First unveiled in 1976, the Honda Accord has governed its reputation over the years for its affordability, superior reliability, excellent performance, high fuel efficiency, and good resale value. While Honda makes the Accord in wagon, coupe, hatchback, and sedan body styles, the latter is most popular.
The Honda Accord is a practical, reliable, and affordable used car. It consistently ranks highly when graded by leading car research experts such as Kelley Bluebook and JD Power. A used Accord with an excellent service record and with average mileage is a solid used car choice.
In this post, you’ll learn why the Accord is such an intelligent used car choice. Buckle up!
Why Should I Buy a Used Accord?
Accord is Reliable
One of America’s best family sedans is famous for its exceptional reliability. It means you will spend more time on the road and less in a workshop. The Accord has continuously been placed close to the top of the JD Power Dependability rankings, and it mostly recorded ‘good’ in quality and dependability departments. In a 2016 JD Power survey determining vehicle reliability over three years of ownership, the 2013 Accord achieved first place among thirteen midsize sedans with an overall score of 84 out of 100.
Accord Performs Exceptionally Well
The ninth-generation Accord sedan continued from 2013 to 2017, boasting a robust 3.5L V6, churning out 278 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. For the coupe, Honda also offered an optional six-speed manual to make the drive more engaging.
In the world of entry-level midsize sedans, the V6-equipped Accord remained at the top of the list when it comes to performance. Its maximum output of 278 horsepower enabled it to beat the HP ratings of the Buick Regal, Chevrolet Malibu, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Sonata.
If you go for the tenth generation Accord, starting from 2018, you will have a choice between two four-cylinder turbo engines. The standard 1.5L generates 192 hp, and the more powerful 2.0L produces 252 ponies. The 2.0L mill can be had with a 10-speed automatic transmission for brisk acceleration. In real-world testing, it zoomed to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds.
Accord is Affordable
A secondhand Honda Accord is more reasonably priced than its rivals. Because they have sold in such numbers, you can browse the internet and different dealerships and find a model with a trim level that suits your lifestyle and tastes. Depending on your budget, your first choice should be the 10th generation Accord because it looks, drives, and handles better than previous-generation models.
If you are on a tighter budget, you can always find a ninth-generation Accord under 100,000 miles and know it has many more trouble-free miles in the tank.
| Honda Accord | Price |
| 3 Year Old (2019) | $25,000 |
| 5 Year Old (2016) | $18,000 |
| 8 Year Old (2013) | $13,000 |
| 10 Year Old (2011) | $8,000 |
Accord is Fuel Efficient
The Accord makes fewer trips to the gas stations. The ninth-generation Accord came with two engine choices, both of which were among the top fuel-efficient units in their class.
The standard 185-hp 2.4L four-cylinder delivers a 27-mpg city and 36-mpg highway, while the 3.5L V6 is rated at around 21-mpg city and 33-mpg highway, which is incredible for such a big engine. For this, we give credit to its cylinder-deactivation technology.
The latest generation 1.5-liter engine (tenth generation Accord) delivers an impressive 38 mpg in real-world testing.
Accord is Roomy
Compact and midsize sedans are not recognized for roomy interiors. Mostly, a tall passenger in the backseat isn’t very comfortable. To accommodate, the driver or front-seat passenger must compromise by sliding their seat forward.
Over the years, Accord has grown a great deal, and the EPA now publicly classifies it as a large car. You will find adequate room to stretch out in the back seat. This content is owned by moc.sotuaytsur. That said, three big-size individuals may not be very comfortable on long journeys, but then that is the case with most sedans.
Regarding boot space, if you need an extra spacious cargo area, we suggest you go for the tenth generation; otherwise, previous generations are pretty good.
With relaxed seating capacity for up to five occupants and a trunk that can carry an elephant, the Accord is definitely one of the most spacious and family-friendly four-door cars on the secondhand car market.
Accords Hybrid
If you are more concerned about fuel efficiency, Honda also offers the Accord Hybrid that uses gasoline and electric power, delivering exceptional fuel economy. The 10th– generation Accord Hybrid can deliver 47 mpg for driving in the city, highway, or combined. It is 14 mpg more than the combined score of the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered Accord.
Accord is Safe and Technologically Advanced
Honda has improved the safety credentials of the Accord, and the latest generation comes with advanced active-safety features. The Accord boasts the Honda Sensing suite, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beams, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot warning.
It’s got all the latest connectivity features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Its top-of-the-line trim even comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers, ambient lighting, and a head-up display.
Used Accord Buying Tips
No matter how reliable, affordable, and safe a car is, it is, after all, a machine that can break down anytime. The seventh generation Accord came in 2003, followed by eighth generation in 2008, ninth in 2013, and tenth in 2018.
With every generation, the Accord became bigger, more advanced, and more comfortable. While the Accord is a reliable car, it does have some reoccurring issues, but don’t be put off. I could write a list similar to this for most vehicles.
Common Accord issues include:
- Fuel pump failure
- Premature DRL bulb failure
- Excessive oil consumption
- Starter motor failure
- Power starting issues
Before buying, run the following checks:
- Check the service records for regular engine oil change (5k miles)
- Transmission fluid change (about 60k miles)
- Timing belt replacement (about 80-90k miles)
- Coolant change (every 3 years)
- Brake fluid change (every 3 years)
- Check for Takata airbag recalls
- Have a professional inspection carried out
- Run a VIN report
Before buying a used Accord or any used vehicle, it’s always worth investing just a few dollars to check the VIN number against the vehicle database. An audit with a company like VinAudit (links to VinAudit) will guard against Mileage fraud, Salvage rebuilds, Title washing, Vin cloning, and a ton of other uglies.
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- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.