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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2014 Honda Accord

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Overview

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2014 Honda Accord Review

By Matt Degen

KBB Expert Rating: 8.2

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in is a hybrid that, thanks to a larger lithium-ion battery, has the ability to travel about a dozen miles on electricity alone. When battery capacity dips below a certain point, the car automatically switches to a traditional gasoline/electric hybrid operation. This setup allows the Accord Plug-in Hybrid its electric-only range of 13 miles, 46-mpg fuel economy as a hybrid, and single-occupant access to carpool lanes in California, which, along with New York, is initially selling the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid in limited numbers. With quick recharge times, plenty of creature comforts and the satisfying driving manners long associated with Honda's venerable mid-size sedan, this electrified Accord makes an enticing option in the burgeoning field of plug-in hybrids.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're a fan of the Honda Accord and also desire a vehicle that can run several miles on electricity alone, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid marries the best of both worlds. Recharging times are laudable: Under an hour on a 240-volt "Level 2" charger, and less than three via standard 120-volt.

You May Not Like This Car If...

For now, Accord Plug-in Hybrid sales are limited to California and New York, with just 1,100 planned for production this year. The regular (non plug-in) Accord Hybrid will have wider availability when it arrives later this year. Meanwhile, the highly competent Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle are available now to more buyers.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.2
Driving Dynamics

8.5
Comfort & Convenience

7.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.3
Value

9.3
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#1

out of 11

MPG

#4

out of 10

Consumer Ratings

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Accord Plug-in is Honda's first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. This year also marks the return of a regular hybrid version of the Accord, the last of which was seen in model year 2007.

Driving the Accord

2014 Honda Accord Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Not surprisingly, the Accord Plug-in Hybrid offers a slightly different driving experience than standard, gasoline-only Accords. When powered on electricity alone, the ride is quiet and serene – after all,...

there is no gasoline engine running under the hood a few feet in front of you. The only obtrusive sound we experienced was a slight whine from the electric powertrain that is most likely to be heard by canines and human passengers whose ears can still sense higher frequencies. When the gasoline engine does switch on, it can definitely be heard, but the power transition from electric to gasoline is extremely refined and nearly transparent. In other ways, the Accord Plug-in delivers a ride similar to its kin: comfortable, relatively easy to maneuver, and with decent power that has no trouble getting the Accord up to freeway speeds.

Favorite Features

PLUG-IN HYBRID OPTION
In theory, you could drive the Accord Plug-in Hybrid without using a drop of gasoline. While that's unlikely for most, even when you drive beyond the car's 13-mile electric-only range, you'll still enjoy an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 46 mpg. California drivers can benefit from access to carpool lanes on the state's notoriously clogged freeways.

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 your blind spot. Ingeniously, this system can be configured to stay on or automatically turn on when the right-hand turn signal is engaged.

2014 Honda Accord Details

2014 Honda Accord Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Based on the top-level Touring trim, the Plug-In Accord Hybrid has a premium-feeling cabin complete with a high-resolution 8-inch display with navigation and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. With its emphasis on eco-friendliness, the Plug-in Hybrid's dash changes color to reflect your driving behavior. A green glow indicates high efficiency, while a change to blue is a cue that you're being harder on the throttle. Keeping with the eco theme, the Plug-in Hybrid's seats are "bio-fabric" made from – of all things – material from sugarcane. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid sacrifices some trunk space and the folding rear seats of its gasoline-powered model due to its battery pack.

Exterior

The Plug-in Hybrid looks much like other Honda Accords. Distinguishing features include an additional "fuel cap" above the front-left wheel where the charging cable is inserted. The Plug-in's 17-inch alloy wheels are shod with aerodynamic covers that, while stylish, also sit flush with the tires, making them susceptible to close encounters of the curb kind.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Because it's based on the top-of-the-line Touring model, the 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid comes packed with features that offer comfort, safety and entertainment. Among them are a satellite navigation system, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems, and adaptive cruise control.

Optional Equipment

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in is pretty much loaded in standard form, with options being limited to accessories such as illuminated doorsill trim and body side molding.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid uses a 2-motor hybrid system consisting of a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 124-kilowatt electric motor. The lithium-ion battery is rated at 6.7-kilowatt-hour and recharges in less than three hours on a standard 120-volt outlet or under an hour on a 240-volt outlet. All Plug-in models are front-wheel drive and use an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Maximum electric-only range is rated at 13 miles, and total range when factoring in the gasoline engine is a wildly impressive 574 miles. Like other Honda Accords, the Plug-in's gasoline engine runs on regular unleaded fuel.

2.0-liter inline-4 and 124-kW AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor
141 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm (gasoline engine)
55 horsepower (battery power)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 46 mpg city/highway combined (hybrid mode)
Electric-only range: 13 miles

Pricing Notes

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid is available in one trim only and has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $40,570. Initial sales are limited to California and New York. Owners are eligible for up to $2,500 in federal tax credits, and Californians have even more incentive with a tax rebate of up to $2,500 through the state's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project. The Plug-in is the priciest of the Accord lineup, but is also the most advanced and the most fuel efficient. The Accord Plug-in's price is in line with a similarly equipped Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and the Chevrolet Volt, though the Volt may be eligible for greater tax incentives. Before buying, be sure to check Fair Purchase Price below to see what others in your area are paying. Regarding resale value, the Plug-in Hybrid Accord is still too new and limited to rate, but Accord models generally have great resale value, with the 2013 model taking first place in the Mid-Size Car category of the Kelley Blue Book 2013 Best Resale Value Awards.

