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2009 Honda Accord Sedan Bottom Line

July 20, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

In order to both bring you a succinct expert opinion and the most complete information, all in one place, TheCarConnection.com's editors have first driven the 2009 Honda Accord and wrapped their advice into a quick Bottom Line; then TheCarConnection.com researched available road tests on the new Honda Accord to show you where other reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Sporty handling combined with big-car poise
  • Very quiet and well-isolated cabin
  • Honda reliability and resale value
  • Affordability
  • Unrivaled build quality

Dislikes:

  • Fuel economy could be better
  • Swooping roofline limits backseat headroom
  • Unexciting styling

Buying Tips:


For a few thousand dollars more than a top-of-the-line 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V-6, the 2009 Acura TL has similar mechanical underpinnings and an even more stylish package; it also brings the advantage of superior Acura dealership service.

The Honda Accord was completely redesigned for 2008, and in 2009, the new model remains largely unchanged. The popular mid-size sedan accommodates its passengers with a roomy, comfortable cabin and bold styling both inside and out.

The 2009 front-wheel-drive Accord is powered by either a four- or six-cylinder engine. Both engines come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the four-cylinder model can be ordered with a five-speed manual.

The V-6 engine incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which helps improve fuel economy, but the difference between it and the four-cylinder is negligible, with the four delivering up to 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and the V-6 at 2 mpg less with both. The V-6 is the preferred engine for hauling lots of people or cargo or when driving in higher elevations. It is a refined engine that gives the Accord a luxurious feel. Honda Accord LX and EX models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the former producing 177 horsepower and the latter 190 horsepower. Both versions are smooth operators, but while the EX version brings a little more pep to passing, it doesn't have additional oomph off the line.

The 2009 Honda Accord features competent handling manners. The ride is very settled, and its suspension absorbs all but the biggest bumps. The steering can be a bit heavy, but there's a sporty element to the Accord when pushing hard into corners.

Honda's reputation for exceptional build quality remains intact with the 2009 Accord. There are no strange creaks or rattles, and the swooping, dual-cockpit instrument panel is in a class above. The supportive front seats are comfortable, and there's ample legroom for backseat passengers, although headroom might be limited for some.

The 2009 Honda Accord is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for 2009. The Accord performs very well, with top ratings in most crash tests, except for one; in the federal government's side-impact test, an Accord sedan receives only three out of five stars—typically the lowest score awarded in the testing program. Standard safety-minded features on the 2009 Honda Accord include electronic stability control, front side airbags, side curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes.

Top EX-L models of the 2009 Accord pack in the luxury features, including dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sound system with active noise cancellation; a navigation system is also available.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Honda Accord, also consider:

Reason Why:

Perhaps the closest competitor to the Accord is the Altima, which provides a similar mix of sporty road manners and well-controlled ride quality, plus good styling inside and out. The Passat remains a solid competitor with its 2.0T four-cylinder engine, but spotty reliability and somewhat higher running costs lessen the appeal. The best-selling Camry is competitive with the Accord in most respects, but its ride is more comfort-oriented and less sporty, and the quality of the interior materials is disappointing relative to the competition. The Fusion appeals to a different type of buyer, with its lean, more masculine design and firmer, more athletic driving feel; it's also a bit smaller. The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is an especially formidable competitor, with a more distinctive style inside and out and performance to match the Accord.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Honda Accord is perfectly capable of performing the duties of either a $20,000 commuter vehicle or a $30,000 family sedan.

