2013 Honda Accord V6 Touring: Driven
The Honda Accord is now in its ninth generation, and as we reported in our First Drive of the 2013... Read More
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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
First off, get yourself away from that mindset that the four-cylinder is a penalty box, as it sure isn't in the Accord. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines are both smooth and responsive. Though both the 177-horsepower version and the 190-hp version (in EX sedans and all four-cylinder Coupes) feel about the same from a standing start, you the latter has some added pep for passing. Stepping up to the V-6 gives the Accord an all-out luxury-sedan feel; it makes 271 horsepower and has Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) to help keep the cabin hushed and vibration-free. Meanwhile, the V-6 can rocket the Accord up past the speed limit so quickly that you'll be glad you're in the camouflage of a mid-size sedan.
Four-cylinder models can be equipped with a manual transmission (five speeds in sedans, six in Coupes); it's enjoyable, though the automatic is particularly responsive and smooth.
Overall, the 2012 Accord doesn't feel like much of a compromise in any way, with respect to performance. Overall, the suspension is tuned for a great compromise between responsiveness and ride comfort, and there's a sporty personality that comes out when you push the Accord hard into corners. Strong brakes and good body control round out a package. Its steering can come across as a little heavy, especially in V-6 models, but the variable gear ratio steering keeps it precise and supple, with a confident on-center feel.Conclusion
The 2012 Honda Accord is more enjoyable to drive than most other mid-size sedans or coupes, even if its specs aren't all that much different.
