slick316

And I am liking the direction that Honda is going.

I drove an EX-L (no navigation) with the 2.4L DI and CVT. I was surprised at how not slow it was. Seriously, the 185hp didn't feel like just 185hp. The CVT was actually tolerable. One thing I noticed was how responsive the CVT was. Unlike the Maxima I test drove before getting the TL, Honda's CVT acts like a cogged transmission at times. At 40mph, I gave it a good amount of throttle and it felt as though it downshifted, but instantly like a dual clutch. The Nissan from what I remember didn't do that, but rather it just built up the revs as you gave it more gas (I know the explanation is confusing, but trust me, there is a difference in the CVT's and if you didn't like Nissans, you might like Hondas).

The multiview rear camera (like the one found on the new 2013 RDX) was surprising to see as was the side view camera (activates with the left turn signal and displays the passenger side blindspot on the 8" display - which is the same as in our cars). I also liked the smart key, it doesn't look cheap like our keys do and I doubt they'll end up looking old after 6 months. The dual displays was a little odd, I would rather have buttons for radio functions but I guess I'm just getting old (although I'm pretty excited to get my new iPhone 5 tomorrow )

The ride was smooth and quiet and handled bumps and crappy road pretty well. The interior looks great and feels a lot bigger than what it looks like on the exterior (It looks toned in person, like the previous gen went to the gym and did a bit of cardio). About the only thing I didn't like about the exterior was the rear end, it really does look like a Genesis sedan.

Another thing that caught my eye. On Honda's website the Touring Sedan model is listed as having "LED Headlights" in addition to the LED running lights. Is Honda really putting LED Headlights, something thats a $1500 option on Audi's, standard on a $35k Accord?

Overall I liked it, its a nice car and if they put all that new tech in the Accord, I can't wait to see what the TL(X) will have.

Ken1997TL

Yes, the Touring sedan will have LED headlights.

While I can see the Genesis reference regarding the taillights, I see a lot of the Accords from 10 years ago mixed with Nissan.

And yes, this is all good news for the TL(X). They'll (again) really have to outdo the Accord in features and value.

F23A4

Nice writeup Slick. Good to hear that the CVT in the new Accord isn't anything like that of my old Murano.

Ken regarding the new Accord taillights. (I'm actually reminded a bit of the 2G Infiniti I.)

mrstak

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the review. makes me want to go try and test drive one but i hate having to waste both my time talking to the dealer and his time trying to convince me to buy it when i have absolutely no intention of doing so.

and holy shit led headlights...i did not know that. i knew about the led drls...hmmmmm

and lastly...no pics??!?!

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Nice review but no pictures?!?!

Demonface.24

Good Review . I might end up buying one of these someday. =)

a35tl

I checked out a new Accord this week also. Didn't drive it but checked it out pretty well. As far as the rear resembling a Genesis, I agree but happen to really like the rear end of the new Accord. I think the whole car overall looks like a more upscale car. It could easily wear an Acura badge and be validated in doing so. The car is finished quite nicely. And with the V6 getting 34mpg hwy on regular gas......I'm impressed. I'm driving a '10 TSX V6 Tech now and was going to replace it next summer with a '12 TL Advance. Now I'm thinking '13 Accord Touring might be a better option. We'll see.

Saintor

The Accord 2013 EX-L CVT is an extraordinary lease deal here.

With 48mo / 96000km, it is 364$ + txs. 418.50$/mo just retail no money down.

To understand how great it is, my 1999 EX-L auto (November 1998) was also 419$/mo 14 years ago, after a reduction of 1850$ on MSRP (27500$ paid 29350$ retail) and 1100$ down!!!!!

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

front looks just like Lexus ES and back is just like Genesis sedan

AZuser

While out running an errand today, I decided to stop by a dealer to check out the new Accord too and maybe even go on a test drive. They didn't have too many 9th gens in stock yet... only a Touring and I think an EX-L, both of which were being taken out for a test drive.

I did manage to get a glimpse at the sticker for the Touring before it drove off. As usual, the dealer added on a cheapie Karr alarm for $400 and also marked up the MSRP by $2,000.

I'll have to swing by another dealer for a test drive I guess.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

Markup on a accord ?? bbuahahahahah LOL

neuronbob

A markup on an Accord? Really? What a moron of a dealer.....only to be outmatched by an idiot who would overpay rather than waiting a couple months to buy.

The new Accord seems like a winner and massive bang for the buck.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

so there is no manual tranny for V6... thats great !

lets kill the manual tranny for good...

slick316

The salesman at the dealer I went to lied to me, said Touring models weren't going to be available until the end of the year, good thing there are like 4 other Honda dealership within 30 miles of me.

