Honda has been a go-to for most Americans, especially those who are budget conscious. Since the echelon of high-end luxury vehicles is low, that makes brands like Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia very popular among the masses. There are lots of popular and reliable cars, but a Honda Accord is one of the most well-known cars out in the United States streets. The Accord has been around since 1976. In 1989, the Accord became the first-ever car to be sold under an import brand to become the best-selling car in the US. The Accord has sold over 18 million units worldwide.
Car and Driver throws Editor’s Choice for the Accord like it’s confetti. Currently in the tenth generation, the Accord is an extremely popular choice among millennials. Some call it their best car. Well, there are a lot of reasons for its success and we are going to discuss that here. Even if you used a Honda Accord, that is a great deal for you. A used Honda Accord’s mileage, engine, reliability, price is all too good of a deal to skimp on. Now, why are they so popular?
Reliability
Honda has developed an image of being very reputed and reliable over the years. The Accord is one of those reliable cars that Honda is so proud of. You, as a middle-class person, wouldn’t want to spend tons of money on repairing your car. This is why reliable cars are much more popular among the masses than anything else. The Accord is an extremely reliable car, with a rating of 82 overall from J.D. Power.
It scored 82 in Quality and Reliability. Reviews about it are also mostly positive, and even Consumer Reports states that it is very reliable. Some old Accords have been running for hundreds of thousands of miles, and the new generation models are also not slowing down anytime soon. More reliability = more popularity. Easy formula.
Affordability
How can a car be popular among people if most people can’t even afford it, right? Reliability and affordability are two of the most important factors behind the Accord’s success. The latest 2021 Honda Accord starts at around $25,985; with higher trims being priced higher. It is in the perfect spot – not too cheap and not too costly.
Even if you go for older models, you can find them at dirt cheap prices, such as $5,000 or $10,000. Honda is a brand for the people, and the Accord is a very affordable car. Also, these cars have pretty good resale value. J.D. Power rates it 84 for resale value. So, if you ever intend to sell your Japanese sedan, you will be compensated well enough for it.
Size and packaging
The Accord is an extremely appealing body. Its size is perfect, in the sense that it is perfect both for solo drivers and for those with family. The Accord comes with an insane amount of front and rear-seat legroom. Seating five tall people is a breeze inside this car. It is perfect for those with families. For both kids and adults, the spacing is perfect. However, even if you are someone who drives alone, the Japanese sedan is still a great choice for you. Also, it is future proof. If you ever have a family, you wouldn’t need to change the car.
Excellent fuel economy
The 2021 Accord comes with a base engine of 1.5L turbocharged inline-4. While the engine is decent, the fuel economy is excellent. Another feature that budget-conscious people want, besides affordability and reliability, is excellent fuel economy. Basically, you want your every penny’s worth. The new Accord offers 30/38/33 MPG for city/highway/combined driving. Yes, 33 MPG for combined driving.
That’s an excellent figure! For most people, it is exactly what they need. With a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, it has a range of 488 miles on a full tank. Not only the newer ones, but even the older Accords were darn good when it came to fuel economy. So, choose any Accord and you would be able to go for miles without breaking your bank. Also, there is a hybrid version for those who are more concerned about their fuel economy and want to save more money.
Choice of transmissions
The Japanese sedan also used to come with a choice of transmission. People could either choose automatic or manual transmission. Sadly, only the models till 2020 had this option. Nowadays, you can only find a CVT or 10-speed automatic transmission. However, if you are in the market for an older Accord, you can actually find this sedan in either manual or automatic transmission. The choice is personal.
Some people might love the raw connection with the car when they choose the manual, while some might love the automatic more, and have a more laid-back experience. The Accord also comes with engine options, so you have an entire array of flexible options to pick and choose from.
Customizability and choice
The Japanese sedan is also highly customizable. The 2021 model comes in six different trims, with options on different engines and transmission. There is even a Hybrid version, which has a different powertrain and comes in four different trims.
This allows the buyer to choose from numerous different options. From the base trim featuring cloth upholstery to the highest trim offering leather upholstery, you are not really restricted with choice. The buyer has the freedom to choose their own trim, engine, and transmission and pay exactly the amount that they need to.
The ones on a tight budget can get the base trim, while those spending a little extra will be rewarded for it. Also, there are tons of optional packages that can be equipped with the car to further enhance its experience. You might not have the freedom to pick and choose so much in an old used car; but if you are in the market for a new one, you have tons of options to customize from.
Style and design
While the Accord might not be “mind-blowing” or “absolutely gorgeous”, we still must admit that the designers at Honda have done an excellent job at styling the new Accord. The Accord has been around for decades and it has seen some major design upgrades. The latest generation is a beauty and a treat to the eyes.
For millennials looking for a car at this budget, the Accord has the right blend of modernity, style, and elegance. It is not too outlandish or too stylish like a sports car, but it also has a stately and very stylish feel. No one can call you lame if you drive an Accord. The older Accords are not as stylish, but that’s the point, they are “old”. Still, the older Accords had a certain charm to them. However, the new generation looks pretty stylish and modern.