What is a Honda Accord known for?
The Honda Accord is widely known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and a spacious, well-built interior that lasts for many miles with minimal maintenance.
Across generations, the Accord has become a benchmark in the midsize sedan segment thanks to durable engineering, strong resale value, and a suite of safety and tech features that keep it competitive even as new rivals enter the market.
In today’s market, the Accord continues to appeal to families, commuters, and buyers who want a durable car that’s easy to own, with multiple powertrain choices including a highly efficient hybrid option.
Defining strengths
The Accord’s appeal rests on several enduring strengths that have carried through multiple generations. The following list captures the most cited and consistent advantages.
- Reliability and long-term durability, with low maintenance costs reported by owners and analysts
- Fuel efficiency across powertrains, including a highly efficient hybrid variant
- Spacious, comfortable interior with high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics
- Strong resale value and competitive total ownership costs
- Comprehensive safety features, including Honda Sensing, and strong crash-test ratings
- Refined ride quality and confident, predictable handling
- Practical features and user-friendly technology, including standard smartphone integration
In short, these factors combine to make the Accord a reliable, economical choice in the midsize sedan segment.
Powertrains and efficiency
The Accord has offered multiple powertrain options that balance performance with efficiency. In recent years, you’ll find gasoline and hybrid variants that suit different priorities.
Gasoline engines
Most trims use a turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an automatic transmission. The 1.5-liter turbo is typically paired with a CVT for smooth, efficient operation, while higher trims offer a 2.0-liter turbo with a more responsive driving character and a 10-speed automatic. Real-world fuel economy varies with driving style, but the 1.5T CVT models tend to deliver strong highway and city efficiency, with combined mileage often in the upper 30s mpg range. The 2.0T models offer stronger acceleration but may show lower combined mpg in mixed driving.
Hybrid variant
The Accord Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors to deliver a balanced blend of power and efficiency. The hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option, often achieving near 50 mpg combined in EPA testing, and typically offers smooth, seamless transitions between gas and electric power at various speeds.
Safety, value, and ownership
Safety has long been a priority for the Accord. Honda Sensing is standard on many trims and adds features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. The Accord repeatedly earns high safety scores from IIHS and NHTSA, reinforcing its appeal to families and safety-conscious buyers. In terms of value, the Accord is known for strong resale value and relatively low ownership costs, helped by reliable engineering and wide parts availability.
What owners and critics say
Critics praise the Accord for its mature design, comfortable ride, and balanced performance. Customer surveys and reliability rankings from outlets like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports commonly place the Accord near the top of the midsize sedan class for long-term dependability and owner satisfaction. Its combination of interior space, easy maintenance, and broad feature availability has kept it a staple in households and fleets alike.
Summary: The Honda Accord remains a benchmark in the midsize sedan segment thanks to reliability, efficiency, and a well-rounded package that blends comfort, safety, and value for everyday driving.
