2024 Honda Accord Review

The Honda Accord has long been a mainstay on American roads. Originally debuting as a compact car in 1976, the Accord has literally grown up throughout the years. In 1998, it was revamped as a midsize sedan, available in DX, LX, and EX trims, while the smaller coupes were available in LX and EX trims. In 1999, the LX and EX gained folding side mirrors. The SE trim was introduced for that year, which was basically a nicer looking LX. Side airbags became standard on the V6 models in 2000, and were available on all models by 2001. The SE trim made a return in 2002, the last year of that generation of Accord. The SE was once again an upgraded LX, but this time added keyless entry, powered driver seat, and a better audio system. The current Accord generation debuted in 2003. The Accord has won an incredible array of awards, including a spot on Car and Driver’s top ten list for 21 of the past 25 years.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord have been setting the standards in the midsize sedan market for years. Both deliver a level of quality, performance, features and reliability that has left Detroit struggling to catch up. Deciding between the two is largely a personal choice, with the Camry having lighter steering, but at the cost of less “feel” for the driver. The Toyota has a slight edge in price and safety, while the Accord has a small advantage in maintenance and reliability. Our advice is to drive both and decide which feels best to you, either way you with be buying one of the best cars on the market.

What’s New For 2024:

The 2024 Accord is a carryover from the slightly restyled 2006 model. A new trim has been added, the Special Edition V6, which features rear-disc brakes, a CD changer, alarm system, and steering wheel mounted audio controls. Other available trims for the Accord include the Value Edition, LX, LX V6, EX-L, and the EX-L V6. The Value Edition is the most basic, featuring an impressive lineup of features, including air-conditioning, CD player, power locks and windows, keyless entry, and cruise control. The LX is a minor upgrade, adding powered mirrors and an improved audio system. The V6 LX adds heated mirrors, power adjustable driver seats, and a moonroof. The EX-L features all those features, plus leather heated seats, climate control, and satellite radio. The V6 EX-L is fully loaded, with all available features except optional navigation.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power and Associates gives the Accord four and a half out of five stars in initial quality. The 2004 model, which is the same generation as the 2024, received five out of five stars in reliability from Automotive Information Systems. Reviewers and drivers alike speak very highly of the Accord. Regardless, there have been some serious reported issues over the years. The previous generation, dating from 1998 to 2002, had issues with failing transmissions, warning lights that come on for no reason, noise, and oil leaks. Early versions of the current generation (2003-04) had the same warning light issues, along with drift attributed to faulty engine mounts and malfunctioning moonroofs. There have been two reliability-specific recalls for the current generation Accord: The 2003-04 models were recalled due to chipping transmission teeth, while the 2005 was recalled due to an electrical problem that could lead to fuel pump failure. However, with the Accord’s reputation for quality, and considering the maturity of the model, expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Accord earned five out of five stars in government frontal crash tests, and four stars in side impact testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Accord its best “Good” rating for both frontal and side impacts, but its worst “Poor” rating for rear collisions. Every Accord trim comes with both front-seat and full curtain side airbags, as well as anti-lock brakes. Electronic stability control comes standard on V6 models. The 2004-05 Accords were recalled due to possible airbag tearing.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Safe
+ Reliable
+ Extremely low maintenance

Cons
– Bland
– More expensive than competitors
– Small interior with poor materials

Head-To-Head Competition:

The Accord is extremely similar to the Toyota Camry. The Accord is about $400 more than the Camry, but has a slightly more powerful engine. If you want all-wheel drive, you might want to take a look at the Subaru Impreza, which has about the same price and fuel efficiency. However, the Accord gets about five more miles to the gallon overall. If you’d rather have an American car, the Chevrolet Cobalt costs about $600 less, but lacks the Accord’s standard side airbags.

What Others Are Saying:

“In 25 years, it has accumulated 21 trophies, despite platoons of attractive challengers every year. What’s the secret? This question comes up at every 10Best evaluation, and every time we reach the same conclusion: all-around excellence. It’s the family-sedan equivalent of a utility infielder who makes the all-star squad. In a given year, the Accord may not be the fastest or most agile or roomiest or sexiest. But when it’s not first in a particular category, it’s most likely second, and it is always at the top of the charts in fit and finish, ergonomics, road manners, reliability, and resale value.”

“…the Accord is a proficient automobile that will leave its owners with few complaints, except that maybe their driving experience lacks a certain je ne sais quoi.” – U.S. News & World Report

“In every situation, the test car was nearly flawless. Its well muffled engine was ready and eager to pick up the pace when required. Its transmission moved unobtrusively from gear to gear to maximize the engine’s potential.” – Family Car

Read more about the 2024 Honda Accord at the Honda manufacturer web site.