2013 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Improving Upon A Staple In The Midsize Segment

 

Highlights: This is the ninth-generation Honda Accord. The vehicle has grown from being a compact to a roomy midsize sedan over the years.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $33,140

Seating Capacity: 5 occupants

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, passenger, side and curtain); vehicle stability control; ABS; electronic brake distribution; tire pressure monitoring system; and daytime running lights

Standard Equipment: 18-inch wheels; automatic headlights; heated (front) leather seats; 10-way power driver’s memory seat; a voice-activated NAV system; a push-button keyless starter; a dual-zone automatic ventilation system; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a back-up camera; a rear deck spoiler; and an illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

Standard Audio: a 7-speaker 360-watt AM/FM/CD MP3 player with XM radio

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Bluetooth Compatibility: Included

MP3 Capability: Included

ipod Capability: Included

a USB audio interface: Included

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 3.5- liter, 278-horsepower

Standard Fuel Mileage: 18-city/28-hwy

Other Accord Coupe models:

LX
LX-S
EX

What’s New: The 2013 Accord has received a thorough makeover for the 2013 model year. In fact, it’s totally redone, even slightly shorter than the previous generation. Although at first glance, the Accord looks like the 2012 model. A closer look reveals that this vehicle is totally new. From the headlights to the tail lights to all of the high-tech features that are now available on one America’s best midsize vehicle everyhthing is new. The Accord even provides a slight bump in MPG (miles per gallon), too!

This blind-spot system is an industry-first and a segment buster.

Pros: In the midsize segment, where sedans rule, Honda is the only one to offer a coupe. The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe receives a number of new features. The vehicle now incorporates LED lights, an easy-to-use touchscreen audio system, a forward-collision warning system and a lane-departure warning system.

We were equally impressed with the industry-first Honda LaneWatch Blind Spot Display. Unlike the typical blindspot system, Honda provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway via the NAV screen, when the right-turn signal is in use. Boy, this is better than any electronic blindspot system. In fact, we hope that Honda incorporates this for the right side of the vehicle, too. Having this feature will greatly reduce accidents.

Moreover, we enjoyed being behind the wheel of the fun-to-drive six-speed transmission Accord we reviewed. It put the spunk back into driving a midsize vehicle.

Cons: Like Toyota’s current-generation Camry, Honda followed them, refusing to make dramatic changes to the exterior.  In the competitive midsize segment, every vehicle has received dramatic exterior changes except Toyota and Honda. Ironically, both brands hold the top spots, as it relates to retails sales in the midsize segment. So, I guess their philosophy is, if it’s not broken, why fix it.

We also found the turn-styled navigation system to be quite difficult to use, when attempting to locate a street address. We finally gave up, after making several attempts. And the ride is still too firm for a vehicle in this segment, although most loyal Honda owners won’t complain.

The Verdict: The Accord has been a staple in America for approximately thirty years. As most Accord owners realize, the 2013 model is this the best one to date. Unlike the previous generation, the 2013 Accord is loaded with a number of must-have safety tech features.

Furthermore, the Accord offers a variety of configurations to suit everyone needs. The Accord is available in either a two-door or four-door configuration with either a manual, automatic or hybrid plug-in engine, depending on the trim selected. Pricing for the 2013 Accord starts out at $22,470 for a base sedan, while a base coupe starts out at $24,140.

And although this is one of the most competitive segments in the industry, the Accord continues to be competitive no matter how dramatic its competitors are, as it relates to styling. Accord owners always know with a Honda, the vehicle will be reliable and trouble-free (for the most part). This is what keeps Honda owners coming back and their resale value at the top of its segment.

 

Competition: While there are no coupes in the midsize segment, here are the sedans the Accord competes against: Chevy Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and VW Passatt.