Entry Price: $23,775
Price As tested: $32,550
This week, we’re behind the wheel of the 2015 Honda Accord two-door coupe, delivered in EX-L V6 dress with Honda Satellite Linked Navigation. This sporty yet stylish Accord is very popular with the younger set, where two door coupes still reign supreme.
Accord enthusiasts waited eagerly for the all-new new model to appear in 2013, and they’ve been more than rewarded for their fortitude. Unequivocally, this new generation Accord is one of the best examples of Honda’s overall mechanical abilities, be it from the design board to horsepower. The aerodynamic exterior is athletic yet still evokes a classical tie with the millions of Accords that dot our nation’s highways. And, with an entry price of just $23,775 for the four-cylinder LX-S, Honda is able to attract a large demographic pocketbook.
First, a little history.
Honda’s Accord debuted in America in 1976 as a little two-door, 68-horsepower, 2,000 lb. compact. By today’s standard, it would be classified as mini-compact. As the years progressed, Accord became Honda’s best-selling vehicle in both compact and then its current mid-size class. Today’s Accord, built in Marysville, Ohio, has grown in curb weight from 3,250 to 3,500 lbs. and develops 278 horses from the V6 models. Accords come with amenities many luxury cars charge extra for and have been on the receiving end of numerous awards through the years. Personally, I feel its most impressive honor is being named to Car & Driver Magazine’s “10 Best” list 29 times during its celebrated 40-year history.
Today, Accord competes where Camry, Dart, Malibu, Sonata, Optima, Fusion and Altima all battle for mid-size supremacy. Our Accord tester had not one option listed on the window sticker, as top line Honda models truly do come fully loaded. Amongst notable standard features is the high-tech “Lane Watch,” which activates a camera on the passenger side that allows the driver to see what is going on from front to rear on the passenger side. Your local Honda dealer will gladly explain all standard high tech features including the high tech Navigation system.
As for Honda’s powerful V6, get ready for some real Honda horsepower and impressive fuel mileage, too. The 278 horsepower, 256 lb. ft. engine feels more like 375 horses when fully unleashed at top RPM, no doubt a result of its successful Verizon IndyCar engine development and winning history. Thankfully, a full six-speed automatic instead of an acceleration robbing CVT helps propel Accord through all six gears with each geared for a specific performance and/or economy need. For optimal acceleration, use the steering wheel paddle shifters to eliminate an early first to second gearshift, which is automatically set by the computer for economy instead of torque. And with 21 city and 32 highway the EPA estimates, Honda proves it can join performance and economy in one sporty package.
If a consumer chooses the $23,775 entry LX-S, they’ll still be impressed by the standard feature list. Powered by a 185-horse 2.4-Liter four-cylinder, you’ll still receive vehicle stability assist, four-wheel disc ABS, traction control, Eco assist system, hill start assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, remote entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, SMS Text Message, cruise, all the airbags, USB/MP3, eight-inch 480×320 resolution display screen with rearview safety camera and chrome exhaust tips. Fuel mileage is 27 city and 36 highway with the CVT transmission, which I recommend over the 6-speed manual, which delivers 24 and 34 MPG, respectively. Consumers then move up the Accord ladder to EX ($25,450), EX-L ($28,495), and then the EX-L V6 ($30,775 without Navigation package). As for safety, the 2015 Accords just received “5-Star” government crash ratings in every category tested.
On the highway, Accord is ready for any merge or curve you throw at it thanks to a front strut and rear multi-link independent suspension. You’ll enjoy secure handling and a ride that is quiet and refined with room for five adults although the rear seat it tight for legroom.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 107.3 inches, 3,528 lb. curb weight, 13.4 cu. ft. of cargo space and a 17.2-gallon fuel tank.
There’s little not to like about Honda Accord V6 Coupe, especially if you’re performance minded. Remember, too, that Accords come in four-door versions that start at just $22,105.
Likes: Sporty design, lots of power, safety, fuel mileage.
Dislikes: $30K Accords may result in shoppers moving up to sibling Acura.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).
