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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Honda Accord

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Honda Accord

Overview

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2013 Honda Accord Review

By Matt Degen

KBB Expert Rating: 8.3

The Accord is synonymous with Honda and has been known for nearly four decades as a reliable, comfortable, pragmatic way to move families. What began as a 2-door hatchback in 1976 has grown into today's full-size sedan and coupe. For 2013, the Accord has been revamped inside and out, and found its way to a prime spot on our 10 Best Family Cars of 2013 roundup. With the choice of two fuel-efficient gasoline engines, new transmissions, a more refined interior and quieter ride, the 2013 Honda Accord has taken the steps needed to keep up with ever-better competitors like Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima and Chevy Malibu in this sizzling segment. In 2013, plug-in hybrid and regular hybrid versions will debut as 2014 Honda Accord models.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Honda Accord is the Labrador retriever of sedans. If you want a hassle-free, pleasing family car with a reputation for quality and an immediate familiarity, it's hard to go wrong with the Accord. Coupe versions, meanwhile, add an element of sportiness, especially when fitted with the strong V6 engine.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If cutting-edge looks, all-wheel drive or fuel economy over 36 mpg are among your must- haves, look beyond the Accord. The Honda is good at many things, but its balanced approach isn't for all. A Kia Optima has the looks, Nissan's Altima and VW's Passat TDI obtain superior fuel economy, and the Subaru Legacy offers all-wheel drive.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.3
Driving Dynamics

8.6
Comfort & Convenience

7.6
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.4
Value

9.4
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#8

out of 16

MPG

#4

out of 16

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Honda Accord is all new inside and out. Sleeker, rippled sheetmetal defines an exterior that has shrunk around an interior that is magically roomier. The 4-cylinder engine has direct injection and is mated to a CVT automatic transmission for better fuel economy, while the V6 has more power and exceptional fuel efficiency. New trims are Sport to capture younger buyers and, at the top, a Touring version.

Driving the Accord

2013 Honda Accord Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The most surprising thing about the Accord is its refined continuously variable transmission (CVT). Mated to the 4-cylinder, this CVT feels much like a normal automatic, mimicking gear changes. Even...

a base Accord has good power for acceleration and passing, yet attains an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. Move up to a V6 model with 6-speed automatic transmission, and the Accord is downright quick. Coupe models with the V6 can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that offers great engagement but whose shift lever could use a bigger knob for better grip. Thankfully, Honda has remedied much of the road noise in the previous Accord. Visibility remains a strong point, and the telematics and audio/climate controls are relatively straightforward. The available LaneWatch system works well, giving the driver a camera image of what's happening in the right-side blind spot, while a specialized expanded-view mirror on the driver's-side aids visibility to the left.

Favorite Features

LANEWATCH
This first-of-its-kind technology for the Honda Accord uses a tiny video camera mounted underneath the passenger-side mirror that displays what's happening in the driver's blind spot. Ingeniously, this system – included in EX and Touring models – can be configured to stay on or automatically turn on when the right-hand turn signal is engaged.

V6 POWER, 34-MPG FUEL ECONOMY
With the optional V6 engine, the 2013 Honda Accord lets you have your cake and eat it, too, giving you both power and superb fuel economy. This V6 is more powerful than the previous version, yet at 34 mpg highway matches the fuel economy of the previous generation's 4-cylinder.

2013 Honda Accord Details

2013 Honda Accord Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Like the rest of the car, the 2013 Accord's 5-passenger interior is a pleasing step forward. The cabin boasts soft-touch materials for a quality feel. Among the biggest changes is, on select models, an additional LCD screen in the middle of the dash, below an upper 8-inch VGA screen. The bottom screen is touch-sensitive for controlling features like audio and phone, while the upper screen conveys navigation, rear- and side-view camera images, and more. The upper display can be customized with your own photos, so the smiling kids always travel with you. The front seats are comfortable, and we liked that the driver's seat actually toned down the lumbar support. The rear seats gain even more room, as does the trunk.

Exterior

The sheet metal has more curves, the front and back have been tweaked, and the Accord's overall length has decreased by more than three inches. Yet even at first glimpse, few will wonder what car this is. The 2013 Accord still looks like, well, an Accord. Just one that is a bit more modern to keep up with changing tastes, such as LED exterior lights and the ever-popular honeycomb grille. We like the Accord's downsized footprint, as the previous sedan was beginning to feel largish. The coupe, too, has gotten smaller, but only by less than an inch. Sport models are meant to attract slightly younger buyers with its more aggressive appearance that includes 18-inch wheels, spoiler and dual exhaust pipes.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even a base Honda Accord LX is well-equipped, with features such as an 8-inch color display with rear-view camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-inch wheels, and a 160-watt AM/FM/CD stereo with Pandora Internet radio compatibility. Sport models add a power driver's seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a slight increase in horsepower. EX models include a power moonroof and the LaneWatch system. EX-L models get leather surfaces, upgraded audio, heated front seats, and lane-departure warning. At the top is the Touring model with a standard V6 engine, forward collision warning, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control.

Optional Equipment

Major options in the 2013 Accord are obtained by moving up trim levels. Among the biggest features are satellite navigation, the V6 engine, a 7-speaker/360-watt audio system, 18-inch wheels, leather seating, multi-angle rear-view camera, LED headlights, blind-spot display, and adaptive cruise control. Accessories for further personalization include a sport grille, underbody kit, rear spoiler, remote engine starting, and an illuminated door sill.

