The Honda Accord wouldn’t be the first car most would consider as a family saloon. It has tried to market itself as a car worth purchasing for its premium price, despite its ordinary offerings. One of Honda’s main strategies was to upgrade the entire range so that it has more appeal to purchasers of company cars. The Accord has been around since 1976—a staple for the brand that is now on its eight generation. The upgrades have served the range well, as the Accord has aged well over time. The current Honda Accord is larger than its previous models and much bigger in almost all dimensions. With its bigger size comes a much heavier weight. Read on to see how far the Accord’s upgrades will go in the current market.

Pros

The Accord was given several upgrades in 2011, such as a sportier look for its grille, a new front bumper, a renewed profile for the cooking ducts, and brand new headlights. The lights also sported a new finish, along with a chrome trim above the number plate, plus a brand new bumper. The ES and ES-GT models came with new 17-inch alloy wheels as well as three new colours: Graphite Lustre metallic, Celestrial Blue Pearl, and Alabaster Silver.

The latest Accord still comes in either the estate or saloon shape, but both do not sit in different wheelbases. The advantage is the car no longer appears like a flying coffin, and its carrying capacity has been slightly reduced.

The Accord’s 2.2-litre diesel engine is good enough on the road, able to deliver adequate power at 148bhp. Its current delivery is 10 bhp more than the old model and does so while running quite smoothly. The engine is also quiet as it goes drives along a steady cruise. Plus its transmission is the best of its class and the six speeds change quality precise and light in performance. Just as impressive is the Accord’s refinement levels and its ability to keep engine, road, and wind noise at a minimum. The more powerful engine available would be the 2.2-litre four-pot at 177bhp, with its 280lb ft torque between 2000 and 2750rpm. The gear ratios are also well judged and have top notch shift quality that assure maintenance of the swift progress. Plus the diesel engine can arrive at 62mph in just 8.8 seconds and execute a top speed at 136mph. The 2.2-litre at 177bhp is a greater recommendation over the sluggish 2.0-litre petrol Accord at 154bhp.

Cons

The Accord’s latest interior isn’t as impressive as its other upgrades. The design is a mess and several steps backward from the more cohesive design seen in the outgoing model. Drivers behind the wheel will be confused by the incomprehensible layout of the controls on the centre console. The changes made to the door handles and the addition of dark silver panels failed to address the functional problems of the previous model. There’s also limited legroom and headroom at the back despite the larger dimensions in the latest Accord. Plus the boot is small and has a poor arrangement due to the placement of the rear suspension.

                Honda Accord is one of the oldest running cars of the Honda Motor Company, Ltd. which was first introduced to the public in the year 1976. This was created as a predecessor to the Honda 1300, a compact car that was released in 1969 until 1973. The Accord has been made available in several types in various regions –it is available as a compact, mid-size, and full-size car.  

                The first generation Accord was produced in the May 1976 until 1981 as a compact car. It was assembled in Sayama, Japan and was available as a three door hatchback and a four door sedan. Among its rival models include the Datsun 510, Mazda 626, Toyota Corono, and the Mitsubishi Galant. In September 1981, the second generation Accord was released to the public, and it was available until 1985. This was assembled still in Japan but it also began to be assembled in areas such as Ohio, USA and Nelson, New Zealand.

                The third generation was available in 1986 until 1989, with new body styles such as a three door shooting break and a two door coupe. This version was designed by Toshi Oshika for Honda in 1983. In 1990, the fourth generation was released, and this version was available as a 2-door cope, a 4-door sedan, and a 5-door station wagon.

                The fifth generation lasted from 1994 until 1997, with the addition of new assembly countries such as the Philippines and Mexico. The next generation was from 1998 to 2002 and was assembled in Japan and China as a compact car. The seventh generation was during the years 2003 until 2007 in the Japanese and European markets, the eighth generation from 2007 until 2012, and at present, the Honda Accord is already at its ninth generation, and is currently available as a four door sedan and a two door coupe.