Is Accord a good car?

Yes. The Honda Accord is widely regarded as a strong all-around choice in the midsize sedan segment, thanks to its reliability, efficiency, spacious interior, and balanced ride.

This article examines why the Accord is well-regarded, what powertrains it offers, potential drawbacks to consider, and how it stacks up against key rivals. It also offers practical buying guidance for new and used shoppers, with a focus on ownership costs and long-term value.

What makes the Accord stand out

Below are the core strengths that consistently attract buyers to the Accord across model years.

• Reliability and strong resale value


• Spacious, well-appointed interior with ample rear seating and cargo space


• Multiple powertrain options, including efficient 1.5L turbo, robust 2.0L turbo, and a capable hybrid


• Comfortable ride with good refinement for highway cruising


• Solid standard safety features and active driver-assistance technologies


• Clean, user-friendly interior design and practical controls

In short, these strengths make the Accord a versatile pick for families, commuters, and long-distance travelers alike.

Engine choices and performance

The Accord provides a trio of powertrains to suit different priorities, paired with a smooth, easy-to-live-with transmission setup.

1.5-liter turbocharged engine

This engine balances efficiency and everyday responsiveness for most drivers. It delivers adequate acceleration for routine driving and tends to return good fuel economy in urban and highway use.

2.0-liter turbocharged engine

Aimed at buyers who want stronger performance, this setup provides noticeably quicker acceleration and more confident highway merging, with a sportier feel than the base engine.

Hybrid

The Accord Hybrid emphasizes efficiency without sacrificing practicality. It blends electric assistance with the gasoline engine for strong real-world mileage while preserving a familiar sedan feel and ample interior space.

Potential drawbacks to consider

While the Accord scores highly for most buyers, there are trade-offs to keep in mind.

• Base acceleration can feel modest with the 1.5L engine, especially when fully loaded or on steep grades


• Hybrid variants add complexity and potentially higher repair costs if components wear out, though they typically deliver excellent fuel economy


• Higher trims can be pricey, and some features move to optional packages


• Some rivals offer more engaging handling or sportier styling, depending on personal preferences

Overall, the Accord prioritizes practicality and long-term value over flashy performance, which suits most mainstream buyers but may not satisfy those seeking a more dynamic driving experience.

Shopping tips: What to look for when buying a new or used Accord

When shopping, consider these practical criteria to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

• Powertrain choice: decide whether you want the 1.5L, 2.0L turbo, or Hybrid based on performance and fuel economy goals


• Trim level and features: higher trims add premium materials, advanced driver aids, and enhanced infotainment


• Warranty and maintenance coverage: verify the specifics of Honda’s basic, powertrain, and hybrid component warranties


• Interior space and cargo needs: ensure seat comfort and trunk room meet your daily use


• Used-car considerations: check maintenance history, battery health for hybrids, and any recalls or service campaigns

Bottom line: Align the powertrain, features, and budget with how you plan to use the car to maximize value and satisfaction.

How the Accord stacks up against rivals

In the crowded midsize sedan segment, the Accord competes with several strong contenders. Here’s a quick snapshot of where it stands relative to its main rivals.

• Toyota Camry: Excellent reliability, strong hybrid options, and a comfortable ride; the Camry is a tough competitor with slightly different value propositions.


• Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5: Strong value, generous tech features, and attractive warranties; can edge ahead on tech and style at similar prices, with differing interior feel.


• Nissan Altima: All-wheel-drive availability on some trims and straightforward packaging; the Accord generally offers a roomier interior and stronger resale value in many markets.

Overall, the Accord is a leader in reliability, interior space, and long-term ownership value within the class, though some buyers may prefer rivals for sportier feel or AWD capability.

Ownership experience and reliability

Honda has a long-standing reputation for robust reliability, which enhances the Accord’s appeal for buyers seeking a sedan they can keep for many years with reasonable maintenance costs.

• Predicted reliability: historically high, with favorable long-term durability


• Resale value: typically strong within the midsize segment


• Maintenance costs: generally reasonable for a mainstream sedan, with lower-than-average repair risk on well-maintained models


• Warranty considerations: standard coverage typical of the class, with hybrid components sometimes backed by separate terms

When shopping used, pay attention to service history, battery health on hybrids, and any recalls or campaigns that may affect the specific vehicle.

