The 2017 front-wheel-drive Accord is based on ninth-generation architecture introduced in the 2013 model year with a mid-cycle tweak undertaken in 2016.
This mid-sized Honda holds the distinction as the first vehicle from a Japanese automaker to be manufactured in America. Production began in 1982 in central Ohio and today, American-built Accords number north of 10.5 million units.
Little changes in 2017 save for an "Accord Sport Special Edition" boasting leather seats with red stitching, heated seats and unique badging. Unlike a majority of mid-size rivals, Accord continues offering both sedan and coupe body styles.
With two body styles, three transmissions and array of trim levels, a dizzying combination of about 25 starting price points are offered. However, Accord's list of standard features remains impressive. Each trim represents a specific equipment level with few factory options available. Sedan trims include: LX, Sport, Sport SE, EX, EX-L and Touring.
Through November, Accord's U.S. sales totaled a healthy 311,352, trailing two hot-selling Honda family members, the diminutive Civic (335,445) and segment-leading CR-V compact crossover (319,557).
American Honda Motor Co., which includes the luxury Acura division, reported record sales in 2015 of 1,586,551 units, surpassing now second-place 2007 calendar year totals by three percent. As 2016 comes to a close, Honda's posed to surpass 2015 numbers, creating a new record.
Accord's balanced handling during cornering combines with comfortable, supporting seating. Stiffer body rigidity introduced in 2016 creates a smooth, pleasant experience rather than jarring, sport-type tuning. Historically, this car's top-tier popularity during the past three decades carries on all that's good in 2017. Accord soldiers on as Honda's largest sedan despite mid-size parameters.
Two returning powertrains include 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder cranking out 185 horsepower and an aluminum ally, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 generating 278 horses. Touring comes exclusively with V-6 power; EX-L offers both four and six cylinder engines with remaining trims incorporating four-cylinders.
In-line four-cylinders offer two transmissions. A six-speed manual adorns LX, Sport and EX. Optional in these three and standard in EX-L: a continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritizing fuel economy. In fact, the CVT generates a gas-Accord best 27 miles per gallon city and 36 mpg highway; four miles per gallon better the six-speed manuals in both city and highway estimates.
While conventional transmissions rely on a finite number of planetary gear settings (5, 6 or 7), continuously variable transmissions do away with mechanical gears. Two pulleys and a belt contribute to an infinite range of ratios, allowing the engine to find the best rev range for a given situation.
The V-6 engine comes standard with a conventional six-speed automatic transmission delivering a still respectable 21 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Exclusive to the V-6, variable cylinder management shutting down half the cylinders during less-stressed situations, such as open road travel, helping boost highway mpg.
The rather large and substantial 17.2 gallon tank accommodates regular, 87-octane unleaded fuel.
After a respite in 2016, Accord returns with a restyled and re-engineered gas-electric hybrid powertrain (requiring no nightly plug-in) delivering an improved and impressive 49 mpg city and 47 mpg highway while increasing horsepower by 16. Also, during the model changeover, production relocated to Japan from Marysville, Ohio.
Accord retains a pleasant, modern exterior. Narrow, strap-like chrome door handles beset side doors. The handsome front end includes a narrow horizontal front grille with signature Honda 'H" front and center. The ends turn up at a 45-degree angle, connecting to a string of a half-dozen or so eye-catching be-jeweled LCD headlight squares within a narrow construct extending to side fenders. Touring models include dual outboard exhausts.
Generous mid-size proportions permit three second-row adult riders travel comfort. Trunk volume measures 15.8 cubic feet, average for the segment. Accord sedans continue offering compact spare tires, a perk becoming scarcer as time passes. Backrests fold down with a 60/40 split semi-flat onto second-row cushions once enacting trunk-located, dual pull tabs.
An attractive three-dimensional instrument panel greets captains. In the center; a three-quarter gauge with an analogue speedometer outer ring and center digital message window scrollable via steering wheel buttons. Two right-flank quarter-circle-sized analogue gauges illustrate fuel and temperature gauges; to the left, a half-moon tachometer.
A bright red, electronic push-button start circle resides right of the steering column in EX trims and above.
Honda's unique and welcome 'Lane Watch' visually stations a wide-angle color camera under the passenger's exterior side-view mirror. The 2013 Accord was one of the first Honda's to debut this nuance and the relatively modest-costing technology quickly spread to other family members.
Lane Watch acts as a right-side blind spot illuminator. Initiate the turn-signal stalk of an anticipated turn or lane change, and an in-motion camera feed flows into the top center screen. The learning curve is minimal. Lane Watch comes standard in both V-6 trims and four-cylinder EX and EX-L trims.
While Lane Watch patrols the starboard side, the port side stands guard with relatively old-school technology. No camera, just a mirror.
Touring come with every safety technology Honda offers including radar cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, collision mitigating braking and road departure mitigation. All other trims bundle these as a 'Honda Sensing' option.
Top-shelf Touring sedans, equipped with all factory bells and whistles, start at $34,830. Expect a $35,665 ending point with $835 destination charge. An LX sedan with six-speed manual starts at $22,355.
Dual display screens in EX, EX-L and Touring include a 7.7-inchmulti-information window deep set atop the center dash (where Lane Watch and rear backup camera feeds project). Directly below, a 7.0-inch touch screen with pinch, swipe and tap capabilities, noses out in a prominent fashion with audio and optional navigation touch-sensitive commands.
What's missing? Old-school twist knobs useful when quick, non-look activities arise. Plus as temperatures plummet, glove use can impede touch screen sensitivity, necessitating removal. Secondary commands adorning the three-spoke manual tilt-and-telescope steering wheel get heavy usage.
Below, Touring included a string of horizontal buttons monitoring ventilation controls (mode, fan speed, A/C) flanked by a pair of colored buttons: top red for upping the temperature, and cool blue below for decreasing degrees. A narrow window display exclusive to interior temperature settings reside above button row.
Satellite radio comes standard in EX trims and above as does Apple Car play and Android Auto (allowing Smartphone pairing with the touch screen). All trims include Bluetooth wireless connectivity, enabling audio files to be played through the vehicles sound system wirelessly. A USB plug-in port resides beneath ventilation controls.
Many Honda Sensing warnings may be deactivated via a well-marked dashboard button cluster left of the steering column. Also nearby; a green 'Eco' button, tweaking engine and transmission settings to optimize fuel usage.
2017 Honda AccordPrice as Tested: $35,665
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 278
Overall Length: 192.5 inches
Wheelbase: 109.3 inches
Overall Height: 57.7inches
Overall Width: 72.8 inches
Curb Weight: 3,605 pounds
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 33 mpg highway
Assembly: Ohio