AZuser

There's the EX-L V6 coupe in 6MT (and 6AT). But it won't officially be out for another 3 weeks. Or do you mean the sedan? If that's the case, there hasn't been a V6 6MT sedan since 2007.


I was hoping for at least the EX-L (non-V6) in 6MT, but the highest sedan trim 6MT is offered in is the EX.

Color options on the sedans with manual trannys are terrible too... there's like literally only 2 color choices. For all trims with manual (except Sport trim), it's either Alabaster Silver Metallic or Modern Steel Metallic. Sport trim is either Crystal Black Pearl or Modern Steel Metallic.

SpiderX1016

I got that crap when I was looking for a Mustang. They told me you won't be able to get a 6 speed manual till the end of the year. Idiots.

litesout

I had a look at the web site and am actually pretty excited about the new Accord. The touring model with the radar cruise especially excites me. I feel I could actually trade in the TSX and not lose anything. The dual zone climate control is a must, I tend to freeze people out. I like the idea of the blind spot camera more than the idea of a little light that comes on when there's a vehicle there. Not quite sure how I feel about led headlights though. I'd have to see them in person. My drive home from work is very dark and there's a lot of deer and other critters

Mr Marco

Besides the snap-crackle-pop under the hood, this Accord weighs 3358lbs. 500lbs MORE than my old 5G Accord commuter.

It's like having two of your really big buddies in the car with you. 50 more hp just isn't enough to pull that extra weight around.

slick316

Trust me, just drive it once and you will realize the 2.4L has more than enough pep to get it around town and up to highway speeds without much struggle.

Definitely not saying it was fast, but I didn't feel like it was sluggish and that I had to give it more throttle to get it going. The CVT made sure I was in the optimal power band when driving around town.

More impressive is the 34mpg highway of the V6 though......

Mr Marco

34mpg? Exactly what I've been missing 5-6 years now. I'm luck to see 22mpg in either car. Hammer down in all driving situations must be in blood. Thanks dad.

slick316

I get over 26mpg average in my FWD 4G TL, more highway than city. But the new Accord has that cylinder deactivation for the V6 so I'm sure that's why the highway number is better than the TL. Plus its lighter.

Ken1997TL

I used to get 33 mpg on I-84 between Portland and Boise in my '03 TL. The gearing was pretty tame on that car though.

Shoofin

Damn...The standard features on even the LX...Impressive, to say the least!

http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/price.aspx

phile

I said it in a post in the Accord thread and I'll say it here, now you can finally get an LX and not look like you got an LX.

F23A4

well, you know those 'gotta get it when it first comes out' types are out there. I pretty much equate them to the morons that camp out in front of Apple stores for a new iphone or worse yet, the dorks that camp out in front of foot locker to spend their minimum wage on new Jordans.

dallison

Those rims still look like crap.

james tl morris

Did the sales person tell you about the cloud Honda has some apple slash android cloud on ex and higher cars

Ken1997TL

Yep, Aha and all that. Lots of future apps are coming out that'll work through the car.

CAgine

like the standard features and interior/tech update on the Accords, however don't like the new drivetrain.

Ken1997TL

Why not? Just curious. Seems everyone 'won' in the redesign. More torque, better gas mileage.

vas25tl

Stopped by a Honda dealer the other day, I like the new Accord a lot. And 34mpg for a V6 is very impressive. I think they finally made a nice car! (after quite a few disappointing years)

pttl

I don't understand a CVT with paddle shifters.

Hapa DC5

^ meh Nissan's have that too. It gives you the "feel" of shifting.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Saw a touring in CBP w/ tints yesterday, looked pretty good; even the rear surprisingly. The LED DRL weren't that impressive though.

pttl

Still don't get it. What does it feel like?

Hapa DC5

It physically mimics an up or down shift, revs bounce, you can hold revs like you would hold a gear.

Not my cup of tea.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

Think of it as your transmission "faking" it .

pttl

^
No thanks. Call me old fashioned.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

Get a manual then

Between the CVT and normal automatic I'd pick CVT just cause of the fuel savings I remember renting a 2010 Altima and driving back from Buffalo, NY to Boston and getting 42 mpg I dont think a CVT equipped car is any blander than a comparable AT car

Ken1997TL

My only complaint about CVT's in the past was 'lag time' between application of throttle and actual results. The new Accord's CVT has virtually none of that. I'd love to see Honda apply it across the entire product line.