2012 Honda Accord
- 2011 Honda Accord
- Used Honda Accord
- RepairsHonda Accord
Based on analysis of 51 Accord reviews and test drives.
U.S.News Scores
| Overall: | 8.8 |
| Performance: | 7.9 |
| Exterior: | 7.5 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | 10.0 |
| Reliability: | NA |
Pros and Cons
- Excellent safety scores
- Roomy interior
- Powerful V6 option
- Good reliability
- Underpowered base engine
- Subpar interior materials
Research Other Years
Honda Accord Review - What the Auto Press Says
The 2012 Honda Accord ranks 5 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Accord, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2012 Honda Accord used to be the obvious choice among affordable midsize cars, but the automotive press says the Accord is starting to fall behind the competition.
Honda has a long-standing reputation for reliability, and the 2012 Accord maintains that reputation. The highly-similar 2011 Accord is the highest-ranked midsize car in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. The 2012 Honda Accord also earns top scores from the federal government in all crash tests.
Safety and reliability aside, the Accord isn’t the go-to choice it used to be in the midsize car class. The automotive press says that newer entries like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines that produce more horsepower and have better fuel economy than the Accord’s optional V6 engine.
However, there are features that test drivers love about the Accord. These include its spacious interior, powerful optional V6 engine, comfortable seats and big trunk. They still suggest that shoppers in the market for a midsize sedan test drive the competition. The Accord is starting to look dated and it just doesn’t set the bar like it used to.
Other Cars to Consider:
Reviewers note that the base four-cylinder engine in the 2012 Accord sedan is underpowered. If you want more power and good fuel economy, but don’t want to upgrade to a V6, the automotive press says the Kia Optima is a good car to test drive. Like the Accord, they say its base four-cylinder engine is adequate, but they are really impressed with the Optima’s optional turbocharged four, which produces slightly more horsepower than the Accord’s V6. Plus, it gets much better gas mileage.
If you live in a cold weather state and drive on snowy, icy roads, all-wheel drive is a good thing to have in your midsize car. The Accord doesn’t offer this feature. The Subaru Legacy is a good car to consider because it comes standard with AWD and costs less than the Accord sedan.
Honda Accord: The Details
The 2012 Honda Accord comes in sedan and coupe body styles. The Accord sedan is available in four trim levels, while the Accord coupe comes in three trims.
The only notable changes for 2012 are the addition of an SE trim level on the Accord sedan and standard USB audio input on all Accord models. Since the 2012 Honda Accord is mostly unchanged, this review uses test driver comments and opinions from older reviews. See the full list of 2012 Honda Accord specs.
- "Though Accord is not leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of performance, features, passenger accommodations, and value pricing make it a Recommended choice in this class." -- Consumer Guide
- "Overall, we still think the 2012 Honda Accord is a good pick for a family sedan. But we certainly suggest shopping the competition before settling for this Honda icon." -- Edmunds
- "If aliens landed tomorrow and asked for our finest example of mainstream transportation, you'd probably point them toward one of these babies."-- Car and Driver
Accord Performance - 7.9 (Good)
The 2012 Honda Accord’s performance ranges from bland to exciting, depending on the engine size and trim level. Test drivers say the powertrain combinations should suit most buyers, but the Accord isn’t the most fun to drive in its class. Read More
Accord Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The 2012 Honda Accord’s exterior receives mixed reviews from the automotive press. View Photos
Accord Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2012 Honda Accord used to be known for top-notch interior material quality, but most reviewers say that’s no longer the case. They think the Accord’s interior is just average now. Read More
Accord Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2012 Honda Accord sedan receives top safety scores from the federal government in all tests, where it earns five out of five stars. The Accord is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Read More
Accord Reliability - NA
While Honda’s warranty coverage is typical of midsize cars, some rivals offer better coverage. Read More
