2015 Honda Accord: A Satisfying Drive [Review]

2015-Honda-Accord-Three-Qua

The Honda Accord has been with us in one form or another since 1976. It’s gone from a 2-door hatchback to the sedan and coupe we have today. Now in its ninth generation, the 2015 Honda Accord sedan has evolved into a well balanced, reliable car that offers great value, if not exciting design.

The sedan is not necessarily ungainly from the outside, but it’s not the most intriguing car on the road today. In an attempt to satisfy most consumers, it seems to satisfy none. There are, however, a few highlights. The window space is front and center, and there is a nice crease from the front quarter panel, through the front door handle, and tapering off at the rear door handle. The Accord rolls on 17″ wheels with all season tires.

STATS Starting Retail Price As Tested Price HP / Lb-Ft
2015 Honda Accord Sedan $22,105 $30,985 185/181
EPA Rating MPG As Tested MPG
Rating: BUY IT! 27/36 Combined 31 Combined 24

It’s hard to believe that the first Accord put out a mere 68 horsepower. Today the 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine is good for 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. An available 3.5L V6 puts out 278 horsepower and 252 lb/ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels of our top of the line EX-L trim test model via a continuously variable transmission. EPA fuel ratings are 27 mpg in the city, 36 mpg out on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. During my time in the Accord, the average was 24 mpg.

There are a few transmission options in the Accord. The standard transmission for all 4-cylinder models, except the EX-L trim, is a 6-speed manual. Optional for those and standard on the 4-cylinder EX-L trim is the CVT.

2015-accord-interior

Inside, the cabin is well designed, with clean lines and soft touch materials. While many new cars have info monitors in the dash, the Accord has two. One is an 8″ display for the navigation, Bluetooth, and technical information. Under that is a smaller touchscreen for the audio controls. The menus are not the most intuitive and are not the most reliable. For example, more than once the audio, set at satellite radio when the car was turned off, mysteriously jumped to terrestrial radio upon start up.

Interior features include a leather wrapped multi-functional steering wheel, leather trimmed seats, a USB port, push button start, 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat with 2-position memory, 4-way power adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, cruise control, back up camera, and a sunroof.

The Accord also has a lane departure warning system, which will alert you if you cross over a lane marker without signaling. The feature is able to be completely turned off. Additionally, there is a camera in the passenger side mirror, activated when you signal right. The feature is pretty cool, if a little unnecessary. It gives you nearly the identical view as the mirror, and the visibility in the Accord is quite good. should you decide to check a blind spot the old fashioned way, by slightly turning your head.

The Accord is also equipped with a forward collision warning (FCW) system. When the computer senses an imminent front collision, a warning signal is heard and a flashing light is projected on to the windshield. The first time the system went off, it wasn’t clear why. There was no danger of hitting the car ahead, unless some distraction entered the cabin. Further, attempts to deliberately set the system off failed.  A quick look in the manual explains that there are a few instances when the FCW system will not engage. For instance, if a vehicle crosses in front of you or if a vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed and it brakes suddenly. The idea is great, but if the technology isn’t reliable, then what’s the point?

2015-Honda-Accord-Front

The trunk offers 15.8 cubic feet of space, and while the rear seats fold down, they are not split 60/40 like most competitors. Instead the whole seat folds down, forcing owners to choose between carrying cargo and carrying people.

Behind the wheel the Accord is a satisfying, if not sporty drive. CVTs have gained a reputation for being clunky, noisy transmissions. However, the one in the 2015 Accord is quite smooth, and even spikes into the higher revs when asked to do so. The electric power steering is a little light, but it is very direct, a feeling enhanced by the smaller than average steering wheel. The suspension is a little on the stiff side, but still manages to soak up broken city pavement. The cabin is much quieter than in previous models, due to two active noise cancellation systems.

The mid-size sedan segment is very crowded and the Accord faces some tough competition. The Mazda 6 is probably the sportiest sedan available today, the Hyundai Sonata is available with a turbo, and the Camry is completely redesigned for 2015. Buyers might also look to the Chrysler 200 or Subaru Legacy for AWD options.

On the TFLcar scale of:

  • Buy it!
  • Lease it!
  • Rent it!
  • … or Forget it!

I give the 2015 Honda Accord sedan a Buy It! It offers reliability, plenty of comfort, and a satisfying ride, all for $30,985.

More Accord videos are coming very shortly.  In the meantime, check out this TFLcar Mashup featuring the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid.

emme hall tflcar

 

Emme is a driver, reviewer, rabble rouser, and Gazelle who can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.