|
|
|
|
 |
DCR
 |
|
I was at the dealer today for the CR-V door recall thing, and got in a conversation with a few of the guys there about the new Accord. The LX isn't selling at all for them for some reason, but the Sport and EX's are flying off the lot. He asked if I wanted to drive one, and I specifically asked for a CVT so I could experience how it drives, especially compared to the one I have.
First off, the car really does look nice in person. I spent most of my time in and around a Sport trim.The profile looks very much 8th Gen, but the front and back do flow really well overall. The paint had some orange peel in it, but not too bad, and the panel gaps and fit and finish looked excellent.
The interior is as others have said once you get in the car. It is really damn good. There is nice soft touch everywhere, and even the center stack silver bits look higher quality in person than in photos. The seats seem a little flat though, and the complaints about lack of storage space is 100% valid. There is very little really...and I found the center console a bit irritating as my arm did not rest very comfortably on it. I didn't mess with the radio at all, and I turned it off on the drive.
The buttons have a nice punchy feel to them on the HVAC and radio, and I found the 8 inch LCD to be worlds better than the i-Mid in my CR-V. The gauges looked very "CR-V" to me as well, given they have the same basic look and green ring illumination around the sides of the center ring. Also, this model does not have the Lane Watch or departure stuff, so I didn't get to see that.
Starting the car was smooth, with no feel of idle vibration and there was hardly any engine noise. I selected "S" first and tried out the paddle shifter mode for my first test run, and found it to be something I would probably never use much. The engine will get pretty loud as the car ramps up, but I was pleasantly surprised that the CVT wasn't a dog like I expected. There is a little bit of a delay when you get on it at first, and then the power comes on pretty strong. The power felt adequate for me, and I didn't feel like I was in a huge heavy car.
One neat feature I noticed right away, but I have no idea what it is called, is when you tap the directional for a lane change, it automatically flashes for you for 3 blinks without holding. I don't remember that on my 2009, and thought that was pretty cool...none of my cars have ever had that. I am sure other makers use this too, but it was new to me.
The steering was sensitive, but I like that...no complaints here on that at all. I didn't get to push the thing to 10/10 or anything, so I can't tell you if the front suspension would kill you or not.
Overall, I have to say that Honda is literally going to be printing money with this car. They did a great job here, and I will give them credit where credit is due.
|
P54
|
|
|
Appreciate your review. Thanks.
|
atomiclightbulb
|
|
Good to hear that Honda got the CVT programming to your liking. The tuning of the CVT does seem to be one of the winning points that pretty much every review talks about.
Where sales are concerned, my guess is that the Sport and EX just look much nicer to buyers, and that gets people looking at the higher trims right away. Lower profile tires and fog lights go a long way towards making the package look complete. The LX has tires w' tall sidewalls and filler pieces where the fog lights are in the higher trims.
Once people also realize that the nicer cars, namely the EX and above, also have the tech toys, that probably seals the deal. The LX doesn't have push button start, LaneWatch, HondaLink, FCW, LDW, or any of the other fancy stuff.
|
benbess
|
|
The LX is still a *great* deal for the money, and very nicely decked out.
I got a new LX in the summer of 2002, and compared to today it was unbelievable how bare bones it was. And yet to me it was the best car I'd ever owned!
|
xBeastx
|
|
DCR wrote:
The LX isn't selling at all for them for some reason, but the Sport and EX's are flying off the lot.
|
Just like Toyota's Camry SE's trim! Honda made the right choice by adding the Sport trim instead of the LX-P and SE trims of the previous generation. 18 inch wheels and fog lights really do go a long way in making a car look better.
|
CivicB18
|
|
xAbSoLuTexZeRo wrote:
DCR wrote:
The LX isn't selling at all for them for some reason, but the Sport and EX's are flying off the lot.
|
Just like Toyota's Camry SE's trim! Honda made the right choice by adding the Sport trim instead of the LX-P and SE trims of the previous generation. 18 inch wheels and fog lights really do go a long way in making a car look better.
|
Agreed, however I think Honda should heavily consider adding a Sport EX, Sport EX-L and those same trims in V6 configurations as well. This would make the Accords range even more broad without diluting the nameplate.
