The Honda Accord: Blending History and Innovation
I’ve lost count of how many Honda Accords I’ve driven over the years—sedans that carted me across states, up mountain switchbacks, and, yes, through supermarket parking lots in the rain. The latest Honda Accord keeps the same dependable heart it’s had since 1976, but wraps it in sharper tech, smarter packaging, and a calmer ride. It’s the kind of midsize sedan you buy once and then forget about car shopping for a decade, which, honestly, is the highest compliment a commuter can get.
Why the Honda Accord still matters
In a world where crossovers hog the limelight, the Honda Accord remains a benchmark for what a midsize sedan should be. It competes head-on with the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata, but it does the “daily driver” thing with a bit more polish. When I tried it on awful winter-ravaged roads, the Accord felt composed and unflappable. The chassis has a quiet confidence; the steering is light but accurate; and the cabin is whispery enough at 75 mph that you can hear your kids arguing in the back—lucky you.
Honda Accord Hybrid: the sweet spot
The Honda Accord Hybrid is the one I’d recommend to friends. It uses a two-motor setup good for a combined 204 hp and a generous hit of torque off the line (247 lb-ft). In the real world, it’s quick enough—about mid-6 to 7 seconds to 60—and calm about it. Around town it glides like a train on soft rails; on the highway it barely sips fuel. Expect up to the high-40s to low-50s mpg depending on trim and how lead-footed your right shoe is.
Honda Accord 1.5T: the quiet professional
If you’re doing long commutes or just prefer gasoline simplicity, the 1.5-liter turbo-four delivers 192 hp through a CVT. It’s smooth and efficient, with EPA figures climbing into the 30s mpg combined. Under heavy throttle, the CVT can hang onto revs a bit longer than I’d like—par for the course—but the Accord’s cabin keeps the drone mostly in the background. I noticed right away how planted it felt on uneven surfaces; there’s a sophistication to the damping you don’t get at this price elsewhere.
Cabin, tech, and the little things that add up
Inside, the Honda Accord brings the good stuff: clean design, proper ergonomics, big knobs for climate control, and ample room for both rows. Trunk space is a healthy 16.7 cubic feet, so weekend hauls—golf clubs, strollers, that random Craigslist bookcase—are easy.
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen on most trims; a 7.0-inch unit on base trims
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on upper trims; wired on base
- Available head-up display on top trims
- Quiet highway manners, supportive seats, and a low cowl for great forward visibility
Two quibbles from my week with it: the base 7-inch screen looks small in 2025, and the piano-black trim around the shifter shows smudges if you so much as glance at it. Otherwise, it’s that classic Accord blend of quality and restraint. The lane-keep and adaptive cruise tuning feel natural, not intrusive, and I never had an infotainment freeze-up—something I can’t say about every rival.
Safety first: standard driver aids that actually help
The Honda Accord comes standard with Honda Sensing, including lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is widely available. The result? Long drives are less tiring, and you arrive fresher. On a rainy interstate slog, I leaned on adaptive cruise and lane centering and the car tracked like it wanted to be there.
Ownership: low drama, high value
Repair and maintenance costs remain competitive, and resale value is predictably strong. A few owners mentioned to me they hit 250,000 miles with basic servicing—and I believe it. The Accord has been a long-term favorite at Car and Driver for good reason. If you plan to keep a car for a decade, this is the safe bet that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Honda Accord vs rivals: the quick comparison
| Model | Powertrains | 0–60 mph (approx.) | EPA mpg (best trims) | Trunk (cu ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Accord | 1.5T (192 hp), Hybrid (204 hp) | ~6.6–7.3 sec | Up to ~51 city / mid-40s hwy | 16.7 |
| Toyota Camry | I4/V6 (used), Hybrid (up to 225 hp) | ~6.5–7.8 sec | Up to ~51 city / 53 hwy (hybrid) | ~15.1 |
| Hyundai Sonata | Turbo I4, Hybrid (192–195 hp) | ~6.8–7.6 sec | Up to ~50 city / mid-50s hwy (Blue) | ~16.0 |
Numbers vary by model year and trim, but the Accord’s balance of space, refinement, and fuel economy remains class-leading.
Make it yours: premium mats and personalization
I’m a sucker for tidy cabins, so I fitted a set of AutoWin premium floor mats for Honda Accord. They’re the kind of detail that keeps the interior looking new and, more importantly, keeps winter slush where it belongs.
If you’ve got an older Accord, there are tailored options as well—useful when you’re bringing classic reliability into the present day with a cleaner, smarter interior.
Clients can even personalize the design to match trim and color schemes—nice for Touring models with lighter interiors, or Sport trims where red stitching begs for coordinated accessories.
Conclusion: the Honda Accord remains the one to beat
I went into this latest drive wondering if the midsize sedan still had a reason to exist. The Honda Accord answered that in about three blocks. It’s efficient without feeling fragile, comfortable without going limp, and genuinely enjoyable to steer. Whether you’re cross-shopping a Toyota Camry or a Hyundai Sonata, the Accord’s blend of modern tech, excellent fuel economy, and historic reliability makes it a standout. Add a few smart accessories—like those AutoWin floor mats—and you’ve got a premium-feeling daily that’ll still be doing the school run a decade from now.
Honda Accord FAQs
Is the Honda Accord a good car?
Yes. The Honda Accord is consistently praised for reliability, comfort, strong resale value, and real-world efficiency. It’s the sedan I recommend most to people who just want trouble-free miles with a dash of refinement.
How many miles will a Honda Accord last?
With routine maintenance, many Accords sail past 200,000 miles; 300,000 isn’t unusual. I’ve met owners who treat oil changes like religion and never see a warning light.
How do I reset the oil light on a Honda Accord?
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Use the Trip/Info button to show the oil life screen.
- Press and hold the button until the indicator flashes.
- Release, then press and hold again until it resets to 100%.
Is the Honda Accord available with AWD?
No. The Accord is front-wheel drive only. With a good set of winter tires, it performs well in light to moderate snow, but if you regularly face deep snow or steep, icy drives, an AWD vehicle will offer more traction.
Can a 65-inch TV fit in a Honda Accord?
Sometimes. Fold the rear seats, slide the front passenger seat forward, and load carefully. Measure the boxed TV first; the trunk opening and diagonal length through the cabin are your limiting factors.