In order to both bring you a succinct expert opinion and the most complete information, all in one place, TheCarConnection.com's editors have first driven the 2009 Honda Accord and wrapped their advice into a quick Bottom Line; then TheCarConnection.com researched available road tests on the new Honda Accord to show you where other reviews might differ. Likes:Sporty handling combined with big-car poiseVery quiet and well-isolated cabinHonda reliability and resale valueAffordabilityUnrivaled build qualityDislikes:Fuel economy could be betterSwooping roofline limits backseat headroomUnexciting stylingBuying Tips: For a few thousand dollars more than a top-of-the-line 2009 Honda Accord EX-L V-6, the 2009 Acura TL has similar mechanical underpinnings and an even more stylish package; it also brings the advantage of superior Acura dealership service. The Honda Accord was completely redesigned for 2008, and in 2009, the new model remains largely unchanged. The popular mid-size sedan accommodates its passengers with a roomy, comfortable cabin and bold styling both inside and out. The 2009 front-wheel-drive Accord is powered by either a four- or six-cylinder engine. Both engines come standard with a five-speed automatic transmission, but the four-cylinder model can be ordered with a five-speed manual. The V-6 engine incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which helps improve fuel economy, but the difference between it and the four-cylinder is negligible, with the four delivering up to 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and the V-6 at 2 mpg less with both. The V-6 is the preferred engine for hauling lots of people or cargo or when driving in higher elevations. It is a refined engine that gives the Accord a luxurious feel. Honda Accord LX and EX models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the former producing 177 horsepower and the latter 190 horsepower. Both versions are smooth operators, but while the EX version brings a little more pep to passing, it doesn't have additional oomph off the line. The 2009 Honda Accord features competent handling manners. The ride is very settled, and its suspension absorbs all but the biggest bumps. The steering can be a bit heavy, but there's a sporty element to the Accord when pushing hard into corners. Honda's reputation for exceptional build quality remains intact with the 2009 Accord. There are no strange creaks or rattles, and the swooping, dual-cockpit instrument panel is in a class above. The supportive front seats are comfortable, and there's ample legroom for backseat passengers, although headroom might be limited for some. The 2009 Honda Accord is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick for 2009. The Accord performs very well, with top ratings in most crash tests, except for one; in the federal government's side-impact test, an Accord sedan receives only three out of five stars—typically the lowest score awarded in the testing program. Standard safety-minded features on the 2009 Honda Accord include electronic stability control, front side airbags, side curtain bags, and anti-lock brakes. Top EX-L models of the 2009 Accord pack in the luxury features, including dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a sound system with active noise cancellation; a navigation system is also available. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Honda Accord, also consider:Volkswagen PassatToyota CamryNissan AltimaFord FusionChevrolet MalibuReason Why:Perhaps the closest competitor to the Accord is the Altima, which provides a similar mix of sporty road manners and well-controlled ride quality, plus good styling inside and out. The Passat remains a solid competitor with its 2.0T four-cylinder engine, but spotty reliability and somewhat higher running costs lessen the appeal. The best-selling Camry is competitive with the Accord in most respects, but its ride is more comfort-oriented and less sporty, and the quality of the interior materials is disappointing relative to the competition. The Fusion appeals to a different type of buyer, with its lean, more masculine design and firmer, more athletic driving feel; it's also a bit smaller. The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is an especially formidable competitor, with a more distinctive style inside and out and performance to match the Accord. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Honda Accord is perfectly capable of performing the duties of either a $20,000 commuter vehicle or a $30,000 family sedan. In order to both bring you a succinct expert opinion and the most complete information, all in one place, TheCarConnection.com's editors have first driven the 2009 Honda Accord and wrapped their advice into a quick Bottom Line; then TheCarConnection.com researched available road tests on the ...

Other Choices:

Perhaps the closest competitor to the Accord is the Altima, which provides a similar mix of sporty road manners and well-controlled ride quality, plus good styling inside and out. The Passat remains a solid competitor with its 2.0T four-cylinder engine, but spotty reliability and somewhat higher running costs lessen the appeal. The best-selling Camry is competitive with the Accord in most respects, but its ride is more comfort-oriented and less sporty, and the quality of the interior materials is disappointing relative to the competition. The Fusion appeals to a different type of buyer, with its lean, more masculine design and firmer, more athletic driving feel; it's also a bit smaller. The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is an especially formidable competitor, with a more distinctive style inside and out and performance to match the Accord.

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See the Honda Accord Sedan in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By CDC #1, Posted: 9/5/2009

    2009 EX Accord Sedan with 1100 miles experiencing odd drive train noises at low speed shift points. Shifting is not solid and there is frequent downshifting of AT on even minor grades.
    Low hanging brake line at rear tire area likely subject to damage.
    Working with Honda of America on these issues presently.

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