MotorWeek | Road Test: 2013 Honda Accord 

When I first saw pics of the 2013 Accord, my first thought was that it was hardly changed at all. Seeing this video made me realize that it has changed quite a bit, and it looks much better. Standard backup camera is cool too.

The only reason I cam here was to get 0-60 and 1/4 mile times. And I was disappointed.

Best value in the sedan line! Great mpg extremely safe, blue tooth backup camera, pandora radio aha radio love my 13 accord

Exactly. I always tell people this. Honda has always designed their cars to look timeless. They don't go for flashiness. I see 1992 Accord sedans on the road, and it somehow doesn't look "old". It still looks good and isn't eye catching due to it's age. I love Accords. I had a 96' accord coupe and now an 07' Accord. Love it. I will only buy Honda. I only sold the 96" because I came across some money. It ran perfectly and smooth. The 07" is awesome

In 1987, I had a Subaru hatchback. My friend had an 81 Honda Accord hatchback. When I noticed her Accord had a quieter ride and did not rattle, she said, "Honestly, I think Hondas are made better." She was right. In 1988, I bought a Honda Accord LX hatchback. I drove it until 2000. It had 269K miles when I sold it. I then bought a 1999 Civic LX. I sold it in 2015. It had 234K miles. I now have a 2013 Accord EX. The CVT transmission is great, averages about 26 city, 37 hgwy. Love the R side camera. Also, this car is smooth. Smart key is convenient.

I have own Accord lx 1991, Civic lx sedan 2001 and now Accord 2013 lx sedan. I can confirm that the braking systems have been improved but they still lack grip. Ride is vastly improved, the car is actually comfortable on long trips. I drive from NYC to Florida and although I have a 4 cylinder version, the gas mileage was somewhere about 35 to 39 MPG at 70 MPH on cruise control. I think the level of technology found in the basic models really makes the difference. Somehow I think Honda has not fully managed to have comfortable seating in their cars except for maybe the rear passengers. Seats in the front lack lumbar and they are not all that comfortable without having to move around.

finally... an honest review. thanks for that. i will test drive the honda this weekend. already did the sonata and it felt great. i was very impressed. the camry felt cheap... sorry if you're a fan. but that's just my humble opinion. the honda felt great inside. i now have to see how well it rides.

Why are there absolutely no reviews of the ‘98-‘02 Accord online? It’s like it’s the forgotten generation

I like that they sloped the rear less on the '13 coupe.

+MOTORWEEK Do you have older Accords from the 80's? I had one from 88.'

Just bought a new 2013 Accord LX the other day. Picks up quite quickly for a 4-pot. The CVT is actually livable and the handling is good so far. A nicely done interior (no navi - my smartphone is good enough). I've liked it a lot. Honda seems to have rebounded QUITE WELL from the last generation.

Bought a 2014 Accord EX-L 4 cylinder new, and I still own it. Awesome car. The design has aged very well. Only problem.. seems like everyone got the same Modern Steel Metallic color! There was another one behind me in the Costco gas line last night.

The hybrid has a spoiler? For what?

august i bought a 2012 accord and recently visited the honda dealership and saw side by side 2012 and 2013 accord and i can honestly say the new accord is a winner in the looks inside out (white pearl accord absolutely stunning) with that said, there are some points of the new accord that i have doubts such as the front suspension- cvt- direct injection and safety these are just a few points where reliability is in question and of course last and most important you can get a 2012 for 18.600+tax.

I personally love the 2013 coupes looks. I am a civic si lover but this coupe is great lookin imo

First :] I actually like the 2013 Accord. Even though it was a very subtle redesign I think they did good.

Head room and hip room shrunk a little, shoulder room is up and leg room is the same. Back seat leg room is up over an inch, the trunk is larger too now, 15.8 cubic feet. Obviously you just don't like the Honda Accord. It is in fact one of the best mid size cars around and has been for years.

The I-4 rates at less power than previous models. any word on the power bands?

Why no performance figures, i would've liked to known how quick the updated v6 was.