Under the Hood

Two gasoline engines and three new transmissions are offered in the 2013 Honda Accord. The base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes a healthy 185 horsepower (189 in Sport versions). The optional engine, also part of Honda's new Earth Dreams technology highlighting fuel economy, is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes a robust 278 horsepower. In the sedan, 4-cylinder engines are linked to a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic, and V6 engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic. In the coupe, the V6 can be connected to a 6-speed manual transmission for those who want a more engaging experience. All models can run on regular fuel. Some coupe versions get slightly lower fuel economy, mainly due to aerodynamics.

2.4-liter inline-4
185 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (manual), 27/36 mpg (automatic, sedan), 26/35 mpg (automatic, coupe)

3.5-liter V6
278 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
252 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (manual, coupe), 21/34 mpg (automatic, sedan), 21/32 mpg (automatic, coupe)

Pricing Notes

A 2013 Honda Accord LX sedan with manual transmission has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting slightly over $22,000, while a top-level Touring edition reaches about $34,000. At these prices, the Honda is in line with competitors such as the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, and Kia Optima. Undercutting the Accord's starting price are base models of the Chrysler 200, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Passat, and Hyundai Sonata. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to get the latest pricing on the 2013 Accord and to see what others in your area are paying. In the longer-run, the Honda Accord's resale value is expected to hold up well, staying fully competitive with the best-selling Toyota Camry.

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2013 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 34 Ratings for the 2013 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.4/10

Love the 2013 Accord!

By Quirk (NC) on Saturday, May 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned 2 previous Accords & this by far is my favorite! I love the look of the new body style & the car drives great! My favorite additions to the Accord are the lane change camera as well as the back up camera. I am very pleased with the 2013 Accord!"

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Do NOT buy the Navi option

By Raymond (IL) on Friday, May 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 4/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Honda confirmed today that is not and will not be possible to turn off the 'beep' that occurs every time you click. Huh? This is a software change (deficiency). You've got to be kidding me. Using the system is akin to conditioned response from electric shock. You learn to avoid it."

1 person out of 9 found this review helpful

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This is by far the best vehicle I've owned

By Larry (PA) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "good driving experience, great mileage"

Cons: "some road noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I can't say enough about this car. The estimated mpg highway was listed at 36 but I usually get around 40 mpg when I use the eco assist feature. I love the redesign both inside and out. The engine is a 2.4 liter but has plenty of power and acceleration and is very quiet. The ride is also very smooth but there is road noise on bad roads. I would definitely recommend this car. It also has a very good resale value compared to other makes."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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competent and probably best value for the money

By JOELC (SC) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great performance and gas mileage"

Cons: "HondaLink is a work in progress"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I recently purchased the 2013 Honda Accord V6 without Navi. I drove a 1998 Accord Coupe V6 for nearly 15 years. The cost of maintaining it became unreasonable. The new car is quite exceptional. The power and acceleration are the best that I've experienced in a front wheel drive car. The 0-60 time is reported to be 6.1 in drive mode and 5.6 in sport mode. I haven't tested these numbers, but it is very quick to accelerate to highway speed. The gas mileage is beyond my expectations. On level roadways at 60 mph, the mpg averages 42. At 70 to 75, the mpg averages in the high 30's. In the 40 to 50 mph range, expect 50 mpg plus. In real world driving, stop lights and hills are expected, so the average mpg will go down somewhat. I averaged 39 mpg on a trip from Georgetown, SC to Columbia, SC. This is far better than received on my 1978 Datsun B210, once a benchmark for fuel economy in the late 70's. On the negative side, road noise is still an issue at highway speeds. The road surface is the big determinate in noise. I was disappointed in the noise cancellation program not being able to handle the noise and even questioned if it is working or not. The HondaLink is fraught with problems. It has crashed on start forcing a restart of the car to correct. The radio will sometimes freak out and sound terrible and not respond to input. Again, parking and restarting the car may resolve the issue. Hopefully, a firmware fix from Honda will correct the problems. The transmission is smooth but will downshift below 35 mph lower gears. This is somewhat distracting when I expect the car to coast with my foot off of the brake instead of downshifting."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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You get what you pay for....

By mau3691 (MN) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks, comfort, luxury, power, interior and VALUE"

Cons: "none !!!!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had this car for approximately one month and am thoroughly pleased with it. The quality and craftsmanship shows inside and out. It drives, handles and runs like a upper scale luxury car and is a pleasure to drive, some people have even mistaken it for an Acura. The only item i have had some difficulty adjusting to is the CVT transmission but i am quickly finding out that this is a smooth and proven drive train which makes the car very economical. Mileage approx. 28-30mpg in town and approaching 37mpg on the highway. This is the best vehicle i have purchased and it will be in my garage for some time to come. WELL DONE HONDA, this car is a home run !!!!!!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Accord EX-L is Outstanding

By Happy Accord Owner (PA) on Thursday, April 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 300

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Quiet, comfortable, powerful, excellent mpg"

Cons: "Somewhat firm ride"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my new Accord for about 10 days and I am very happy with it. I purchased the Accord EX-L 4-cylinder (w/o Navi). Previously, I owned three Camrys over the last 29 years. The Accord is a high quality, well built car. Very comfortable, easy to drive, plenty of power, quiet, and refined. It has a little stiffer ride than my '02 Camry, but feels heavier and holds the road much better. The features on the EX-L are outstanding including the rear-view and right lane-changing cameras. Connectivity is great for my iPod, iPad, and flash drive for music and I do not even use a smart phone! The mpg is as expected, if not even better. No doubt this car will average around 30 mpg for a basic mixture of driving. The Accord is the top-rated mid-sized sedan by Consumer Reports and I can say that it is very true. I highly recommend the Accord after being a loyal Toyota owner."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 34 reviews