The Honda Accord has been in existence since 1976, and since its introduction, it has become a perennial favorite among consumers and industry experts. From its inception as a tiny, gas-sipping car, the Accord has evolved to become the industry standard of reliable, well-designed transportation. The current generation of Accords includes a roomy sedan and a sporty coupe. Both models seat five people. The Accord Crosstour, a crossover hatchback model with more space than the Accord sedan, made its debut with the 2010 model year.
The Accord is available in eight levels of engine capacity and trim. The base model, the LX Sedan, is a four-cylinder, 177-horsepower vehicle with EPA fuel ratings of 23 miles per hour in the city and 34 mph on highways. The 3.5-liter. V6 sedan delivers an... View more impressive 271 hp. Its fuel efficiency is a modest 20 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. Accords slated for distribution in North America are produced in Marysville, Ohio. A major engine manufacturing facility for Accords is located in Anna, Ohio.
When the Accord was launched in 1976, America was still feeling the effects of the 1973 oil embargo, an event that helped to define oil as a finite, potentially costly resource. The price of gasoline, which averaged 38.5 cents per gallon in May 1973, had risen to an average of 60 cents per gallon by June 1976. The Accord quickly established a reputation as a reliable, low-priced car that was stingy on gas consumption. Sales skyrocketed from approximately 18,000 in 1976 to more than 120,000 by 1978.
The 2011 Accord sedan features a redesigned front bumper, grille and trunk lid. The interior is comfortable and spacious. Leather seats are optional, as is a lumbar-supported driver's seat that adjusts to ten different positions. Navigation systems are available on upper-range Accords. These models also feature rear-view backup cameras. Enhanced audio systems and satellite radios are standard equipment in EX-L Accords. Accords are available with five-speed manual transmissions, as well as five- and six-speed automatic transmissions.
The Accord has earned many accolades during its long existence. Car and Driver magazine placed it among its ten best cars for a record-breaking 25 years. Accord also won this year's Kelley Blue Book award for Best Resale Value in the mid-size car segment. The 2011 Accord achieved five-star ratings in safety from the New Car Assessment Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For many years, the Accord has enjoyed the recommendation of Consumer Reports magazine. Edmunds.com rated the Accord, along with other Honda vehicles, as a top pick in the organization's new car buying guides for 2010. View less
