The Honda Accord debuted in 1976 and has been a popular model in the United States ever since. The car started with a tiny 1.4L engine putting out a mere 68 horsepower. In the 2015 Honda Accord, it has grown to a 2.4L 4 cylinder engine, good for 185 hp and 181 lb/ft of torque, or a 3.5L V6, knocking out 278 hp and 252 lb/ft of torque.
Of course, the technology has increased exponentially as well. A multi-functional steering wheel, Bluetooth, and cruise control are all available on most new cars. Increasingly, cars are 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. Some cars will even apply the brakes for you. Sounds great, right?
Sure, if it works. The first time the system went off in the Accord, 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 offers an explanation. The system may misfire when:
- The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you is too short.
- A vehicle cuts in front of you at a slow speed, and it brakes suddenly.
- A vehicle suddenly crosses in front of you.
- The vehicle ahead of you is a motorcycle, a small vehicle, or a unique vehicle such as a tractor.
- When you drive in bad weather (rain, fog, etc.).
- When driving at night, the vehicle ahead of you is running with either taillight bulb burned out.
This is only a partial list, but it seems that these would be the exact situations one would want the forward collision warning system to work.
Manufacturers shouldn’t stop developing new technology to keep drivers safe on the roads, but the current technology needs to be improved before drivers trust it.
Stay tuned for full review of the 2015 Honda Accord, but in the meantime, check out this matchup including the 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid.
Emme is a driver, reviewer, rabble rouser, and Gazelle who can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.
