedan, automatic |
$22,375 |
$19,602 |
$595 |
|
|
| SE V6 4-door sedan, automatic |
$24,250 |
$21,160 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX V6 2-door coupe, automatic |
$25,300 |
$22,922 |
$595 |
|
|
| LX V6 4-door sedan, automatic |
$25,200 |
$22,832 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, manual |
$22,650 |
$20,527 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$23,450 |
$21,250 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, manual |
$22,550 |
$20,437 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$23,350 |
$21,160 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe, manual |
$24,350 |
$22,063 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe, automatic |
$25,150 |
$22,786 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$26,350 |
$23,871 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$27,150 |
$24,594 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan, manual |
$24,250 |
$21,973 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan, automatic |
$25,050 |
$22,698 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$26,250 |
$23,780 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$27,050 |
$24,503 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 2-door coupe, manual |
$27,500 |
$24,910 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 2-door coupe, automatic |
$27,500 |
$24,910 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$29,500 |
$26,717 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 2-door coupe w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$29,500 |
$26,717 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 4-door sedan, manual |
$27,400 |
$24,820 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 4-door sedan, automatic |
$27,400 |
$24,820 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, manual |
$29,400 |
$26,627 |
$595 |
|
|
| EX V6 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$29,400 |
$26,627 |
$595 |
|
|
| Hybrid 4-door sedan, automatic |
$31,090 |
$28,157 |
$595 |
|
|
| Hybrid 4-door sedan w/navigation and satellite radio, automatic |
$33,090 |
$29,961 |
$595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class |
Years/Miles |
Comments |
|
|
|
| Powertrain |
5/60,000 |
8/80,000 on Civic and Accord Hybrid battery packs. |
|
|
|
| Bumper-to-bumper |
3/36,000 |
-- |
|
|
|
| Corrosion |
5/unlimited |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free roadside assistance |
None/-- |
-- |
|
|
|
| Free scheduled maintenance |
None/-- |
-- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.