~Patrick
|
BachelorFrog
|
|
|
ITT: Sport = dual tailpipes and 18in wheels.
|
xBeastx
|
|
CivicB18 wrote:
xAbSoLuTexZeRo wrote:
DCR wrote:
The LX isn't selling at all for them for some reason, but the Sport and EX's are flying off the lot.
|
Just like Toyota's Camry SE's trim! Honda made the right choice by adding the Sport trim instead of the LX-P and SE trims of the previous generation. 18 inch wheels and fog lights really do go a long way in making a car look better.
|
Agreed, however I think Honda should heavily consider adding a Sport EX, Sport EX-L and those same trims in V6 configurations as well. This would make the Accords range even more broad without diluting the nameplate.
~Patrick
|
That would result in way too many trim levels! What they could do is slot the Sport above the EX-L and Touring trims. I posted this somewhere before, but here it is again:
LX
I4 - CVT/6MT
EX
I4 - CVT/6MT
EX-L
I4 - CVT/6MT
Sport
I4 - CVT/6MT
V6 - 6AT/6MT
Touring
I4 - CVT/6MT
V6 - 6AT
+Same 18-inch wheels as the Sport (like in Canada)
I think that would greatly broaden the available engine/transmission choices as well as give more options for enthusiastic.
|
Rgist85
|
|
xAbSoLuTexZeRo wrote:
CivicB18 wrote:
xAbSoLuTexZeRo wrote:
DCR wrote:
The LX isn't selling at all for them for some reason, but the Sport and EX's are flying off the lot.
|
Just like Toyota's Camry SE's trim! Honda made the right choice by adding the Sport trim instead of the LX-P and SE trims of the previous generation. 18 inch wheels and fog lights really do go a long way in making a car look better.
|
Agreed, however I think Honda should heavily consider adding a Sport EX, Sport EX-L and those same trims in V6 configurations as well. This would make the Accords range even more broad without diluting the nameplate.
~Patrick
|
That would result in way too many trim levels! What they could do is slot the Sport above the EX-L and Touring trims. I posted this somewhere before, but here it is again:
LX
I4 - CVT/6MT
EX
I4 - CVT/6MT
EX-L
I4 - CVT/6MT
Sport
I4 - CVT/6MT
V6 - 6AT/6MT
Touring
I4 - CVT/6MT
V6 - 6AT
+Same 18-inch wheels as the Sport (like in Canada)
I think that would greatly broaden the available engine/transmission choices as well as give more options for enthusiastic.
|
A sport above the EX-L would put it out of reach for a lot of the market IMO. I think they ought to keep the Sport availabe now (maybe call it LX Sport) but add an "EX Sport" between the EX and the EX-L.
The EX-L has a good bit of equipment over the EX models. Leather seats, power passenger's seat, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collison Warning, multi-angle rear view camera, leather wrapped steering wheel, LED taillights, auto dimming mirror, memory driver's seat, heated front seats, Premium Audio with AHA and touch screen, XM.
Price difference between an EX CVT and an EX-L CVT is $2,590. Let the EX Sport keep the LED taillights (maybe even give it LED DRLs for a sporty look) give it a leather shift knob and steering wheel, leather/cloth seats based off the Sport's seats, heated front seats, the premium audio system with Aha, touch screen and XM...and leave all the fluff stuff to the EX-L (memory seats, power passenger's seat, lane departure warning, forward warning collison.) Slot it about $1500 more than a base EX and I think you can eat into the meat of the market with the EX Sport.
The Sport, as it is now, doesn't register well with me. Its got the look, I stopped by my local Honda dealer today and looked at a Black/Black Sport, SHARP, but its underequipped next to its competition (Sonata SE and Camry SE) especially since you can't add options to it.
Navigation should also be available on the EX Sport....equipped it with a 6MT or CVT with paddle shifters and then you'd cover as much market with a Sport as Hyundai and Toyota cover the market with the Sonata SE and Camry SE.
I'd buy one tomorrow if Honda would do it. I can only dream.
My ideal Lineup:
Accord LX: 6MT and CVT
Accord LX-S: 6MT and CVT
Accord EX: 6MT and CVT
Accord EX-S: 6MT and CVT
Accord EX-S Nav: 6MT and CVT
Accord EX-L: CVT
Accord EX-L Nav: CVT
Accord Touring: 6MT and CVT
Accord Touring V6: 6AT
Nine Trim levels...just like the current Accord has.
LX: 5MT or 5AT
LX-P: 5AT
SE: 5AT
EX: 5MT or 5AT
EX-L: 5AT
EX-L Nav: 5AT
EX-V6: 5AT
EX-LV6: 5AT
EX-LV6 Nav: 5AT
The lower volume VW Passat offers way more trim levels...the Fusion offers fewer trims but has way more available options.
|
according2kev
|
|
I understand your frustration and I agree that they should offer at least one more sport model with a sunroof etc. I wouldn’t mind a V6 Sport myself but the thing is, and I say it all the time, you can’t please everyone. For example, If I’m understanding your ideal trim line, it looks as if one wanted a V6 that they would be forced into a Touring which has nav and (possibly pricey to replace) LED headlights that they may not care for.
My idea to expand on the Sport trim would probably consist of dropping the Touring (since they don’t plan to sell that many) and just use HIDs on EX and up. I’ve read how ACC works and though I've never used it, It sounds like it will get you constantly pushed back so to speak, from cars cutting in front of you. I can already see potential Touring buyers jumping on my case lol.
|
hondadude
|
|
This is definitely the nicest Accord in a very, very long time! While driving it just felt RIGHT. The 2.4 Earth Dreams is a superb engine and the CVT is very responsive and smooth. Interior quality and design is very impressive. The exterior looks tight and athletic. Gotta say the LX alloy rims look way nicer than the EX rims. Quite surprised at how nice they appear. The LX seems like a real bargain. A lot of value in this car.
Honda is gonna sell a whole lot of these.
|
Rgist85
|
|
according2kev wrote:
I understand your frustration and I agree that they should offer at least one more sport model with a sunroof etc. I wouldn’t mind a V6 Sport myself but the thing is, and I say it all the time, you can’t please everyone. For example, If I’m understanding your ideal trim line, it looks as if one wanted a V6 that they would be forced into a Touring which has nav and (possibly pricey to replace) LED headlights that they may not care for.
My idea to expand on the Sport trim would probably consist of dropping the Touring (since they don’t plan to sell that many) and just use HIDs on EX and up. I’ve read how ACC works and though I've never used it, It sounds like it will get you constantly pushed back so to speak, from cars cutting in front of you. I can already see potential Touring buyers jumping on my case lol.
|
I read a review that stated the Touring would make up about 1 percent of US Sales...I wonder what percentage they believe the Sport will make up? These two models are experiments. Since TSX will be dead soon.
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
The LX covers the value hunters, the EX and EX-L take care of the mainstream, middle income folks, hell the EX-L is better equipped than the TSX IMO. Touring takes care of those luxury buyers looking to downgrade. The sport looks good, but it just lacks equipment...that's an issue that is easily addressed. Aha radio, push button start, etc should be on the sport...sunroof too.
My favorite color on the new Accord is Hemitite Gray...I saw one in the showroom and one on the sales floor. Very rich looking color IMO, can't wait to see one on a Sport model. it bet it will be SHARP.
Also, I've talked to a few salesmen (I've driven several Accords at three different dealers in Upstate SC) and two of them have stated that they like the LX's wheel design better than the EX's...I've seen that here a few times too. Sport's are obviously my favorite, LX wheels look very similar to the current coupe's 17s, EX's wheels look like the wheel covers from the LX's of yestergeneration LOL.
|
sickyute
|
|
DCR wrote:
One neat feature I noticed right away, but I have no idea what it is called, is when you tap the directional for a lane change, it automatically flashes for you for 3 blinks without holding. I don't remember that on my 2009, and thought that was pretty cool...none of my cars have ever had that. I am sure other makers use this too, but it was new to me.
|
that feature was something i enjoyed on my 2009 bmw x5 i couldn't understand why all other vehicle didn't have something so simple.
if u click it down hard enough it stays on till the steering returns after making that directional move.
|
jshaw
|
|
sickyute wrote:
DCR wrote:
One neat feature I noticed right away, but I have no idea what it is called, is when you tap the directional for a lane change, it automatically flashes for you for 3 blinks without holding. I don't remember that on my 2009, and thought that was pretty cool...none of my cars have ever had that. I am sure other makers use this too, but it was new to me.
|
that feature was something i enjoyed on my 2009 bmw x5 i couldn't understand why all other vehicle didn't have something so simple.
if u click it down hard enough it stays on till the steering returns after making that directional move.
|
I hate it. I got used to it on a friend's 2013 X5, but I still hate it. But I can see why it was done on the car, especially with a steering feel that makes it hard to keep a finger on the lane change light stick, while steering at the same time (what I normally do). It's not a bad thing, just something I think was necessitated by how one is expected to drive the car.
|
BorisHonda
|
|
I believe it is handy if you DO signal line change.
