1- 2013 Honda Accord (89.18%)
Honda's back or, at least, the Accord is back. We weren't quite certain what to make of the new 2013 Honda Accord when we first laid eyes on it, but it quickly grew on us. In fact, we still make positive comments when we see one.
The all-new 2013 Honda Accord is deceptively normal, but a second glance will reveal sharp body lines and creases that were sorely missing on the previous generation car. We've yet to find an angle that displeases us, regardless of trim. Our tested Touring featured handsome 18" wheels which perfectly accented the car's lines. These are lines that were never written on the last-generation Accord. We quite like them.
The cabin was not as well received. The issue that everyone took up was the excessive display screens which we all agreed were overkill. Most other manufacturers integrate all manners HMI (human-machine-interface -- remember this one 'cause it'll be a popular acronym) into one screen. For some reason, Honda thinks that two along with a third display for HVAC controls is the way to go. We don't.
Beyond this quibble, the 2013 Honda Accord's passenger quarters are impressive. Boasting plenty of room, top-notch craftsmanship and incredibly quiet to boot, the Accord's inner dwellings are very obliging. Fit and finish are on par with the Passat, making them both tops in this test.
The seats, a typical Honda forte, are very good. They offer up plenty of support in a sporty yet comfortable way. The rear seatback is slightly too upright for some, however, no one complained about interior space. With plenty of head and legroom, like the top three cars in this test, the Accord will take on three wide. The trunk is also quite capacious.
On the powertrain front, the 2013 Honda Accord puts forth a similar engine lineup as it previously did. The star, or the Accord's secret weapon, is its CVT 'box. Without a doubt the best there currently is, this transmission is the one that has given us typically anti-CVT critic's hope. Its operation is transparent, flawless even, never hinting at the fact that it's a CVT; the CVTs that make engines whine, the CVTs we despise. We'd go so far as to say that we valued it more than some of the other conventional 6-speed autoboxes... It is a revelation.
About engines: the 2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 make a return, but with a few changes. The V6 is now only available with EX-L, but that matters little as the 185 hp and 181 torques (189 and 182 for the Sport trim) 4-pot has all the necessary power. Linear and punchy, it's well matched to the car's girth.
The main reason why we say the Accord is back is because of its drive. The 2013 Honda Accord is solid, tight, responsive and alive like Hondas of old. The 2013 Volkswagen Passat beats it in poise and substance, but the Accord wins the agility and tossability fight.
The new 2013 Honda Accord is a fabulous car and the recipient of our 2013 midsize car of the year trophy. It certainly deserves it.
Honda's back or, at least, the Accord is back. We weren't quite certain what to make of the new 2013 Honda Accord when we first laid eyes on it, but it quickly grew on us. In fact, we still make positive comments when we see one.
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| We've yet to find an angle that displeases us, regardless of trim. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
The all-new 2013 Honda Accord is deceptively normal, but a second glance will reveal sharp body lines and creases that were sorely missing on the previous generation car. We've yet to find an angle that displeases us, regardless of trim. Our tested Touring featured handsome 18" wheels which perfectly accented the car's lines. These are lines that were never written on the last-generation Accord. We quite like them.
The cabin was not as well received. The issue that everyone took up was the excessive display screens which we all agreed were overkill. Most other manufacturers integrate all manners HMI (human-machine-interface -- remember this one 'cause it'll be a popular acronym) into one screen. For some reason, Honda thinks that two along with a third display for HVAC controls is the way to go. We don't.
Beyond this quibble, the 2013 Honda Accord's passenger quarters are impressive. Boasting plenty of room, top-notch craftsmanship and incredibly quiet to boot, the Accord's inner dwellings are very obliging. Fit and finish are on par with the Passat, making them both tops in this test.
The seats, a typical Honda forte, are very good. They offer up plenty of support in a sporty yet comfortable way. The rear seatback is slightly too upright for some, however, no one complained about interior space. With plenty of head and legroom, like the top three cars in this test, the Accord will take on three wide. The trunk is also quite capacious.
On the powertrain front, the 2013 Honda Accord puts forth a similar engine lineup as it previously did. The star, or the Accord's secret weapon, is its CVT 'box. Without a doubt the best there currently is, this transmission is the one that has given us typically anti-CVT critic's hope. Its operation is transparent, flawless even, never hinting at the fact that it's a CVT; the CVTs that make engines whine, the CVTs we despise. We'd go so far as to say that we valued it more than some of the other conventional 6-speed autoboxes... It is a revelation.
About engines: the 2.4L 4-cylinder and 3.5L V6 make a return, but with a few changes. The V6 is now only available with EX-L, but that matters little as the 185 hp and 181 torques (189 and 182 for the Sport trim) 4-pot has all the necessary power. Linear and punchy, it's well matched to the car's girth.
The main reason why we say the Accord is back is because of its drive. The 2013 Honda Accord is solid, tight, responsive and alive like Hondas of old. The 2013 Volkswagen Passat beats it in poise and substance, but the Accord wins the agility and tossability fight.
The new 2013 Honda Accord is a fabulous car and the recipient of our 2013 midsize car of the year trophy. It certainly deserves it.
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| The issue that everyone took up was the excessive display screens. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |