2012 Honda Accord ReviewSee all 2012 Honda Accord's for sale |
7.8 out of 10 |
The Basics:
The 2012 Honda Accord is no longer the freshest mid-size sedan--it's due for a full redesign in another year or two. But the current version remains one of the top choices in this class for interior space, styling, ride comfort, performance, and features--all with a sensible, economical, value-minded feel.
In the crowded field of mid-size sedans, the Accord still manages to stand out on the test drive. Whether you choose the sedan or coupe, four-cylinder or V-6, the Accord offers satisfying overall performance and is among the better-handling vehicles in this class. Four-cylinder models are gutsy enough, and very smooth; you won't need the V-6 unless you plan to haul lots of people or cargo. But with it, including the active noise cancellation that top trims get, the Accord feels more like a luxury car at times, and throughout the lineup you'll find responsive steering, good body control, and strong brakes. Gas mileage has long been a strength for the Accord, too, but its figures are lower than those of the new Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima.
Most shoppers will find the Accord's interior layout refreshing compared to rivals, at least from a distance. Last year Honda gave a few of the controls a fresher look and feel; the Accord's rakish instrument panel looks great, but the placement of the buttons and controls sometimes feels as if it was done more for style than ergonomics.
Interior space remains a strength for the Honda Accord. While it's a mid-size sedan by most eyes, it qualifies as a large car according to the EPA--and its interior really does feel big-car accommodating for driver and passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, there's plenty of legroom in back, and the trunk is huge.
The Accord is just as well equipped as any of its rivals, with one significant red flag: It can be frustrating if you want some essential tech features, like Bluetooth hands-free, but don't want 'the works.' While Honda has just for 2012 made a USB connector standard across the lineup, you still can't get a factory Bluetooth hands-free option unless you step up to the to-of-the-line EX-L, with leather and navigation. The nav system has a big eight-inch screen and now includes Zagat restaurant ratings, voice recognition, and a rear-view camera system.
Likes:
- Crisp handling
- Quiet, almost luxury-car feel
- Roomy seating
- Affordability
Dislikes:
- Bluetooth hands-free is kept to a few top trims
- Difficult backseat access (coupes)
- Small trunk opening
- Not a fuel-economy leader
Other Choices:
- 2012 Nissan Altima
- 2012 Toyota Camry
- 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2012 Ford Fusion
- 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Reason Why:
The Honda Accord faces a much tougher competitive set for 2012 than it did just a year or two ago. This past year, we see the Hyundai Sonata replacing the Toyota Camry as the Accord's most direct rival; the Sonata comes in an economical base model that's not only more powerful than the Accord but better in gas mileage. Hyundai also does away with the V-6, going to either turbocharged models or a new hybrid. And the same is the case with the Kia Optima, which is closely related to the Sonata. The best-selling Toyota Camry is all-new for 2012; look for an updated look and feel, as well as improved refinement. 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 Ford Fusion competes with the sportier side of the Accord, and you can also get it with a manual transmission, though the Fusion isn't quite as enjoyable with the base engine. And as with the Honda, you can get the Fusion with a manual transmission. However, the Fusion is a bit smaller. Another top rival is the Chevrolet Malibu, which has a beautiful interior and comfortable ride but doesn’t feel quite as nimble. Considering the Honda Accord Coupe, the only serious rival is the Nissan Altima Coupe. But the two-door Altima sacrifices more comfort and space and clearly goes for a more youthful crowd.
The Bottom Line:
Though the 2012 Honda Accord now has one of the more dated four-door sedan designs--and Bluetooth connectivity remains hard to get--its comfortable interior and perky, refined performance hit the sweet spot for families.
This 2012 Honda Accord Sedan Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Honda Accord Sedan
All of our reviews come from experts at TheCarConnection.com.