You stated that the Nav models include the touch screen radio... but you don't need Nav to get that... All EX-L models have that second (touch) screen.

Give me an all black 2013 Accord V6 coupe or sedan, please! Honda did a great job refreshing and fixing all of the quirks and oddities of the last gen.

I saw what looked like a 50k luxury car a month back but I couldn't figure out what it was as I was too far behind - sped up to it and it turned out to be a new accord sport! There is a gravitas to this new design that belies it's price.

such a good car, i got mine used for 17k, 14000 miles, i can only imagine the sport, the regular one feels coupe agile, even though its a 4bangin 4door. and i get 30 mpg if i drive slow, the basic speakers are 7/10, great trebel, meh but noticable bass, and perfect mid. the trunk is big, and you can fit 5 non fatasses comfortably. my only issue is the AI in the dashboard, it has a pandora app that makes pandora not work unless you choose ur station outside of the car, so id say 9.6/10 for this car

Manual > CVT, for now at leas. Automatics are just catching up after ~50 years on the market over the past few years. I wonder how well that smartphone interface likes the iPhone 5 and its new plug. Even a diehard Ford fan, I got to say these are some great cars! Thanks for the video!

awesome car, ive always loved these

I recently test drove a Buick Verano, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and a Nissan Altima...bought the Altima. Sporty and luxury along with LONG TERM reliability in the Altima. After a couple of months owning it, I am thrilled with my purchase. With my discount, tax and all, $33,000 or the door. I got the 4 cylinder SV model with all the bells n whistles.

I too wonder if the direct injection system in the new accord is going to be reliable... guess we'll have to wait at least 3 years to see how reliable these new accords are. Well said.

Honda as usual never disappoints.

Does anybody know if these cars come with cloth interior and the 3.5L? Someone once told me that if I wanted the 3.5 I would have to have leather seats, and I hate leather seats.

Do any of you guys know if Honda making a decent air conditioner yet. One that will handle Phoenix in the summer? That little problem has kept me away from Honda for 25 years now. As of 2012, the chat groups say they are still too weak. I've heard some rumblings, though, that there is a change coming one of these years. Thanks.

where is the the road test?

One of the few cars you still can get a manual transmission in both 2 and 4 doors. And a great one at that. No one cars about Hybrids.

The mpg in the sedan is higher than what is on here the mpg they show is for the coupe which gets less mpgs

just bought this car in silver its amazing!

thanx ...also my fave color..,as for a TSX... noTT for a TL

Yes, I dislike the 03'-05' models of Accord. The LED rear lights look so much better. I bought it Certified used in late 09' with only 16,788 miles on it. 5 years old now and I still am at only 48,000 miles. I plan on having it a long time : )

Finally someone was thinking in Japan and put this Accord back to the mid size category. Will be interesting to see what the Accord or other mid size cars looks like couple generations later since there is only so much one can do with the overall shape and design.

i got 42 mpg in my lx the other day driving 340 miles and i have 48 mpg in some parts averaged about 38 most of the time...with a full car mind you. Im not sure why the rating are lower

Saw one in red? I did, it look beautiful

i got one 3-4 months ago, careful when you vacuum the car! the interior plastics are very cheap and scratch up very easily..dont put any phones near the shifter plate cause it will scratch. just a friendly warning from a fellow honda lover

i love my Honda😍😍 awsome car👌

Personally I would take the more sporty Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion but this Accord is still a vast improvement from the previous model in every way. Frankly, it could be the most well-rounded package in the group. I don't understand how the Camry still sells well though. The Accord makes the Camry basically irrelevant!

Well said, I owned a 5th generation Accord as well. A '97 EX V6 and it was way ahead of its time in terms of refinement and styling. Mine was silver with tinted windows and clear bumper lights/ JDM SIR headlights and people thought my car was an 03 or 04. I now have an 1st gen Acura TSX (which is a Euro Accord), just better handling characteristics and plusher interior. I love it and think the style is timeless as well. Glad you got the '07 Accord. The 03 to 05 rear end was kind of ugly IMO.

i like the coupe and the interior is lovely!! Still a Fusion fan tho xD

i dont think i have ever seen this gen of honda accord hybrid on the road.

