2017 Honda Accord Road Test and Review

2017 Honda Accord ・ Photo by Honda

It was way back in 1976 when Honda introduced the first Accord, a three-door hatchback that immediately found a loyal following. Initially, buyers were drawn to the Accord’s sporty driving characteristics and high fuel-economy, but soon fell in love with its now legendary quality and durability.  

Forty-one years later, Americans have bought more than 12.7 million examples of the Honda Accord, and the model is perpetually one of America’s best-selling cars. Now in its ninth generation, and fresh off an extensive makeover just last year, the new 2017 Honda Accord continues to stand out with inspired style, an upscale interior and an adventurous, fun-to-drive personality.

The family-friendly Accord is a consistent favorite in the extremely competitive midsize sedan and coupe segments. It competes very successfully against a long list of popular, high-quality, high-value family sedans including the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and Chevy Malibu. The sporty Accord Coupe competes against a smaller list of rivals that includes the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro.

Models and Pricing

The 2017 Honda Accord sedan is available in seven trim levels: LX; Sport; Sport SE; EX; EX-L; EX-L V6; and Touring. The LX, Sport, Sport SE, EX and EX-L models feature a 185-hp (189 hp in the Sport) 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the EX-L V6 and Touring are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 rated at a very healthy 278-hp.

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, Sport, Sport SE and EX models, with an optional CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission). The CVT is standard on the EX-L. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on V6-powered models. A hybrid model is also available, and every Accord is front-wheel drive.

Sedan prices start at $22,455 and top out at $34,930. The base price of our test vehicle, a Sport SE with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, was $26,250 including an $835 destination charge.

Fewer trim levels are available on the Honda Accord Coupe. Honda offers five: LX-S; EX; EX-L; EX-L V6; and Touring. The LX, EX and EX-L models get the 185-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the EX-L V6 and Touring are powered by the 278-hp 3.5-liter V6. LX, and EX models get a 6-speed manual transmission or optional CVT. EX-L Coupes get the CVT as standard equipment.

In a twist, Honda offers the V6 in the Accord Coupe, but not the sedan, with a 6-speed manual transmission -- and it’s quite the hot rod. A 6-speed automatic transmission is also available. There is no Coupe hybrid model available.

Accord Coupe prices start at $24,125 and max out at $34,475.

Photo by Honda

Looks Like a BMW

Everyone knows what a Honda Accord looks like. There are millions of them on the road, which is why I was so shocked when two of my neighbors asked me how I was enjoying the BMW in my driveway.

“BMW?” I would ask.

And then they would say, “Yes, the black one in your driveway.”

But there was no BMW in my driveway, just a black 2017 Honda Accord Sport SE.

I guess you can’t blame them. The 2017 Accord is handsome from every angle and our Sport SE test vehicle, with its dark oversized 19-inch wheels, dual exhaust and rear spoiler, did look quite upscale, and quite sporty.

The exterior design of the Accord isn’t exactly radical, but its combination of athletic proportions, intricate use of brightwork and wide stance keep it from blending into the landscape. It not only gets noticed, it looks more expensive than our test cars $26,250 sticker price.

Photo by Honda

One of the Best Interiors

Much like its exterior, the interior of the 2017 Honda Accord is simple, a bit understated, but very well appointed and far from boring. It’s also extremely comfortable. I think it’s one of the best interiors in its class.

Visibility is outstanding, and the leather seats in our Sport SE test vehicle were extremely comfortable. The supportive driver’s seat is adjustable for height for shorter drivers. In combination with the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel (standard on every model), there’s a perfect driving position for everyone.

Control placement is excellent, the two-level seat heaters warm up quickly and Honda uses beautiful materials. Build quality is very high. All the knobs and switches function with precision, nothing feels cheap or flimsy and the thick, leather wrapped steering wheel feels good in your hands. I love that big red engine start button.

The only miscue is the old school hand lever that operates the parking brake. It feels a little down market.

Photo by Honda

Technically Speaking

Bluetooth is standard on every Accord, as is a large 7-inch screen. But the latest and greatest tech is saved for the upper trim levels.

