Also in the 2009 Honda Accord Review:
5.
6.
Honda Accord Full Review
7.
8.
9.
The 2009 Honda Accord sees no major changes following its 2008 redesign. Four-cylinder and V6-powered coupes and sedans are available with either a 177- or 190-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, or a 271-hp 3.5-liter V6. The V6 includes Honda's Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation. Coupes and sedans are offered in EX and EX-L trim levels. Sedans are also offered in entry-level LX and LX-P versions. An entry-level LX-S coupe is also offered. The 4-cylinder engine is available on all models. EX and EX-L sedans are also available with the V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available across the board. V6 EX-L coupes are available with a 6-speed manual transmission, other models can be had with a 5-speed manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather seating is standard on EX-L models, but not available otherwise. A navigation system is also available.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 4 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
5.4 |
With the automatic transmission, 177-hp Accords move adequately from a stop, but passing and merging require patience. EX and LX-S 4-cylinder models, with their 190-hp engine, are stronger in all situations. Several 4-cylinder models tested have suffered from a rough idle and pronounced vibrations felt through the body and steering wheel. V6 models with the automatic are stronger still, with plenty of reserve muscle for easy passing. All manual-transmission Accords are faster than their automatic counterparts, with smooth clutch engagement and a precise feeling shifter.
Fuel Economy
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 7 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
5.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an Accord LX-P with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg in city/highway driving and 25.8 with more highway use. Our extended-use automatic EX 4-cylinder sedan is averaging 22.7 mpg over its first 4438 miles. V6 versions with the automatic averaged 19.5 mpg. All Accords use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
All Accords feel refined and solid. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it's never bothersome. V6 coupes have larger wheels and tires. The result for coupes is a firmer ride and notably more impact feel.
Steering/Handling/Braking
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 6 |
6 |
6 |
7 |
5.9 |
Accords remain on the sporty side of the midsize class, with light but direct steering and well-controlled lean in corners. Coupes feel somewhat sharper but not enough to justify reduced ride comfort.
Quietness
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
5.9 |
Across the board, road noise is fairly pronounced, with less sound isolation from traffic din than might be expected. The coupes' larger wheels and tires contribute to a small amount of additional road noise. The LX and LX-P models disappoint for their crude-sounding engine. The 190-hp 4-cylinder is slightly more pleasant. The V6 is the most refined of the bunch.
Controls
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
6.3 |
Though redesigned, Accord's interior will feel familiar to repeat buyers, and that's a good thing. Some of our testers, however, bemoan the large number of individual controls. Big dials and gauges are easy to read. Most major controls are logically placed and have a substantial, quality feel, though a few climate functions are just out of easy reach for some drivers. The navigation screen is generally easy to read, though it's recessed deeply in its housing, obscuring sight lines. Despite its recess, the display can wash out in certain light conditions.
Details
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 6 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
5.5 |
Continues in the Accord tradition of offering good quality materials and solid assembly. Cabin impressions vary widely based on interior color palette. Depending on color, EX and EX-L sedans are available with woodgrain accents that go a long way toward creating a warm, upscale ambiance. Some testers find models without woodgrain trim lack character. Coupes have unique interior accents that impart a sportier feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 8 |
8 |
8 |
7 |
6.6 |
Accord sedan and coupe seats are more comfortable since 2008 redesign. The seats are more supportive than in previous Accords. There's ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. Larger door openings and a higher roof make entering and exiting Accord easy. Visibility is good all around in all models, but coupes have a more rakish roofline that obscures the view to the rear corners.
Room/Comfort (rear)
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 7 |
7 |
7 |
3 |
5.1 |
Accord is longer after 2008 redesign, and much of that space went to the rear seating area. Sedans have good headroom, vast legroom, and comfortable seats. Again, large door openings and a high roof contribute to easy entry and exit. Coupes offer more space this year as well, though seating is still best left to children.
Cargo Room
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 4 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
4.1 |
Sedans have a large, deep, usefully shaped trunk, though a smallish opening may prevent loading of bulkier items. Intrusive hinges force cautious loading of crushable items. Note that the folding rear seatback is one piece, rather than split like on most cars. Coupes have a smaller trunk with a somewhat smaller opening. Sedan and coupe interior storage includes roomy center console with handy divided compartments, 12-volt power outlet, and MP3 port.
Value within Class
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 7 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
6.4 |
This perennial benchmark for midsize value and performance was redesigned for 2008, gaining power and passenger space. Though Accord is not leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a great value for shoppers in this class.
Total Score
| LX-P sedan, automatic |
EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic |
EX-L V6 sedan, automatic |
EX V6 coupe, manual |
Class Average |
| 69 |
73 |
74 |
66 |
62.9 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score |
|
48 |
| Average Score |
|
62 |
| High Score |
|
74 |
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/14/2008
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, manual |
$20,775 |
$18,830 |
$635 |
|
|
| LX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$21,555 |
$19,553 |
$635 |
|
|
| LX-S 2-door coupe, manual |
$21,255 |
$20,185 |
$635 |
|
|
| LX-S 2-door coupe, automatic |
$23,055 |
$20,908 |
$635 |
|
|
| LX-P 4-door sedan, manual |
$21,755 |
$19,734 |
$635 |
|
|
| LX-P 4-door sedan, automatic |
$22,555 |
$20,456 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, manual |
$23,555 |
$21,360 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX 2-door coupe, automatic |
$24,355 |
$22,083 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, manual |
$23,455 |
$21,270 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX 4-door sedan, automatic |
$24,255 |
$21,993 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX V6 4-door sedan, automatic |
$26,455 |
$23,981 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe, manual |
$25,555 |
$23,167 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe, automatic |
$26,355 |
$23,890 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation, manual |
$27,755 |
$25,155 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 2-door coupe w/navigation, automatic |
$28,555 |
$25,878 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan, manual |
$25,455 |
$23,077 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan, automatic |
$26,255 |
$23,800 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation, manual |
$27,655 |
$25,065 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic |
$28,455 |
$25,788 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 4-door sedan, automatic |
$28,555 |
$25,878 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 2-door coupe, manual |
$28,805 |
$26,104 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 2-door coupe, automatic |
$28,805 |
$26,104 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 2-door coupe w/navigation, manual |
$31,005 |
$28,092 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 2-door coupe w/navigation, automatic |
$31,005 |
$28,092 |
$635 |
|
|
| EX-L V6 4-door sedan w/navigation, automatic |
$30,755 |
$27,866 |
$635 |
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-years/100,000-miles on hybrid battery. |
|
|
|
| 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.
Also in the 2009 Honda Accord Review:
5.
6.
Honda Accord Full Review
7.
8.
9.