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Honda Accord - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Honda Accord ranks 8 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 43 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Accord, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Honda Accord has been an excellent choice for most family sedan buyers for more than a generation.  The 2010 Accord does nothing to change that, with a roomy interior, performance that's just a little sporty and always predictable, strong safety scores and reliability that means few expensive surprises.

The 2010 Honda Accord may have the best pedigree in the entire automotive world.  It's been one of Car and Driver's 10 Best for 23 straight years.  After its 2008 redesign, it was named Motor Week's Best Family Sedan. It's Consumer Reports' Best Pick of 2009 (and 2008) in the Family Sedan category...the list just doesn't stop.

The reasons are simple.  It's comfortable, spacious, sharp-looking and just a bit sporty.  Available in both Coupe and Sedan models, it appeals to those who can get away with a good-looking two door and those whose families have grown to require four.  It also boasts an admirable reliability history.

The Accord is an outstanding choice for many buyers.  But the story of the affordable midsize car class is changing.  Once, the Accord and the Toyota Camry ruled the segment easily.  Today, car shoppers have far more interesting choices.  The top spot in our rankings has been passed around.  The Accord, the Camry, the Chevy Malibu and  the Ford Fusion Hybrid have all held the number one slot at some point in 2009 - and second place has been a six-way tie twice.  There are now a lot of desirable, reliable, well-rounded cars available for between $20,000 and $30,000.  This year, the best choice may vary from month to month, depending on incentives and sales in your area. Be sure to check for current Honda Deals that may be available on a new Accord.

There are, of course, differences in personality between the cars.  The 2010 Accord distinguishes itself with its unusually spacious cabin (the government classifies this is a large car, while most of its competition is classified as midsize) and relatively sporty manners for a front-drive family car.  Shoppers will find it significantly more fun-to-drive than the Camry and Malibu, and a bit more spacious than the Fusion.

For 2010, the Accord is available in base LX, more upscale EX, and long-wheelbase EX-L trim levels.

• "Though Accord is no longer leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a Best Buy for shoppers in this class." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Honda Accord offers an appealing combination of spaciousness, a relatively upscale feel and a reputation for reliability. However, its ride quality and overall performance are merely adequate for this segment. For one thing, the Accord has grown bigger and softer with its latest redesign; for another, the competition has caught up." -- Edmunds
• " 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
• "The benchmark by which other midsize sedans are judged in the 32 years since it debuted in the United States." -- Detroit Free Press
• In a comparison test with the new 2010 Ford Fusion, "By a margin as thin as its paint, the Honda's lower ownership cost and slightly comfier seating eke out a win." -- Motor Trend

Accord Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

Depending on how much you want to spend, you can purchase an Accord ranging from mildly sporty to quite powerful. Three available engines and three transmissions give buyers a lot of choice. Regardless of the powertrain, reviewers agree that the Accord has sporty reflexes, with handling that is crisp and highway speed and easy to control in the parking lot, and responsive brakes. Read More

Accord Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Though the automotive press treats the Accord as a midsize car, it has grown so large that the government formally classifies it as a large car.  Reviewers say, however, that it carries its heft well. "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." Read More

Accord Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)

The 2010 Honda Accord's passenger cabin is a pleasant place to spend your commute every day. It offers more interior space than most midsize cars, 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." That technology, however, divides the automotive press - Honda's newest navigation system hasn't been an unequivocal hit. Read More

Accord Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The 2010 Accord has earned excellent crash test scores from the federal government, and while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety hasn't tested a 2010 Accord, the new car is largely the same as the 2009 model that earned the Institute's "Top Safety Pick" award.     Read More

Accord Reliability - NA

Honda provides a three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the car.  The warranty may not be needed, however -- Honda has an industry-wide reputation for building solid, high-quality cars. Read More