Apple CarPlay and satellite radio are standard on the EX and if you want Navigation with voice recognition and real time traffic you have to step up to the EX-L. The top-of-the-line Touring gets everything standard.

One my favorite tech features unique to Honda is Honda LaneWatch, which is standard on the EX, EX-L and Touring models. It eliminates your right side blindspot with a camera mounted on the passenger side exterior mirror. When you activate your right turn signal, the camera projects everything alongside the vehicle on the Accord’s 7-inch dash screen. It takes the stress out of lane changes and it’s helpful when parking.

Photo by Honda

Advanced Safety Systems

Further advanced technology is found in the Accord’s many active safety systems, which are offered in the Honda Sensing option package, which is available on all trim levels and standard on the Touring.

Among other systems, Honda Sensing adds Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, These systems warn you if they sense a vehicle or object is blocking your path. If you don’t brake to avoid an accident and a collision is unavoidable, the Forward Emergency Braking System will engage the brakes to help reduce the speed of the impact and the severity of a collision.

Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Keeping Assist is also part of the package. It uses a camera mounted atop the windshield to read the lines of the road. When it determines you’re leaving your lane unintentionally it will turn the steering wheel to correct your line and keep you in the lane.

Photo by Honda

How it Drives

A midsize family sedan does not have to be boring. Don’t believe me? Drive a Honda Accord. Unlike some of its competitors over the years, the 2017 Accord doesn’t bore you and make you feel like a number. It’s not a car you have to drive. It’s a car you want to drive. That’s one of the keys to the Accord’s continuous success.

The Accord is comfortable and effortless when you want it to be, but it’s also engaging to drive. Our compliant and quiet Sport SE test vehicle was also more fun than a family sedan is supposed to be thanks to its responsive steering and athletic handling.

Honda has always made fantastic four-cylinder engines, and most buyers will be satisfied with the Accord’s smooth, powerful 2.4-liter. If you need more, the 278-hp V6 is one of the best. And both engines run on regular grade gasoline.

Photo by Honda

Cargo and Cupholders

The 2017 Honda Accord sedan offers 15.8 cubic feet of trunk space, which is about average for its class. Every Accord sedan comes standard with a 60/40 split fold down rear seats, which are easily folded flat to accommodate longer items.

Trunk space in the Accord coupe is 13.4 cubic feet. Its rear seat also folds flat, but it’s not split.

Storage inside the Accord’s interior is generous and well thought out. The center console bin, door pockets and two front seat cupholders are large. They’re also deep and well placed so tall drinks don’t interfere with any of the switchgear and they won’t tip over when you swerve around that nut in the Prius.

Family Friendly?

The 2017 Honda Accord offers a large interior and more rear seat room than many of its competitors. It seats five easily.

Parents with younger kids will appreciate the Accord’s easy to reach LATCH connectors in the outboard seats and easily accessed upper tether anchors. Preteens will like the rear air conditioning vents, unfortunately there’s no onboard WiFi, which is standard in the Chevy Malibu. 

The Altima scored a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and it earned the highest crash test rating (5 stars) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Fuel economy is also very good for this class. With the four-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission, the Accord is rated 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. We averaged 29.5 mpg during a week of mixed driving.

With the four-cylinder and the CVT automatic it’s rated 27 mpg and 36 mpg highway and 21 mpg city and 32 mpg highway with the V6 engine.

The Coupe with the V6 and 6-speed manual combination is rated 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

Photo by Honda

Final Thoughts

The ninth-generation Honda Accord is a favorite in the very competitive midsize sedan category. It’s comfortable, stylish, family-friendly and it’s fun to drive. Many will be tempted to step up to the more powerful 3.5-liter V6, but the 185 hp four-cylinder engine is more than enough for most buyers. And you’ll appreciate the additional fuel economy over time.

If you don’t need a sedan, the attractive Accord Coupe, which seats four, is unique in the marketplace. It’s more mature than some of its muscle car competition, and it’s less expensive than the coupes from BMW, Audi and Lexus. If two-doors and a smaller trunk fit your lifestyle, it’s worth a look.

Photo by Honda