Is a Honda Accord a good family car?
The Honda Accord remains a top pick among midsize sedans for families, blending space, safety, reliability and efficiency into a well-rounded package.
What makes the Accord suited to family life
With a roomy interior, easy access for kids and practical cargo, the Accord is designed to handle daily chores and weekend trips alike. Two powertrains — a turbocharged gasoline engine and a hybrid — offer a balance of performance and efficiency. One notable caveat for some buyers: the model line is front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel-drive option.
Safety and reliability
Safety and driver-assistance
Honda’s suite of driver aids, collectively known as Honda Sensing, is standard on most trims and includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Accord has repeatedly earned strong safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its appeal as a family car.
Reliability and ownership costs
Long-term ownership tends to be affordable, with a solid reliability history and high resale value. Maintenance costs are typically predictable, and Honda’s reputation for durable powertrains means fewer surprises over the vehicle’s life.
Space, practicality and comfort
Interior space
The Accord seats five adults with comfortable room in both rows. The rear legroom and headroom are generous for a midsize sedan, helping with longer family trips.
Cargo and practicality
Trunk space is ample for a sedan in this class, and the rear seats fold to increase cargo versatility when needed. The interior storage and usability earn praise in reviews focused on practical family use.
Engines, efficiency and driving dynamics
Powertrains
Two main options are available: a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing around 192 horsepower, and a hybrid system combining electric motors with a gasoline engine for higher efficiency. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbo is available on certain trims for buyers seeking more spirited performance. All versions are front-wheel drive.
Fuel economy and driving feel
The hybrid version leads in fuel efficiency, typically delivering in the high 40s mpg (combined) in many tests, while the turbo engines balance performance with respectable efficiency. The Accord emphasizes a smooth, comfortable ride and predictable handling, making it suitable for family highway trips rather than sporty driving.
Note: As of the 2024 model year, the Accord remains front-wheel-drive only with no AWD option, which is a consideration for buyers in areas with heavy snowfall.
What to consider before buying
Before weighing the Accord against rivals for a family car, here is a quick look at its practical advantages.
- Spacious and comfortable interior suitable for five passengers
- Strong safety features and high crash-test ratings
- Reliable ownership with favorable resale values
- Hybrid option that significantly improves fuel economy
- Smooth ride quality and refined cabin
These strengths translate to real-world practicality for families who value comfort, safety and efficiency in a daily driver.
Potential drawbacks to weigh before buying:
- No all-wheel-drive option; only front-wheel drive
- Not as engaging to drive as some sporty rivals
- Some trims can be pricey when fully loaded, and infotainment can feel laggy on older versions
- Compared with some rivals, cargo versatility is solid but not class-leading
Weighing these drawbacks against the positives helps determine if the Accord is the right family car for you, especially if AWD or maximum cargo space are priorities.
Summary
In the end, the Honda Accord remains a standout option for families seeking a well-rounded, reliable sedan with ample space and strong safety. The hybrid variant boosts fuel savings without sacrificing practicality, and the overall ownership experience is comfortable and predictable. If all-wheel drive, extreme cargo flexibility or sportier driving dynamics are essential, you may want to compare against rivals such as the Toyota Camry (AWD available on some trims), Hyundai Sonata, or Subaru models for alternatives that better fit those needs.
Is the Honda Accord a good family car?
The Honda Accord has earned the title of Best Midsize Car for Families for the fourth time, while the Accord Hybrid has received its second recognition as the Best Hybrid Car for Families. The Accord Hybrid models are now at the forefront of the 11th generation Accord lineup, making up over 50 percent of the sales.
What are the disadvantages of the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord has several potential cons, including specific model year issues like transmission problems in early CVT models (2013−20142013 minus 20142013−2014), and other general concerns such as the lack of all-wheel drive (AWD) on current models, potential for loud road noise, and some buyers finding the base engine underwhelming or the styling not sporty enough. Older models may also experience issues with brake vibration, power steering, and electrical components.
Mechanical and performance cons
- Transmission issues: Some earlier models, particularly those with the first-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT) from years like 2013−20142013 minus 20142013−2014, have reported issues including oil consumption and transmission problems.
- Engine problems: While known for reliability, some reports mention engine issues like stalling, misfires, and excessive oil consumption.
- No AWD: The Honda Accord does not offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, which can be a disadvantage compared to some competitors.
- Base engine performance: The base engine may be considered underwhelming by some buyers who prefer more power.
- Brake and suspension concerns: Some owners have reported issues with brake vibration and worn-out suspension components like struts and bushings.
Interior and design cons
- Loud road noise: Some reviews indicate that road noise can be loud, potentially due to lightweight materials used for better fuel economy.
- Basic interior materials: Certain reviews mention that interior materials are basic.
- Infotainment and electrical issues: Some owners have reported problems with the infotainment system and other electrical components, including dashboard display and camera failures.
- Bland styling: Some critics find the exterior design to be "bland" or "non-sporty".
Other potential cons
- Higher price: Newer models have seen a slight price increase.
- Limited customization: There can be limited customization options available.
- Expensive maintenance: Some sources suggest dealer maintenance can be expensive.
Which Honda is best for families?
Honda CR-V: Spacious and Practical SUV
The CR-V is a compact SUV with a roomy interior and impressive cargo capacity, making it a favorite for families who need versatility without the bulk of a full-size SUV. Families often choose the CR-V for its: Efficient four-cylinder engine and hybrid options.
How reliable are Honda family cars?
Honda models are famous for racking up over 200,000 miles if you keep up with maintenance. The Accord, Civic, and Honda CR-V can even hit 300,000 miles or more. That's down to Honda's solid engineering and quality parts. Pre-owned Honda vehicles usually hold their value, partly because people trust their reliability.
