Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
- #2LEADERBOARD RANK
- 2655ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
- 108COMMENTS POSTED
Around The Web
remains somewhat sporty, agile and inviting for the most part, with brakes, steering and handling that please vigorous drivers
the ride overall was relatively refined
For a front-drive car, the Accord is satisfyingly quick to change direction.
The five-speed is a gear short of the competition, but the powertrain doesn’t whine or suffer because of it
Steering is light and properly weighted for the car and provides precise feedback to the driver.
PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
remains somewhat sporty, agile and inviting for the most part, with brakes, steering and handling that please vigorous drivers
USA Today
the ride overall was relatively refined
Boston Globe
For a front-drive car, the Accord is satisfyingly quick to change direction.
New York Times
The five-speed is a gear short of the competition, but the powertrain doesn’t whine or suffer because of it
AutoWeek
Steering is light and properly weighted for the car and provides precise feedback to the driver.
Edmunds' Inside Line
Both sedans and coupes come with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or five-speed automatic transmission; all models can be had with a five-speed automatic, though manual transmissions are offered in four-cylinder models (five-speed) or V-6 Coupes (six-speed). The manual here is quite enjoyable, with a nice, neat linkage, while the automatic is smooth and quick to downshift.
In any case, the Accord has some of the most powerful, refined engines in its class. Both of the 2.4-liter fours are smooth operators, but the EX sedan (and all four-cylinder Coupes) have 190 horsepower instead of 177 hp; you can sense the added pep in passing, though both feel about the same from a standing start. The preferred engine for hauling lots of people or cargo is the V-6. In the Accord it makes 271 hp and incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which helps improve fuel economy. Simply put, it's a refined engine that gives the Accord a luxurious feel.
The variable gear ratio steering is precise and supple, with a clear, on-center sensation; it can come across as a bit heavy, but there's a sporty element to the Accord when pushing hard into corners and it has a hint of feedback from the road—a relative rarity in this class. While these models aren't sprung to feel like sports cars, their suspension strikes a nice balance between handling and comfort. Strong brakes and good body control round out a package.
Conclusion
While the 2011 Accord’s spec sheet isn’t much different than other mid-size sedans or coupes, it somehow sums up as more enjoyable to drive.
