New 2009 Honda Accord [ 2008 , 2007 ]
Honda Accord - What the Auto Press Says
The Honda Accord has been one of the best-selling and most well-reviewed midsize cars in America for many years, and the latest Accord does nothing to change that status. Redesigned just last year, the 2009 Accord offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class, excellent safety scores, and a relatively engaging driving experience for a family car. It doesn't leave its competition behind in any one category, but offers an all-around package that is hard to beat.
In fact, the 2008 Accord -- largely the same as this year's model -- won a bevy of awards from the automotive press. Car and Driver named the 2008 Accord one of its 10Best for 2008, an honor the sedan has received a record 22 times. Kiplinger magazine recognizes the 2008 Accord as a "Best in Class" winner for sedans priced between $25,000 and $30,000. It was also honored as Motor Week's Best Family Sedan, Consumer Reports' Best Pick of 2008 in the Family Sedan category, and Road and Travel Magazine's Sedan of the Year and International Car of the Year.
The car also comes in two body styles - and unlike competitors that simply offer a choice of two- our four-door versions of the same body, Honda offers a sharp-looking Coupe that shares not one body panel with its Sedan cousin.
In a difficult economic climate with high gas prices, the Accord is available with a pair of four-cylinder engines for the cost-conscious. It's the top-of-the-line V6, however, that impresses reviewers most. Honda has announced that a diesel-powered Accord will appear later in 2009, but reviewers haven't gotten their hands on that version yet.
- " The last time the Accord wasn't on [Car and Driver's 10Best] list was 1997, and the car has appeared a whopping 22 times. The reason? Simple: The Accord has everything you want in a sensible car -- reliability, a comfortable and friendly interior, and good fuel economy -- plus good engines and lively handling to keep pulse rates raised." -- Car and Driver
- "Honda has produced a strong contender that benefits from name recognition, a proven track record, and sterling reputation, but this all-new Accord isn't perfect." -- Motor Trend
- "The benchmark by which other midsize sedans are judged in the 32 years since it debuted in the United States." -- Detroit Free Press
- "The combination of pleasant driving, practicality and refinement probably is unmatched among mainstream sedans." -- USA Today
Accord Performance - NA
The 2009 Honda Accord is available with three different engines and two different transmissions, making for some variation in the car's performance. The biggest of its engines, a V6 offering 256 horsepower, wins a lot of reviewer praise. The smallest, a four-cylinder making 177-horsepower, is not as well-liked. Between the two is the sweet spot: a larger four-cylinder that still manages good fuel economy ratings for this class. Continue with our full Performance Review for details on the different powertrain options. continue
Accord Exterior - NA
Redesigned just last year, the 2009 Accord features an exterior that is more aggressive and masculine than previous generations of the car. It has divided reviewers, with some preferring the new look and others rejecting it entirely. "The latest model's new looks and gargantuan proportions may be a turn-off for those used to previous Accords," says Car and Driver, "but to those folks we say not to worry: this is one darn good car." Decide for yourself with our Honda Accord Photo Gallery, or continue with our full Exterior Review to see the experts' opinions. continue
Accord Interior - NA
The 2009 Honda Accord's passenger cabin is one of its most impressive attributes. It's the most spacious Accord yet, and features the fit and finish that has earned Honda one of the industry's best reputations. The Detroit News calls it "comfortable, elegant and loaded with technology." Continue with our full Interior Review to read about the options, or see the space yourself in our Honda Accord Photo Gallery. continue
Accord Safety - NA
The 2009 Accord has earned excellent crash test scores from the federal government, and while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested a 2009 Accord, the new car is largely the same as the 2008 model that earned the Institute's "Top Safety Pick" award. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about standard and optional safety equipment. continue
Accord Reliability - NA
Honda provides a three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the car. Continue with our full Reliability Review for information on the other warranties. continue