What is the best year for the 9th generation Accord?
The 2016 model year, with 2017 a close second, is widely regarded as the best year for the ninth-generation Accord due to a mid-cycle refresh that brought improved technology, safety features, and overall refinement, though the best choice depends on budget and maintenance history.
What defines the "best year" for a used Accord?
In evaluating the best year, buyers weigh reliability, safety technology, interior quality, fuel efficiency, and depreciation. For used cars, the condition and service history often matter more than the production year itself, so a well-documented example can outperform a newer-but-more-degraded one.
9th-generation Accord at a glance (2013–2017)
The ninth-generation Accord arrived for the 2013 model year and ran through 2017. It introduced a sharper design, a more upscale interior, and a new set of engines and transmissions. A mid-cycle refresh around 2016 updated styling and technology, and safety features evolved with newer trims.
Why 2016 is often cited as the best year
Reviewers and owners point to several advantages that make 2016 (and 2017) models particularly appealing in the used market.
- Mid-cycle refresh: improved interior materials, updated exterior styling, and a smoother overall ride.
- Enhanced technology and safety: broader availability of driver-assistance features and a more modern infotainment setup on more trims.
- Reliability and depreciation: later 9th-generation models typically show strong reliability with a better depreciation curve than the earliest years.
- Value in the used market: you can often find low-to-mid-mileage examples with modern features at competitive prices.
Overall, 2016 models—carried into 2017—are frequently recommended as the best balance of updates and value in the 9th generation.
Year-by-year highlights
Here is a concise look at how the 9th generation evolved year by year, focusing on what typically matters to buyers.
- 2013–2014: Introduction of the ninth generation with a refined chassis and interior; early-year reliability and refinement issues are common with any new generation but generally improve with time.
- 2015: Continued refinement and feature expansion across trims; reliability remains solid and ownership costs are reasonable for a mid-size sedan.
- 2016–2017: Mid-cycle refresh brings updated styling, better interior materials, and enhanced technology/safety options; these years are the most favored in used-car markets.
When shopping, prioritize a documented maintenance history, verify recall repairs (such as known campaigns from that era), and have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase. This approach helps ensure you’re getting the most value from the best-year decision.
Tips for buying a used 9th-generation Accord
Key steps include checking service records, confirming recall completions, and test-driving across trims to understand differences in equipment and feel. Look for signs of transmission or engine wear, electrical issues, and suspension health. A well-maintained 2016–2017 model with complete records typically offers the best balance of reliability and features.
Summary
In most assessments, the 2016 Accord represents the best year for the ninth generation, with 2017 a close second due to the carryover of refinements and features. For buyers, the deciding factors are budget, mileage, trim preference, and the car’s maintenance history. A well-kept 2016 or 2017 example often delivers the safest blend of reliability, technology, and value in the 9th generation.
