2013 Honda Accord
Changes for the 2013 Honda Accord:
The 2013 Honda Accord is completely redesigned, offered in 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan body styles. Highlights of the changes include a new standard "Earth Dreams" 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, new transmissions for the 4-cylinder and optional V-6 engines, standard Bluetooth connectivity with music streaming, standard SMS text messaging capability, a standard reversing camera system, and new Sport and Touring sedan models. Honda also introduces several new safety-related technologies with the 2013 Accord.
Model Lineup:
The 2013 Honda Accord Coupe is sold in LX-S, EX, EX-L, and EX-L V-6 trim levels, while the 2013 Honda Accord Sedan is available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V-6, and Touring trim levels. The EX-L models can be upgraded with a factory-installed navigation system, but additional options are installed by the dealership.
Engines and Transmissions:
The 2013 Accord’s 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 185 horsepower (189 hp in Accord Sport models), and is standard in all Accords except the EX-L V-6 and the Touring. A 6-speed manual gearbox is included for all Accords equipped with cloth seats, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) optional. The CVT includes paddle shifters in the Sport sedan and all Accord Coupes. The leather-lined EX-L models get a standard CVT.
Accords equipped with the 3.5-liter V-6 engine generate 278 horsepower, channeled to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The only exception to this rule is the Accord EX-L Coupe, which is equipped with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The optional 6-speed automatic transmission for this model includes paddle shifters.
The Accord’s V-6 engine is equipped with new Variable Cylinder Management technology, which shuts off half of the engine’s cylinders under low-load driving conditions to conserve fuel.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Both of the engines offered in the new 2013 Accord are more fuel-efficient than the ones they replace. Fuel economy ratings range from 22 mpg in combined driving with the V-6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission to 30 mpg in combined driving with the 4-cylinder engine and the CVT.
Safety Ratings:
In crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, both versions of the 2013 Honda Accord receive an overall score of 5 stars. However, the Accord Coupe performs better than the Accord Sedan in terms of frontal-impact protection, receiving 5-star ratings for the both the driver and front passenger, compared to 4-star ratings for the Accord Sedan.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety calls the 2013 Accord a “Top Safety Pick Plus.” Note, however, that the Accord Sedan receives a “Good” rating in the tough new small overlap frontal-impact test, while the Accord Coupe rates “Acceptable” in this regard.
Technology Highlights:
Cloud-based HondaLink smartphone connectivity is available for the new 2013 Accord, as well as new safety technologies including a Lane Watch system that shows a view of what’s happening along the right side of the car on the in-dash display screen. Additionally, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems are offered for the 2013 Accord.
