![]() ![]() These days, the car's interior features more hard plastics than you'll find in certain rivals, with construction quality that is a step down from the high bar set in previous generations. In years gone by, the Honda Accord's cabin set the standard for materials quality as well as fit and finish. The V6 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 20/30/24, while the V6 coupe gets 19/29/23 with the automatic and 17/26/21 with the manual. In Edmunds performance testing, a V6 sedan went from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds, whereas a manual-equipped coupe did it in 6.3. A five-speed automatic is standard on both body styles, with the coupe getting shift paddles the coupe can also be equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Accord EX and EX-L can be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque (251 with the manual-equipped coupe). Getting the manual brings the highway number to 33 mpg regardless of body style. With an automatic transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy for four-cylinder sedans regardless of trim level is 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. In Edmunds performance testing, an automatic-equipped LX-P sedan went from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, which is on the slow side for this class. Both versions come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic is optional. The LX-S coupe and all EX models have a modified version of this engine that produces 190 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 Honda Accord LX, LX-P and SE sedan trims are powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that produces 177 horsepower and 161 pound-feet of torque. But we certainly suggest shopping the competition before settling for this Honda icon. Overall, we still think the 2012 Honda Accord is a good pick for a family sedan. Then there's the Accord's nemesis, the Toyota Camry, which is fully redesigned this year with a better interior and improved fuel economy. ![]() In terms of driving dynamics, the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima are more engaging to drive, while still providing plenty of practicality. Choices like the Hyundai Sonata (and related Kia Optima) and Volkswagen Passat offer stylish, upscale cabins that make the Accord's look drab and low-rent in comparison. ![]() The fact that the Accord is no longer the hands-down class leader it once was is testimony to how far family sedans have come in recent years. Overall interior quality also disappoints, as does the intrusive amount of road noise coming into the cabin at highway speeds. Its acceleration is also a bit underwhelming, with a five-speed automatic transmission doing duty here when most competing models now offer snappier six-speeds. While its steering remains responsive and tactile, the Accord has a tendency to feel super-sized when driven around corners or on tighter roads. For one, the Accord no longer feels like the "right-size" choice in the family sedan class. Then there's reliability and resale, and these are areas in which Honda enjoys an excellent reputation.Īt the same time, however, the Accord has some drawbacks that keep it from being the no-brainer choice it used to be. If fuel economy is your thing, the Accord has got you covered with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine that delivers 34 mpg on the highway. Its king-sized cabin dimensions mean that there's plenty of room, and indeed the Accord has one of the roomiest rear seats in the family sedan segment. True to form, the Accord certainly delivers in the qualities that matter most in this segment. In many ways, the 2012 Honda Accord illustrates what a keen understanding the manufacturer has of shoppers in the family-sedan segment. If you want to make a successful product, you have to know your audience. ![]()
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