Those LED running lights look like an afterthought.

I have to agree with styling, but that's not the accords role. They make it very clean, with subtle style so it lasts long. Look at german cars for an example, their volume sellers aren't the most "stylish." Accords are very reliable, I'm thinking about buying the new model. I've had my 94 accord for four years, and it never once broke down or failed to start. My car has over 150k miles, and the engine is like new. I just want more power wraped in a reliable package.

Honda Genesis?

Very handsome styling indeed

I have a 09 Camry se and was going to get the all new Camry se but decided not to when I went to the local dealer to take a look at it, it's hideous. So I went to a Honda dealer down a block to browse, saw the Accord sedan and the coupe and the 2013 Accord coupe with all the body kits will be my next purchase and I'm definitely not into Korean cars.

Pearl white is the best looking. I have a tsx in Pearl white.

you're joking right...Ford Fusion looks great...for an Aston Martin rip off, but Accord buyers prefer reliability, form and function over styling. Plus, if you ever seen one of these in person and driven one, you will change your tune quickly. I know I did. If you buy cars based on "looks" as opposed to value and longevity, then you have a lot to learn about buying tips for cars...value trumps styling any day of the week, and twice on Sundays

From the B-Pillar and back, it looks almost identical to the 2008 Hyundai Genesis.

The should have given the sedan better rear lights like the coupe

dont look into functions what matter is the motor should work and save you money on gas cause mostly people i've seen they change it for 4 cylinder cars and my point is that is okay for people to choose their own gesture but should think on the gas first 6 and 8 cylinder aren't worth it unless you want it go for it

The new Acura RLX looks exactly like this car, I guess that shouldn't be a surprise.

motor week. ...The real Top Gear America.

you are entitled to your preferences, but keep in mind Accord buyers are typically those who care less for exterior styling, want key features like the camera and bluetooth, at a respectable price, and longevity...the last part which is the trade-mark of Honda

Sure, but at least it won't look ugly in 10 years... It's sorta like a one look fits all approach... it's meant not to offend anyone so that it appeals to all, which in turn maximizes Honda's profits. Personally, I think it looks elegant, but not all that flashy.

u mean V6 in eco mode?

...Camry is for moms. Not saying its not a good car, because it is good. However, Camry is known for being a kushy numb ride. It floats along and doesnt handle well... but is more quiet and has a more luxurious feel. Accord has always been a tighter, much more taut ride as far as cabin and handling characteristics... certainly more sporty. It's simply a matter of taste in ride. Please lets not have a versus discussion.

if you knew anything, you'd know that this design is a retro from the vastly popular 1998-2002 model Accord. You can see it in the front fascia, and the rear tailights, don't believe me, go google the images...besides the Genesis copied the Lexus LS and the Mercedes E Class...

If you have never driven an Accord you might be surprised at how sporty they are. They do not fill exactly the same niche as a Camry. if you need a family car to be reliable and don't want to give up all driving fun, try one. I don't own one but I have owned a few over the years.

It's a taxi favourite no doubt because of its reliability. It's the best selling car.

Beautiful car. Why so many haters? Not enough Ford complaints forums to write on? :)

We'll see how you feel after owning the car for 6-7 years. All reviews and showroom impressions don't tell you about longevity. Only time (and to some extent, history) will tell. Oh by the way, Honda Accord, highest safety rating in its category.

You are absolutely wrong about this. You need to test drive a sonata before making a claim like that. I have no dog in this race, but the sonata is as good if not better designed than the honda. I was very impress by how solid the car felt. the interior design and materials are better in my opinion than the honda. but i think i'm leaning more towards the honda because the mileage is somewhat better.

From afar it mimics the 2013 Lexus ES350

Dude, even Hyundai themselves have advertised their Genesis as a clone to the Mercedes E Class (front end). I've seen Genesis advertisements where Hyundai put them Genesis and an E Class side by side. Guess what the slogan was? "Can you tell the difference?" So stop trolling.

same concept as the Prius, Civic Hybrid and the Insight...aerodynamics and downforce...which minimizes drag...They did research where without it you'd lose 1mpg city, and 2 hwy

Honda and Toyota are the longest lasting cars on the planet. Honda and Toyota are both as reliable as one another. But the hondas usually handle better are a little faster and the inside interior tend to be made better with better materials. I own both and have had many of both. I personally think hondas are better overall but you caint go wrong with eather. But if you're wanting the most for you're money the honda.

It's kinda sad that Honda has to copy other cars when it used to be the benchmark. I love the new front end ,but the side looks just like the old car and the rear is a complete copy of the Hyundai Genesis.

save the daytimes for the autozone crowd next time, please Honda!

It has i-vtec

If you value a particular suspension type, Accords (and any other mainstream cars) are not for you. In fact, even BMW M3s and Porsche 911s won't be good enough for you because they use struts too.

2010 Honda accord was the last great Accord now they will fill it with artificial technology every car Just has to have lol I'm Very Extremely Happy and satisfied with my 2010 Honda Accord EXL leather sunroof Bluetooth satellite radio WTF More do you Need lol

huge improvement but the hybrid is absolutely fugly.

Look at the 5th & 6th generation Accord as well as 2005-2007 Odyssey and come back and tell me that those don't look like the 2013 Accord. You can't

Great car for the money! Drive the accord and then drive a hyundai sonata or kia optima and you'll FEEL why Honda makes more refined reliable cars. It's not about just looks

to all the people thats arguing! Honda still wins :)

poorly word implementation "feng shui'ed" please, there's no feng shui in this unless the seats are facing backward or sideways

not to mention they've also been sued for false mpg claims... Fail...

overpriced and poor mpg? It's #2 in class MPG, and priced relatively similar to the competition...

What is up with the ever increasing popularity of CVT transmissions? It's a novel idea but hopelessly annoying in practice.

I owned one, it was OK.. not great the 2012 was a better car, but not as nice looking. Mine had an obnoxious booming noise from the terrible designed white noise maker stereo, which they used in lew of using sound deadening material. Outside of the awful stereo the cvt was crap so i bought a manual, which was also not great, honda hasn’t made a good manual since 2005. All in all i should have bought a Camry.

This car had alot of positive feedback compared to the hideous 2018 Accord 😂😂😂

CORRECTION... Both Camry AND Accord have been family famorites for over 20 years.

Honda was just so original that they had to steal the design of the genesis from hyundai.

They never track test them cause there all slow eveything but 0 to 60 and quater mile

The Fusion is a blatant rip-off of Aston Martin. It is eye-catching but like the Hyundai Sonata, once the novelty wears off then what? How could Ford possibly follow up for the next gen Fusion? Honda plays it conservative as always with the Accord's styling, but I think it will hold up much better over the long term, certainly better than the Sonata. The Accord's styling is tasteful, not gimmicky.

Why didn't they track test this car to get 0-60 numbers. Sometimes Motortweek is a joke.

the camry has been a taxi driver favorite, not a family favorite

Because 0-60 times are not that important to Accord buyers.

Saves gas and is cheaper and smoother than 6+ speed autos.

Yes. They destroyed a perfectly good v6 engine with that shit. It would be a whole different thing if people could choose to turn it off. I would never use it unless I'm traveling a really long distance and I have cruise on.

Love the way the headlights look, but that's about it. The grill is basically the same as the previous accord, the sides pretty much the same and let me just say the sides of the car are BORING no lines or character, the back looks absolutely terrible and boring, and the 2 screens I have seen reviewed on other reviews and is the most confusing crappiest system ever been done and the inside is boring and basically the same as the previous model. go Ford Fusion and mazda 6! :)

If the sonata craps out after 6-7 years, then i won't buy another one, simple as that! But I would certainly NOT buy a boring dinosaur accord nor a camry. Plenty of choices out there.

the rlx IS this car... RLX = Honda Accord wearing a suit.

I love the new accord,,but the l e d lights are ugly.

Nice solid Honda.