2011 Honda Accord Coupe Road Test and Review

by Jeffrey N. Ross

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July 1, 2011

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5 min. Reading Time

The Honda Accord has long been regarded as one of the most reliable and affordable family sedans on the market, but the coupe version of this car is often overlooked. Easily one of the best-looking Accord models ever made, the 2011 Accord Coupe benefits from a distinctive and sporty styling from its sedan counterpart, and stepping up to the top EX-L trim level brings plenty of luxury and cabin technology into the equation. While there are always trade-offs when looking to buy any two-door car, the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L gives new-car buyers the same reliability that the Accord is known for while adding a sporty, fun-to-drive attitude.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Pricing and Trim Levels

The 2011 Honda Accord is available in two body styles (three if you include the Accord Crosstour), but choosing the coupe body style over the Accord Sedan will cost $1,600 as the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe has a starting MSRP of $22,980. Assembled in Marysville, Ohio, the Accord Coupe is offered with two engines and four trim levels (LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L w/ Navi) with the model used for this review being the top-of-the-line EX-L V-6 with Navigation which starts at $31,730. Being almost completely fully loaded, this Accord Coupe added no options leaving the as-tested price at $32,480 including destination. Those looking for a plain-Jane Accord can still find plenty to love about the Accord Coupe, but tech-savvy buyers looking for an affordable two-door with a luxurious interior and sporty(ish) styling will definitely want to check out the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Competition

When it comes to mid-size, front-wheel drive coupes, this market has gotten quite bare over the years with the Toyota Solara and Chevrolet Monte Carlo being recent drop outs and the Nissan Altima Coupe being the only true competitor, but the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe proves to be up to the task of taking on entry-level models of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Regardless of what vehicle it is being cross-shopped against, the Honda Accord remains one of the most popular vehicles in the United States, and even despite a rough year that has seen sales drop more than 16 percent, the 2011 Accord has still managed to sell 155,454 units through July. While Honda doesn’t separate sales of the coupe and sedan, the Accord has to be one of the most popular coupes on the market.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Exterior

The styling of the current Accord has been around since 2007, but Honda had a few visual changes in store for both the sedan and coupe versions of its 2011 Accord. The Accord Coupe shares its front end styling with the sedan model, and both models received a new front end design for 2011 including a reshaped grille and sportier front fascia. Other changes to the 2011 Accord Coupe include slightly updated taillights that are no longer flush with the body and new wheel designs. Aside from the 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels that are exclusive to this trim level, the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 models can be spotted by the chrome door handles, dual exhaust outlets and decklid spoiler. To finish off the sporty look of this Accord Coupe, our test model came in the ever-so-flashy San Marino Red exterior color.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Interior

Like its trim level suggests, the EX-L with Navigation comes standard with Honda’s navigation system and offers a cabin that is as luxurious as an Accord gets. The large size of the Honda Accord gives the coupe a spacious interior including plenty of legroom for the rear occupants, but one of the downfalls of the coupe’s sleek roofline is rather poor rear headroom. The EX-L trim level adds plenty of luxury, but it also takes away precious inches of headroom for front and rear occupants with its standard moonroof; front passengers get 37.4 inches of headroom while the rear passengers have 35.1 inches (both are noticeably less than the Accord Coupe models without the sunroof). Aside from the rear headroom issue, the rest of the cabin is practically flawless with an attractive design that delivers plenty of luxury and cabin tech such as the Bluetooth and dual-zone automatic climate control that are standard on the EX-L.

The large navigation display screen is clear and easy to use with the big multi-function control knob lower in the center stack. One nice part about the Accord’s instrumentation is the fact that the there is a separate display for HVAC and radio functions to eliminate clutter for the navigation display. New for 2011, Honda has improved the ergonomics of the Accord Coupe’s interior by moving the more frequently used HVAC controls (fan speed and mode selector) closer to the driver while moving less used buttons (like the front and rear window defrosters) to the other side of the center stack. Moving further down the center stack, the six-disc, in-dash CD changer separates the main controls and buttons from a serious of useful cubbyholes. All of the storage compartments and power outlets are covered giving the instrument panel and center stack a very clean look.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Packages and Options

This test version of the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe came in the top EX-L with Navigation trim level which added plenty of standard features like leather seating, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, XM radio and a 270-watt, seven speaker premium audio system. The driver seat is also upgraded with 10-way power adjustments (including lumbar support) and two memory settings.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Powertrain and Fuel Economy

Since coupes are designed to be sporty in the first place, the top engine available in the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe is a 3.5-liter V-6. Even better, this test model was also equipped with the six-speed manual transmission (that is only offered on the EX-L Coupe), but fuel economy numbers in this configuration are the lowest for a 2011 Accord with EPA estimates of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway due to the lack of Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. Fortunately, on the Accord Coupe EX-L, shoppers can have their choice between the manual and automatic for the same price. Opting for the automatic transmission improves fuel economy slightly (19 mpg city/29 mpg highway), but if you want really want top fuel economy without losing the sporty coupe styling, Honda still offers a smaller inline-four that delivers up to 33 mpg on the highway. Almost all of the 2011 Accord models have seen an increase in fuel economy thanks in large part to the aerodynamic exterior styling, optimized transmission gear ratios and reduced engine friction

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Driving Impressions

Honda engineered the Accord Coupe separately from the sedan so the coupe’s smaller size and wheelbase helps make the car feel somewhat sporty without being too rough in normal driving. Opting for the more powerful V-6 engine definitely adds to the Accord Coupe’s driving enjoyment, but the tall shift lever of the manual transmission would feel much better with a shorter throw. Keeping in mind that this car is designed more for first-time car buyers or small families rather than enthusiasts, the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe would be a great choice to meet a wide variety of driving needs including daily commutes and road trips.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Safety

While the sedan version of the Accord received a full five-star rating in every category from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe has yet to be tested aside from the five-star rollover rating. Helping achieve this high level of safety, all 2011 Accord models come standard with a total of six airbags, active head restraints, electronic brake-force distribution with brake assist, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, daytime running lights (DRLs), tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and Vehicle Stability Assist. Like many new entry-level cars, the Honda Accord proves that safe and affordable shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L: Final Thoughts

The Honda Accord is a popular choice among new car buyers thanks to its fuel-efficient powertrain and spacious interior, but the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L with Navigation gives buyers another reason to check it out with its stylish exterior design and luxurious interior. Although Acura no longer offers a two-door model, the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L provides enough luxury and technology to be the closest thing on the market right now to a two-door Acura.