Conclusion

The Honda Accord remains one of the most well-rounded choices in the midsize sedan market, delivering reliable performance, ample interior space, and strong efficiency across powertrain options. It may not be the boldest or loudest option in its class, but for buyers prioritizing value, practicality, and long-term ownership satisfaction, the Accord consistently earns its keep.

Summary

The Accord stands out for reliability, interior practicality, and a choice of efficient powertrains, including a highly efficient hybrid. It offers a comfortable ride, strong safety features, and solid resale value. While it may not satisfy enthusiasts seeking sportier handling or all-wheel-drive in a sedan, it remains a top overall choice in the midsize segment for most buyers.

Are Honda Accords long-lasting cars?

Yes, Honda Accords are known for lasting a long time, often exceeding 200,000 to 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. Their longevity is due to their reliable engines and transmissions, but factors like regular oil changes, timely repairs, and consistent maintenance are crucial for reaching these high mileages. 
Factors contributing to longevity

• Reliable engines: Honda's engines, such as the i-VTEC and V6, are proven to be durable. 
• Durable transmissions: With proper care and regular fluid changes, Honda's automatic and manual transmissions can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. 
• Consistent maintenance: Routine service like oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements significantly increases a car's lifespan and prevents major engine and transmission issues. 
• Owner care: A well-maintained Accord driven primarily in city or highway conditions, with a single owner, has a higher chance of reaching and exceeding 300,000 miles. 

Potential issues to be aware of

• Specific model years: Some models, particularly from the 2008–2010 range, had reports of premature transmission failure in automatic models. 
• Preventative care: Neglecting maintenance can lead to major problems before a car reaches 100,000 miles, as noted by Safford Brown Honda Arlington. 

What years to avoid on a Honda Accord?

The Honda Accord years to avoid are primarily 1998–2002, 2008, 2013, and 2014, due to common issues like transmission problems, oil consumption, and safety recalls. The 1998–2002 models are particularly prone to transmission failure, while the 2008–2010 models can have engine and transmission issues, and the 2013–2014 models introduced problems with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT). 
Years to avoid

• 1998–2002: These models are notorious for transmission problems, including slipping, delayed shifting, and total failure, sometimes before 100,000 miles. 
• 2008–2010: This generation saw reports of premature transmission failure (especially automatic models), excessive oil consumption, and potential issues with rear brakes. 
• 2013–2014: The introduction of the CVT in these model years led to reliability concerns like oil consumption and transmission issues. 
• 2018: Some sources indicate this year should be avoided due to potential safety issues, including faulty airbags and steering malfunctions. 

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. 

Is a Honda Accord a reliable car?

Yes, the Honda Accord is a very reliable car, consistently ranking highly for reliability due to its durable engineering and long lifespan. It has a strong reputation for dependability, low ownership costs, and retaining strong resale value, though some older models have had transmission issues, and specific years may have their own issues, such as recalls for the 2023 model.
 
Reasons for its reliability

• Long-term durability: Many Honda Accords can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. 
• High reliability ratings: It ranks 1st out of 24 midsize cars with a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, according to RepairPal. 
• Low ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is low at around $400, making it an excellent choice for ownership costs. 
• Strong resale value: The Accord's reputation for reliability and longevity helps it maintain a strong resale value in both the new and pre-owned markets. 

Potential issues to be aware of

• Past transmission problems: Some older models, particularly those from 2005-2010, experienced transmission issues that sometimes required rebuilding or replacement. Honda has since redesigned the Accord with improved transmission systems to address this. 
• Model-specific issues: Some specific models may have had recalls or owner-reported issues, such as recalls for the 2023 model or problems like a faulty starter or sunroof on older models. 

What to do

• Regular maintenance is key: To ensure long-term reliability, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance. 
• Check for recalls: When buying a used Accord, it's wise to check for any recalls on that specific model year. 
• Consider newer models: Newer models have been redesigned to be more reliable, and some have received 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA.