We’re test-driving the 2013 Honda Accord, and when I see the list of awards and recognition this car gets, I am reminded of that super student in every class. You know the one: he or she always seems to effortlessly pull down top grades while excelling at every sport, and yet still has time to volunteer at animal shelters and senior homes, and maintain awe-inspiring hobbies.
The Honda Accord is one of those super achievers, and yet Honda goes and tries to improve on it even more. Accords are all new for 2013, and are now in their ninth generation. It has been anointed with KBB’s Best New Sedan under $25,000 award, has been named a ‘Best Family Car’ by both Parenting magazine and Edmonds.com, gets Automobile magazine’s ‘All Star’ award, and a ‘Top Safety Pick’ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The list goes on and on.
All the fawning is well placed. Honda Accords are truly solid family sedans.
So, what’s new for 2013?
(Above): Interior view of the 2014 Honda Accord EX L V6 sedan.
Well, there are a host of tweaks and twists, but by far the most impressive is Honda’s LaneWatch Blind Spot Display. And it, too, wins an award for being a “Very Innovative Product” by Good Housekeeping.
LaneWatch uses a camera mounted inside the passenger-side mirror to display real-time images on the dashboard-mounted screen of what lies in your right-sight blind spot. The image appears when you turn on your right blinker, or if you push in a button on the turn signal stalk. This is fantastic for a couple of reasons. On the freeway, you can see if lane-splitting motorcycles are approaching, or if there are cars in your blind spot. On surface streets, it’s a safety feature that lets you see pedestrians or bicyclists in your blind spot. And, it is such a neat feature you’ll find yourself using your blinkers more, just to activate it. That itself enhances safety not only for you, but other drivers as well.
The Honda Accord line-up adds another model in 2013. The Touring version joins the LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6, as well as two-door coupes.
All Accords are slightly more compact than previous versions – by an inch -- but still manage to hold on to interior dimensions, especially rear legroom and space in the trunk. Fuel efficiency is improved, as these models receive 36 mpg for the four-cylinder versions and 34 mpg for the V-6 engines.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Honda Accord Touring V6 sedan.
There are many standard features on board, including Bluetooth HandsFreeLink with audio streaming, rearview camera and an audio/information screen, dual-zone climate control, Pandora Internet radio integration and SMS text messaging function. Optional features include leather seating, a navigation system, and Adaptive Cruise Control. This safety feature is engaged when you are using cruise control in light traffic; it allows you to set a speed and distance interval between you and the car ahead.
A number of technology features make their debut in the 2013 models. They include Honda’s first use of direct injection in the four-cylinder engines and a Continuously Variable Transmission to enhance fuel efficiency; a lighter MacPherson strut front suspension; LED lighting on headlights, daytime running lights and brake lights; Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning.
On the road, we found the 2013 Honda Accord offers a solid driving experience. Visibility is very good, especially with the LaneWatch feature. Seats are comfortable and there is a good amount of head and legroom in all five positions.
The trunk is good-sized and the opening is wide and accommodating.
Overall, the 2013 Honda Accord is an award-winning family car that should serve you well for many years.
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