2017 Honda Accord

Still going strong after 40 years

The Honda Accord was introduced in 1976, and it’s come a long way over the past 40 years. The Accord started out as a small hatchback and gradually grew into the yardstick for midsize sedans. The 2017 Honda Accord is a worthy heir to that heritage, boasting the same combination of sporty driving dynamics, sturdy build quality, and value as its predecessors.

Performance

In its four decades on sale, the Accord has gained a reputation as a practical car that is also fun to drive. The 2017 Accord continues that tradition with a well-engineered front-wheel-drive chassis, sporty suspension tuning, and engines that are both powerful and fuel-efficient.

Base models get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and Honda’s i-VTEC variable-valve timing system. It produces 185 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque in most models and 189 hp and 182 lb-ft in the Accord Sport Sedan. That’s thanks to a freer-flowing exhaust system. Buyers can also trade up to a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 278 hp and 252 lb-ft. Four-cylinder engines are offered with six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions on both sedan and coupe models. The V6 is paired with a six-speed automatic in both body styles, and the coupe gets a six-speed manual option as well.

EPA fuel economy ratings differ slightly between the Accord sedan and coupe. All sedans equipped with the four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual are rated at 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).* With the CVT, standard models are rated at 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway), while the Accord Sport Sedan is rated at 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).* All V6 sedans are rated at 25 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 33 mpg highway). *

Four-cylinder Accord coupe models are rated at 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the six-speed manual, and 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) with the CVT.* The V6 is rated at 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) with the six-speed manual, and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with the six-speed automatic.*

Features

The 2017 Honda Accord is available either as a four-door five-seat sedan or a two-door four-seat coupe. Between the two body styles, there are a variety of trim levels available to fit different budgets. Pricing starts at $22,455.**

Even the base LX model (LX-S for coupes) comes pretty well-equipped. Some of its standard equipment includes chrome door handles, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth®, Pandora® capability, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, and a chrome exhaust tip.

The sedan-only Sport trim level builds on the LX, adding features like LED daytime running lights and fog lights, a body-color rear spoiler and side sills, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, and a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

For 2017, Honda is also offering a Sport Special Edition that includes the Sport standard equipment plus leather seats with red stitching, heated front seats, and special badging.

The mid-level EX model is available as either a coupe or sedan. It includes applicable standard features from the base LX and LX-S models, as well as Smart Entry, a power moonroof, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, push-button start, HD Radio®, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (for compatible devices) among other features. The EX-L model builds on that, adding an auto-dimming rearview mirror, two-position memory for the driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a compass.

The top Accord model is the Touring, which takes Honda’s midsize sedan into the realm of luxury cars. It includes nearly all of the standard and optional equipment from the other models, adding features like standard navigation, automatic LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers as standard.

Design

The Accord received a major styling update for the 2016 model year, and it still looks fresh for 2017. The basic lines are clean and handsome, while the front end has a bold and dynamic appearance. Defined by a swoopy chrome trim piece, the front fascia design is shared with other recent Honda models. The Accord is also one of the few mainstream cars available as a sleek-looking two-door coupe as well as a sensible sedan.

The interior is sensibly designed and features high-quality materials that should be durable enough to stand up to repeated use. Certain models also get sporty touches, like the carbon fiber-look dashboard trim panel on the Sport and red stitching on the Sport Special Edition. The Accord sedan offers up to 103.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the coupe boasts a still spacious 93.1 cubic feet.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Honda Accord includes anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control, a rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include Road Departure Mitigation, Collision Mitigation Braking System, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning.

Verdict

Entering its fourth decade on sale, the 2017 Honda Accord remains one of the best all-around cars available, boasting impressive performance, loads of technology, and great value.

Be sure to contact us online or visit Hall Honda Virginia Beach at 3516 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 to schedule a test drive.

* 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

** MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $875.00 destination charge and options. Dealers set own prices.

Image Credit: Honda