2014 Honda Accord Sedan Touring: A Roomy, Well-Equipped Family Vehicle

Highlight: This is the only vehicle in the segment, offering a coupe.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $34,270 (Base Model starts at $22,745)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (driver, front and side); ABS; daytime running lights; electronic brake distribution; a tire pressure monitoring system; a traction control system; and a hill start assist system keeps the vehicle from rolling back, when stopped on an incline

Standard Equipment: 16-inches tires; a 6-speed transmission; automatic headlights; cloth manually adjusted seats; sliding front center armrest; illuminated vanity mirrors; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a manual tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; and a rear seat center armrest

Suspension System:

Front-MacPherson  

Rear-Multi-link

Standard Audio: a 160-watt, 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system

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

Powertrain Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Bluetooth Compatibility: Yes

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder/185-horsepower

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/34-hwy

Other Trim Levels:

Honda Accord Coupe

Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

iPod and USB ports: available

What’s New: Major styling changes were made to the Honda Accord in 2013. So, for the 2014 model year, a plug-in and a hybrid vehicle join the line up.

Pros: We previously reviewed the current generation Accord Coupe. So, with that being the case, we knew it was time for us to review a family favorite based on new-vehicle sales, the sedan. As opposed to it just being any five passenger sedan, we opted for the well-equipped Touring model.

Our well-equipped family sedan was outfitted with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, (power front) leather seats, heated front seats, a leather trimmed steering wheel, an automatic on/off headlight system, a dual zone a/c system, a push-button keyless starter system, an automatic rearview mirror, a radar-activated cruise control system, a power moonroof and the Accord’s signature LaneWatch system.

Honda’s LaneWatch system is exclusive to the Accord. To our surprise, Honda’s luxury brand, Acura, does not offer the system. LaneWatch allows the driver to see everything on the right side of the vehicle, when the right turn signal is utilized. Obviously, this advanced safety system is designed to reduce accidents whether it’s parallel parking or changing lanes. It’s too bad that this technology is not available on the left side of the vehicle, too!

Furthermore, the Accord is equipped with the easy-to-use dual, highly visible center stack screens, providing everything from a navigation system to the audio system.  In fact, the dual screens displays the 360-watt AM/FM/CD with 7 speakers, which also allows a Pandora internet radio interface along with a limited subscription to satellite radio.

Cons: This is the last vehicle in the segment to offer a 6-cylinder engine. Like some of its competitors, Honda should consider offering a turbo–boosted, fuel-efficient 4-cylinder to replace the spirited 6-cylinder.

Moreover, the vehicle lacks some of the latest technology such as an electronic blind spot lane changing system and a back-up camera with a cross wind traffic alert system.

Furthermore, Honda should also consider adding an oversized Panoramic roof just like some of its competitors in the segment. It literally adds to the cool factor, while giving passengers literally a window to the sky.

The Verdict:  For years, the Honda Accord has consistently being one of the top ten best-selling new vehicles in America from month-to-month. Its no wonder why folks love their Accords. The Accord has always had the reputation of being a well-built, easy to maintain vehicle. Over the years the vehicle has grown from literally being an affordable compact to what is today … a roomy family sedan, offering great road manners. So, whether consumers are seeking a coupe, a hybrid, a plug-in, a 4-cylinder, a 6-cylinder or a sport-tuned model, the Accord has it covered.

Competition: 2015 Chrysler 200C, Chevy Malibu LTZ, Ford Fusion Titanium, Hyundai Sonata Limited, Kia Optima SXL Turbo, Mazda6  Grand Touring, Nissan Altima SL, Toyota Camry XLE and VW Passat SEL