Canada does not get silver color in higher trims. Only those undertaker's dark colors. They might be nice but I do not plan to spend my life keeping car clean. No silver - no Accord... :(((((
|
gogzy
|
|
BorisHonda wrote:
I believe it is handy if you DO signal line change.
Canada does not get silver color in higher trims. Only those undertaker's dark colors. They might be nice but I do not plan to spend my life keeping car clean. No silver - no Accord... :(((((
|
I hope Honda will add more colour to the selection in 2nd year. I read a study that siliver and white are the most popular colour.
|
longhorn
|
|
|
What needs to happen is a Sport package for EX or EX-L. 18 inch rims and spoiler, make it a package.
|
Hondarulez
|
|
longhorn wrote:
What needs to happen is a Sport package for EX or EX-L. 18 inch rims and spoiler, make it a package.
|
Yea, I think this is a better idea.
As for why the LX isn't selling, my opinion is that if I were to pay over $20k for a car already, the extra $1.5k to get the sport trim is worth it. Perhaps that's the mentality for most Accord buyers?
|
HondaFan1990
|
|
|
The Accord Sport looks so nice, might as well bypass the LX and get the Sport plus the extra stuff. But, like someone said, most Camry's are SE models not the base ones so Honda did right with this. Someone is paying attention to what sales in the market.
|
dj
|
|
I have had a chance to drive a few Accord Sports/Ex's myself and they don't drive the same. First, when you open the hood has anyone noticed that LX's have no upper stress-bar?
EX vs Sport the feel is completely different inside the Sport has no low-range on the shifter and the drive-ratios are also different..on the highway at the same speed the Sport cruzes at 300-500 less on the tachometer than the EX. During the drive the EX seems to be quicker on take-off but over bumps and stopping exhibits some bobbing/nose-dives. The Sport has a completly difference drive with all elements in harmony with the ability to really be tossed in turns without upsetting the chassis. The paddle-shifts are fun and with 7 ratios in sport mode allow you the ability to explore the nu-found torque of the 2013 Accord without have to floor the pedal to get a response. I can't wait to drive a 6sp to help me in my decision.
|
KurtTappe
|
|
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
Rgist85
|
|
KurtTappe wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
I'm talking about the accord sedan....not the coupe
|
Hondarulez
|
|
Rgist85 wrote:
KurtTappe wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
I'm talking about the accord sedan....not the coupe
|
I guess it depends on what kind of enthusiasts you are talking about then.....I'd imagine the sport trim enough for most who are shopping for an Accord. However, if you are comparing to something like a MX-5, FR-S, etc, then obviously, the Accord is not for you.
|
atomiclightbulb
|
|
dj wrote:
I have had a chance to drive a few Accord Sports/Ex's myself and they don't drive the same. First, when you open the hood has anyone noticed that LX's have no upper stress-bar?
|
Yes, that is correct. The LX does not have the front shock tower bar. It is standard in all other trims of the sedan:
http://automobiles.honda.com/accord-sedan/specifications.aspx
The 8G Accord was similar. Anything below an EX did not have the shock tower bar.
|
A77
|
|
jshaw wrote:
sickyute wrote:
DCR wrote:
One neat feature I noticed right away, but I have no idea what it is called, is when you tap the directional for a lane change, it automatically flashes for you for 3 blinks without holding. I don't remember that on my 2009, and thought that was pretty cool...none of my cars have ever had that. I am sure other makers use this too, but it was new to me.
|
that feature was something i enjoyed on my 2009 bmw x5 i couldn't understand why all other vehicle didn't have something so simple.
if u click it down hard enough it stays on till the steering returns after making that directional move.
|
I hate it. I got used to it on a friend's 2013 X5, but I still hate it. But I can see why it was done on the car, especially with a steering feel that makes it hard to keep a finger on the lane change light stick, while steering at the same time (what I normally do). It's not a bad thing, just something I think was necessitated by how one is expected to drive the car.