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2014 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.1

Out of 10

Based on 43 Ratings for the 2013 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.4/10

OUTSTANDING CAR AND VALUE

By BILL (IL) on Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,600

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "PERFORMANCE, COMFORT, FUN TO DRIVE, GREAT VALUE"

Cons: "NO SIX DISC CD PLAYER"

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

"MY EXL-V6 REGULARLY GETS 34 MILES PER GALLON WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT. IT RIDES LIKE A BMW 5 SERIES AT LESS THAN HALF THE COST. PASSING ON TWO LANE ROADS IS EFFORTLESS. THE CAMERAS, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM AND ETC HAVE ADDED TO DRIVING ENJOYMENT. THE LEATHER INTERIOR IS VERY COMFORTABLE. HONDA HAS REALLY OUTDONE THEMSELVES."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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AMERICAN Honda - Called AMERICAN for a Reason

By AMERICAN Honda(Not Japan) (SC) on Friday, July 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,900

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great styling overall."

Cons: "Poor mechanics overall. See NHTSA Complaints."

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

"Major mechanical failure at 9,200 miles. Replaced transmission and torque converter. Major warranty commitment failure at 9,900 miles. AMERICAN Honda has adopted the warranty service policies of Ford, Chrysler and GM. Tell the owner there is nothing wrong, the vehicle operates normally. Do not fix the problem if it is costly or difficult. Make it the consumer's problem."

11 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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This is an outstanding car.

By Aubrey (NC) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

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: 9/10

Pros: "Value, Ride, Comfort"

Cons: "Passenger side leg room, radio and driver mirror"

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

"We bought a 2013 Accord EX-L about 2.5 months ago. We now have ~7k miles on it. This is only the second Honda I have owned. We evaluated most of the vehicles in this class. For the most part, you can’t go wrong. They are all good vehicles and great values. Ultimately, our choice came down to the Ford Fusion SE (Loaded, 1.6 EcoBoost) or the Accord EX-L. We drove each multiple times before making a decision. We went with the Accord because a) it was a little more refined and b) it achieved similar MPG with much simpler technology and c) the reviews on the MFT were so mixed that I just could not get comfortable with it. Truth be told, I wanted to go with the Ford for I wanted to buy American but didn’t for the reasons above. The Accord is very close to perfect. It is extremely comfortable and smooth. Now, here is the really surprising and good news. The MPG has been much better than advertised. All measurements are using the car’s onboard computer so I acknowledge that the accuracy is subject to the manufacturer quality. My extended family lives about 350 miles away. The path there is roughly divided into three equal segments (>100 miles each) that have distinctly different speeds: 70 MPH (drove ~78ish), 60 MPH (drove ~65ish) and 55 (drove 58ish). I reset the computer at each segment. Here are the amazing results (remember, the car Highway is rated at 35 MPG): @ 78MPH – 34.5 MPG, @ 65 MPH – 37 MPG and @ 58ish – 41.3 MPG. I was blown away by those numbers but have to admit it was ideal conditions (flat, Highway). So, we took the car 1,400 miles to Indiana. Round trip including 80+ MPH, Mountains (both ways), 2 days city driving and up to 4 people in the car at times … 34.5MPG!!! Way cool. THINGS THAT ARE LESS THAN PERFECT: The radio sound is lacking bass. It is not exciting. The passenger side leg room is MUCH less than the driver side. The firewall seems to be set at different points. Finally, the driver side mirror has a section that is for blind spots. It is more distracting than helpful. Overall, I paid 27k OTD and thought it was a great value. My wife is the primary driver and absolutely loves it. If I told her “either that car goes or I go”, I am not sure what her answer would be!!! (Kidding)."

9 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Great car for the money

By Randy (WV) on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

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: 9/10

Pros: "Nothing but praise for this car"

Cons: "None"

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

"Initially, I planned to purchase a new Fusion with the large 4 cylinder turbo. Due to limited availability, I became impatient and bought a 2013 Accord Sport with the six speed manual transmission. I have nothing but praise for this car. This car delivers the most car for the money in my opinion. For $ 23,000 I bought a car that has every feature I need and none that I didn't really want. Over 10,000 miles, the car has averaged 32.2 MPG. Over the last 700 miles of driving in slightly flatter terrain than normal and at varying speeds below 70mph, the car has averaged 36.5 mpg. I have used the econo mode for probably 70% of the miles driven on this car. My Accord drives much better than my 2008 Camry SE V-6. My Accord has a firm ride which I personally like. I think this contributes to the great driving characteristics of this car but some may consider the ride too firm for a car of this type. I have no complaints after 8 months of ownership. In fact, I am strongly considering trading our 2008 Camry for another Accord for my wife."

4 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Nice car over all, needs some minor changes

By Phetzer (VA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Interior and features"

Cons: "Desined to work with I Phones not Android phones"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Stiff ride, blind spot camera is useless at night, would prefer the older style blind spot detection. Interior is very nice. It has plenty of power. My transmission failed at 150 miles but I realize this can happen in manufacturing and is extremely rare."

8 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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2013 Honda Accord EX-L w/Navi-- First time buyer..

By Bob M. (OR) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Ample interior space for someone 6'2" in height"

Cons: "None so far"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"My reasoning behind buying this vehicle was primarily to get better fuel economy. I purchased it on 5/31/2013 for $27,850, which is about $400 below invoice. I now have around 800 miles on it and I'm pleasantly surprised at the the gas mileage I'm getting. In city driving I'm getting 30 to 32 mpg. and on the highway I've gotten as good as 44.5 mpg. Now,this is driving at 65 mph with cruise on, econ on, AC off, and flat terrain. Normally, I see mpg range of 40 to 42 mpg highway(AC on)at 65 mph cruise on. I sure hope this vehicle is as reliable and dependable as far as it's ratings."

10 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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See all 43 reviews