Honda Accord

This generation of Accord has a coupelike silhouette and a lower stance. Two turbocharged, four-cylinder engines are available. The base version is a 1.5-liter that's shared with the Honda CR-V SUV and the Civic compact car. The new 192-hp engine is mated to a CVT, a combination that is mostly unobtrusive and delivers adequate power. The uplevel turbocharged 2.0-liter brings 252 hp and a slick 10-speed automatic transmission but features an unintuitive push-button gear selector. The Hybrid gets an impressive 47 mpg overall without sacrificing acceleration. The new infotainment system is a big improvement, and includes knobs for tuning and volume adjustment. Handling is responsive, and the ride is comfortable. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. For 2021, the Accord loses its manual transmission option. Other updates include refreshed exterior styling, a standard 8-inch infotainment system, and rear-seat reminder system. Higher trims get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

With the 2013 redesign, the Accord shrank in size but remained very accommodating and family-friendly. Four cylinder models got a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that contributes to an excellent 30 mpg in our tests. V6 versions remain with a regular automatic. EX and higher trims come with a more complicated radio and LaneWatch, which shows an image of what's on your right side when using the right hand turn signal. We think it's no substitute to blind-spot detection system that covers both sides. The Sport trim sharpens the handling a bit, but compromises ride comfort. High end models come with standard forward collision warning. 2016 updates slightly improved the ride and made the Honda Sensing safety suite, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, available on almost every trim.

The 2008 redesign made the Accord a larger, roomier car with an immense rear seat. Most importantly, this vintage comes with standard electronic stability control on all versions, a vital safety feature which in itself justifies looking only at 2008 or newer Accords. Ride and handling are very good, and the four-cylinder engine is smooth, powerful, and economical. The V6 is smoother, quiet and powerful, but gets just 21 mpg overall. Controls remain a model of clarity and driver visibility is generous. Try to focus on an EX, which is has a power driver seat, sunroof, and alloy wheels.