As we wait for the all-new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid and Accord Plug-in Hybrid, I got to spend quality time with a 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6. I can easily see why this sedan won the AJAC's Canadian Car of the Year Award, as well as Auto123.com's 2013 Midsize Car of the Year Award.
Despite looking all serious and business-like, the Accord won me over the second I stepped inside. As a true benchmark for midsize cars, this Japanese icon is probably as close to perfection as it gets.
What is the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord comes in sedan and coupe body styles, along with 4- and 6-cylinder engines, which makes it one of the most versatile midsize offerings in Canada.
Fully redesigned for 2013, the 9th-generation Accord keeps building on a stellar reputation for quality and reliability. It boasts a relatively sporty character, plenty of advanced safety systems, and high levels of comfort.
2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 Price and Specs
Under the hood of my tester was a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 rated at 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The engine worked with an excellent 6-speed automatic transmission, Variable Cylinder Management, ECON mode, and the friction- and weight-reducing Earth Dreams technology to achieve great fuel economy (more on that later).
In sedan form, the 2013 Honda Accord starts at $23,990. If you want the bigger mill, your only two options are the EX-L V6 and fully equipped Touring V6. At $35,400, the latter includes keyless access, which I quickly found out I couldn't live without.
Driving the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The comfort-focused 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 is far from boring to drive. Lively acceleration, decent handling, sharp steering, and very competent brakes contribute to a safe, pleasant experience behind the wheel. On the flip side, I was a bit disappointed with the turning radius.
Visibility in the 2013 Honda Accord is good up front, but the raised trunk makes it hard to see out the rear. The multi-angle backup camera with available guidelines comes in quite handy. Moreover, thanks to Honda's LaneWatch system, a camera mounted on the passenger's side mirror displays an image on the centre screen to effectively increase the viewing angle. This helps avoid potential collisions with objects or people in the right blind spot. As for the expanded-view driver's side mirror, it merely provides a distorted view of objects on the far-left side -- I didn't like it.
There are green and white bars on either side of the 2013 Honda Accord’s speedometer that track how efficiently you’re driving. My goal was to keep the bars as green as possible (without going all hypermiler-crazy), and it paid off: I wound up with an impressive 8.3L/100km average (granted, I mostly drove on highways).
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The new design of the 2013 Honda Accord gives it a modern, upscale look. The LED headlights, fog lights, and 18” wheels definitely add a touch of class. Personally, the only thing that kind of compromises the sleek exterior is the boxy tail.
Build quality is fantastic on both sides of the doors. Material selection is exemplary; same for fit and finish. The 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6's heated leather seats all around are just as comfortable as they are supportive.
The modern, user-friendly dashboard comes with dual screens. The large one up top provides a lot of information on the vehicle, while the smaller touch screen below allows you to select audio input or change radio stations, for instance. While this kind of interface is sharp and trendy, I still prefer the old-fashioned array of buttons and dials to keep my eyes on the road.
Ergonomics in the 2013 Honda Accord are adequate, although the cascade of sub-menus don't help. I would have liked a button for the Front Collision Warning system to the left of the steering wheel instead of having to find it through the various settings (along with Lane Departure Warning). What's more, Honda's voice-recognition system still needs some improvements.
Finally, despite offering lots of space and split-folding rear seats, the 2013 Honda Accord's versatility is significantly reduced by the tight opening between the cabin and the trunk.
Comparing the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
As you know, midsize sedans are in the midst of an all-out war, with the lovely Ford Fusion, high-value Kia Optima, and cutting-edge Mazda6 fighting the hardest for your dollar.
If the past is any indication, the 2013 Honda Accord will prove immensely reliable and satisfying. That, combined with an attractive base price, pleasant driving dynamics, great build quality, and terrific resale value, should continue to drive hordes of buyers to Honda dealers.
Despite looking all serious and business-like, the Accord won me over the second I stepped inside. As a true benchmark for midsize cars, this Japanese icon is probably as close to perfection as it gets.
What is the Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord comes in sedan and coupe body styles, along with 4- and 6-cylinder engines, which makes it one of the most versatile midsize offerings in Canada.
Fully redesigned for 2013, the 9th-generation Accord keeps building on a stellar reputation for quality and reliability. It boasts a relatively sporty character, plenty of advanced safety systems, and high levels of comfort.
2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 Price and Specs
Under the hood of my tester was a 3.5L i-VTEC V6 rated at 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. The engine worked with an excellent 6-speed automatic transmission, Variable Cylinder Management, ECON mode, and the friction- and weight-reducing Earth Dreams technology to achieve great fuel economy (more on that later).
In sedan form, the 2013 Honda Accord starts at $23,990. If you want the bigger mill, your only two options are the EX-L V6 and fully equipped Touring V6. At $35,400, the latter includes keyless access, which I quickly found out I couldn't live without.
Driving the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The comfort-focused 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 is far from boring to drive. Lively acceleration, decent handling, sharp steering, and very competent brakes contribute to a safe, pleasant experience behind the wheel. On the flip side, I was a bit disappointed with the turning radius.
Visibility in the 2013 Honda Accord is good up front, but the raised trunk makes it hard to see out the rear. The multi-angle backup camera with available guidelines comes in quite handy. Moreover, thanks to Honda's LaneWatch system, a camera mounted on the passenger's side mirror displays an image on the centre screen to effectively increase the viewing angle. This helps avoid potential collisions with objects or people in the right blind spot. As for the expanded-view driver's side mirror, it merely provides a distorted view of objects on the far-left side -- I didn't like it.
There are green and white bars on either side of the 2013 Honda Accord’s speedometer that track how efficiently you’re driving. My goal was to keep the bars as green as possible (without going all hypermiler-crazy), and it paid off: I wound up with an impressive 8.3L/100km average (granted, I mostly drove on highways).
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
The new design of the 2013 Honda Accord gives it a modern, upscale look. The LED headlights, fog lights, and 18” wheels definitely add a touch of class. Personally, the only thing that kind of compromises the sleek exterior is the boxy tail.
Build quality is fantastic on both sides of the doors. Material selection is exemplary; same for fit and finish. The 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6's heated leather seats all around are just as comfortable as they are supportive.
The modern, user-friendly dashboard comes with dual screens. The large one up top provides a lot of information on the vehicle, while the smaller touch screen below allows you to select audio input or change radio stations, for instance. While this kind of interface is sharp and trendy, I still prefer the old-fashioned array of buttons and dials to keep my eyes on the road.
Ergonomics in the 2013 Honda Accord are adequate, although the cascade of sub-menus don't help. I would have liked a button for the Front Collision Warning system to the left of the steering wheel instead of having to find it through the various settings (along with Lane Departure Warning). What's more, Honda's voice-recognition system still needs some improvements.
Finally, despite offering lots of space and split-folding rear seats, the 2013 Honda Accord's versatility is significantly reduced by the tight opening between the cabin and the trunk.
Comparing the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6
As you know, midsize sedans are in the midst of an all-out war, with the lovely Ford Fusion, high-value Kia Optima, and cutting-edge Mazda6 fighting the hardest for your dollar.
If the past is any indication, the 2013 Honda Accord will prove immensely reliable and satisfying. That, combined with an attractive base price, pleasant driving dynamics, great build quality, and terrific resale value, should continue to drive hordes of buyers to Honda dealers.
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