After 37 years of production, nobody will deny that the Accord is anything less than legendary, so Honda is quick to note its importance. With new competition from rival brands, Honda took it upon itself to redesign its icon in the midsize sedan segment, but has the Accord kept its focus in this all-new model?
One thing that hasn’t changed in the Accord is that it’s still built right here in the United States. After 30 years of continuous Accord production in America, both the Accord coupe and sedan models will be built in two locations in Ohio. The Accord’s place of production might have stayed the same, but that’s just about the only thing that has.
With fuel prices climbing higher and higher, and the pressure to reduce oil dependency on the rise, Honda took it upon itself to look at how to make the all-new 2013 Accord even more efficient. Being a brand that prides itself on engineering new technologies, Honda completely overhauled the 2013 Accord’s powertrain options.
While a plug-in hybrid Accord is expected for the 2014 model year, the 2013 Accord sedan and coupe will feature two Earth Dreams™ engines, each featuring improved fuel economy while offering even more performance. Buyers have choice of either an all-new direct-injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder, or a highly revised 3.5-liter V6, which just so happens to be Honda’s most powerful V6 to date.
Buyers favoring highly impressive fuel economy for a non-hybrid model will undoubtedly find solace in the standard i-VTEC 2.4-liter four-cylinder. With 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque on tap, performance is never lacking, yet EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 miles per gallon city and 36 miles per gallon highway will surely impress*. Those high numbers are increases of 4 and 2 mpg, respectively, and come courtesy of all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT), while buyers will have the option of a 6-speed manual for sportier driving.
The Earth Dreams™ four-cylinder may be both more powerful and more efficient, but the revised Earth Dreams™ 3.5-liter V6 also features those traits. Now delivering 278 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque, the V6 can shut down three cylinders for increased fuel efficiency, although this engine can either be mated to a 6-speed manual or all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. Compared to last year, drivers can expect 2-3 more miles per gallon depending on driving, with official numbers coming in at 21 city/32 highway with the 6-speed automatic*.
Sure, the powertrains might be a huge step forward for the Accord sedan and coupe siblings, but there’s much more to be impressed by. The exterior may be stylish, but it’s more of a case of form meets function. Despite being slightly shorter in overall length, interior capacity remains largely the same as last year, with dimensions actually improving in some regards. This means you get the same roomy feeling inside, while having a smaller package on the outside, leaving you with a more maneuverable vehicle in those tight spots.
The new, aerodynamic shape of both the Accord sedan and coupe improve fuel efficiency while creating a quieter interior for increased comfort. That stylish and efficient body shape lends itself well to the nine available paint colors on sedan variants, and seven on coupes. Other exterior features, some of which are optional, include LED brake lights, a rearview camera, automatic headlamps, power moonroof, and extensive use of high-tensile steel for improved safety and structural rigidity.
A completely new interior was also designed to further complement the improved exterior trimmings. Let us just say that the design of both exterior and interior is impressive, finding that sweet spot between highly functional and strikingly stylish. As stated earlier, interior dimensions were improved despite the smaller exterior dimensions, featuring increased rear legroom and trunk capacity, among other dimensions. Interior trimmings are available in black, gray, or ivory colors, in either cloth or leather form.
2013 is a big year for technology in the Accord, with features added inside and out. The Accord doesn’t leave drivers wanting in any technological area, instead leaving no doubt that they have every possible tool at their disposal. An 8-inch color display, known as “intelligent” Multi-Information Display (i-MID) finds itself front and center in the dash, controlling many of the Accord’s newfound tech toys.
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink comes as standard, while Eco Assist™ helps drivers maximize fuel economy. Pandora internet radio is also on hand, and there’s even a SMS text messaging function for increased safety. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard equipment, while such safety features as Honda LaneWatch™, which displays a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the i-MID screen, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are available for the first time. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is also an available safety feature finding its home in the Accord for the first time, and LED daytime running lights are standard on higher trim levels.
Even more exciting is that LED headlamps are available on the 2013 Accord Touring sedan, a first for the Honda brand. Often found on only the most expensive luxury vehicles available, the LED projector array means increased visibility and safety with decreased power usage.
Deciding on what Accord you want most might be the most difficult decision you’ll face, with LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, and Touring trims available for sedan models, and LX-S, EX, EX-L, and EX-L V6 trims found on coupes. No matter which bodystyle, trim level, or options you choose, there’s no doubt you’ve made the right decision with the 2013 Honda Accord. It may be redesigned for a new generation, but its excitement is matched by the quality product associated with the nearly-40-year old Accord nameplate.
To find your new 2013 Honda Accord, visit us at DCH Kay Honda today.
* 24 city/34 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 4-cylinder Sedan 6MT models. 27 city/36 highway/30 combined mpg rating for Sedan CVT models. 26 city/35 highway/29 combined mpg rating for Sport Sedan CVT models. 21 city/34 highway/25 combined mpg rating for V-6 Sedan models. Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