|
Finally, someone else in the world who hates the auto three blink things - I thought I was all alone in the world :-(
|
Rgist85
|
|
Hondarulez wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
KurtTappe wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
I'm talking about the accord sedan....not the coupe
|
I guess it depends on what kind of enthusiasts you are talking about then.....I'd imagine the sport trim enough for most who are shopping for an Accord. However, if you are comparing to something like a MX-5, FR-S, etc, then obviously, the Accord is not for you.
|
Glad the current sport is sufficient for you but there are obviously those of us here who would like a sport model with more content...
|
Hondarulez
|
|
Rgist85 wrote:
Hondarulez wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
KurtTappe wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
I'm talking about the accord sedan....not the coupe
|
I guess it depends on what kind of enthusiasts you are talking about then.....I'd imagine the sport trim enough for most who are shopping for an Accord. However, if you are comparing to something like a MX-5, FR-S, etc, then obviously, the Accord is not for you.
|
Glad the current sport is sufficient for you but there are obviously those of us here who would like a sport model with more content...
|
No, I didn't say the current sport is sufficient for myself. I just said for those looking for a FWD mid-size family sedans, the sport model is probably enough. In this segment, from what I've seen, only the Passat is more fun to drive. I'm guessing the new Mazda6 will also be good for enthusiasts.
|
TonyEX
|
|
So... the CVT felt like a "regular" transmission?
Were the shifts smooth?
Did you punch it? (Other commentators have noted that on WOT it runs like a 'normal' CVT).
|
dj
|
|
I have driven a few Sports/EX's and in the sport-mode with mid to 3/4 throttle it comes alive. I know that they say the difference between the 2 models is only wheels but honestly it has (the Sport) a 1-off chassis tuning that the other models can only hope for. Flat in the corners and with paddles able to grab a lower gear as you request it. The shifts were so smooth and it builds power progressively not like any CVT before. Even out of sport-mode both of them felt almost like a regular automatic.
|
Rgist85
|
|
Hondarulez wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
Hondarulez wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
KurtTappe wrote:
Rgist85 wrote:
With the latest Accord, Honda has pretty much pleased everybody...except the enthusiast...
|
I consider myself an enthusiast (though not quite the level of some people on here, I'll greatly admit). And they are making an Accord that certainly will please me when it's available: The EX-L V-6 Coupe 6MT. I don't see how this could not be considered an enthusiast configuration. I expect to have a lot of fun in it....sometime next year once I can get my paws on one.
|
I'm talking about the accord sedan....not the coupe
|
I guess it depends on what kind of enthusiasts you are talking about then.....I'd imagine the sport trim enough for most who are shopping for an Accord. However, if you are comparing to something like a MX-5, FR-S, etc, then obviously, the Accord is not for you.
|
Glad the current sport is sufficient for you but there are obviously those of us here who would like a sport model with more content...
|
No, I didn't say the current sport is sufficient for myself. I just said for those looking for a FWD mid-size family sedans, the sport model is probably enough. In this segment, from what I've seen, only the Passat is more fun to drive. I'm guessing the new Mazda6 will also be good for enthusiasts.
|
The issue isn't "fun to drive" so much as it is feature content. The Accord, even in LX trim is still reasonably sporty for what it is especially compared to a Camry or Malibu. The point I'm making is that for an enthusiast model the current Sport lacks equipment that many of us "enthusiast" would want. I've driven a Sport, I LOVED it, problem is I want HondaLink, I want push button start and many of the other features the EX and EX-L models get (and many features the Sonata and Camry SE models can have.) You make think the Sport is adequate or sufficient for the "enthusiast" buyer, I happen to disagree.
IMO, the Passat isn't any more fun to drive, I've driven two, car didn't impress me in the least.
|
|
|
| |
|
| Thread Page - [1] 2 |
| |
|
![[home]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/home.gif){kind=small}
![[rumors and news]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/rumors.gif){kind=small}
![[model release matrix]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/newmodelreleasematrix.gif){kind=small}
![[dealer network]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/dealernet.gif){kind=small}
![[desktop calendar]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/calendar.gif){kind=small}
![[exhaust notes]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/exhaust.gif){kind=small}
![[tov forums]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/forums.gif){kind=small}
![[links]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/links.gif){kind=small}
![[search]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/search.gif){kind=small}
![[sponsors]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/sponsors.gif){kind=small}
![[garage]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/garage.gif){kind=small}
![[login]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/login.gif){kind=small}
