Honda Automobiles: 2013 Honda Accord: Overview

The all-new 2013 Accord Sedan and Accord Coupe mark the beginning of the ninth generation of Honda’s best-selling midsize car. More luxurious, more sophisticated, better performing and better equipped than any other model in the Accord’s 37-year history, the 2013 models remarkably advance the sense of luxury and craftsmanship, vehicle dynamics and the range of standard equipment to the highest levels in their class. Built in two locations in Ohio, launch of the all-new models celebrates 30 continuous years of Accord production1 in the United States.

The exterior length and wheelbase of both the Accord Sedan and Coupe are slightly more compact than the prior generation Accord while still providing improvements in key interior dimensions including rear legroom and trunk volume. The result is a spacious all-new Accord that boasts a sportier appearance, more responsive handling and improved driving dynamics.

From the tip of the front bumpers to the end of the exhaust finishers, literally nothing was left unexamined when redesigning the Accord. This includes major elements like the unit-body, sheet metal, glass and aerodynamics, along with interior features and electronic systems, the engines and transmissions, the chassis components, and the many safety systems. Despite the complete generational changes, however, the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are still tightly focused on providing the same long-established blend of unbeatable Honda safety and security, value for money, fun-to-drive performance and handling, and passenger comfort and convenience.

Fuel efficiency is also improved, with EPA estimated highway mileage ratings up to 36 mpg2 for the 4-cylinder Accord and 34 mpg for the V-6 Accord Sedan. Not only does Accord advance the state of the art in its segment, but the new Accord models also introduce a host of new technologies to Honda – while serving as the first vehicle to use Honda’s new Earth Dreams™ technology, which is dedicated to enhancing fuel efficiency and minimizing the company’s environmental footprint. In early 2013, an all-new 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Sedan will launch, followed by a conventional hybrid based on the same powertrain architecture in the summer of 2013, bringing Honda levels of fun and efficiency to the hybrid segment.

In addition to the upcoming hybrid versions of the Accord, the all-new 2013 Accord Sedan 4-door is available in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V6 and new Touring trim levels, while the 2-door Accord Coupe comes in LX-S, EX, EX-L and EX-L V6 trim levels. Standard features on the new Accord include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® with audio streaming, USB/iPod® integration, rearview camera and an audio/information screen and an Eco Assist™ driving system. As in previous EX-trim Accords, a choice of fabric or leather seating upholstery is available.

Other standard Accord features include dual-zone climate control, Pandora® internet radio integration and an SMS text messaging function.1 Available features include a hard disc drive (HDD)-based Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic, and Adaptive Cruise Control. New visibility technologies include an expanded-view driver’s mirror and Honda’s new LaneWatch™ feature – along with available features such as LED headlights, daytime running lights (DRLs) and brake lights.

Safety advancements include a thoroughly revised Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and available Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems.

Two Earth Dreams™ powertrains are available initially, including an all-new 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with Honda’s first use of direct injection in North America, and a 3.5-liter V-6 with revised VTEC + VCM functions. In early 2013, the Accord lineup will see the first application of a new Earth Dreams™ 2.0-liter 4-cylinder/two-motor plug-in hybrid system in the Accord PHEV Sedan. The Honda two-motor hybrid system will operate continuously through three modes – all-electric, gasoline-electric and direct-drive – to maximize fuel efficiency. The 2014 Accord Plug-in Hybrid will also serve as the basis for a conventional hybrid version of the Accord Sedan, which will join the Accord lineup in the summer of 2013. Accord 4-cylinder models will offer a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps the Accord achieve outstanding fuel-efficiency, along with a new fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission on selected models. The Accord’s V-6 engine offers a choice of a new 6-speed automatic or in the V-6 Coupe, a 6-speed manual. The Accord Plug-in Hybrid will feature a new electric coupled CVT.

Available Powertrains

Accord Sedan

2013

2012

Change

Engine

2.4L I4

2.4L I4

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

SAE* Horsepower @ rpm

185 @ 6400 (I4)

177 @ 6500 (I4)

+8

189 @ 6400 (Sport)

190 @ 7000 (I4 EX)

-1

278 @ 6200 (V6)

271 @ 6200 (V6)

+7

SAE* Torque @ rpm

181 @ 3900 (I4)

161 @ 4300 (I4)

+20

182 @ 3900 (Sport)

162 @ 4400 (I4 EX)

+20

252 @ 4900 (V6)

254 @ 5000 (V6)

-2

Required fuel

Regular unleaded

Regular unleaded

Transmission

CVT (I4)

5AT (I4)

6MT (I4)

5MT (I4)

6AT (V6)

5AT (V6)

CARB emissions rating

ULEV-2/PZEV (I4 CVT)

ULEV-2/PZEV (I4 5AT)

ULEV-2/PZEV (V6)

ULEV-2 (I4 5MT)

ULEV-2 (I4 6MT)

ULEV-2 (V6)

EPA fuel economy rating city/hwy/combined2

27/36/30 (I4 CVT)

23/34/27 (I4 5AT)

+4/+2/+3

24/34/28 (I4 6MT)

23/34/27 (I4 5MT)

+1/-/+1

21/34/25 (V6)

20/30/24 (V6)

+1/+4/+1

*SAE J1349 testing method

Accord Coupe

2013

2012

Change

Engine

2.4L I4

2.4L I4

3.5L V6

3.5L V6

SAE* Horsepower @ rpm

185 @ 6400 (I4)

177 @ 6500 (I4)

+8

190 @ 7000 (I4 EX)

-5

278 @ 6200 (V6)

271 @ 6000 (V6 AT)

+7

SAE* Torque @ rpm

181 @ 3900 (I4)

162 @ 4400 (I4 EX)

+19

252 @ 4900 (V6)

254 @ 5000 (V6 AT)

-2

Required fuel

Regular unleaded

Regular unleaded

Transmission

CVT (I4)

5AT (I4)

6MT (I4, V6)

5MT (I4)

6AT (V6)

5AT (V6)

CARB emissions rating

ULEV-2/PZEV (I4 CVT)

ULEV-2/PZEV (I4 5AT)

ULEV-2/PZEV (V6)

ULEV-2 (I4 5MT)

ULEV-2 (I4 6MT)

ULEV-2 (V6)

EPA fuel economy rating city/hwy/combined2

26/35/29 (I4 CVT)

22/33/26 (I4 5AT)

+4/+2/+3

24/34/28 (I4 6MT)

23/32/26 (I4 5MT)

+1/+2/+2

21/32/25 (V6 6AT)

19/29/23 (V6 5AT)

+2/+3/+2

18/28/22 (V6 6MT)

17/26/21 (V6 6MT)

+1/+2/+1

*SAE J1349 testing method

New Accord Technology
A number of new Honda technologies debut on the 2013 Accord models. Covering all aspects of the vehicle from exterior features to powertrain, and from chassis features to electronics, they combine to elevate the Accord driving experience to a new level. Some of the key new features include:

Direct Injection
Honda’s first use of direct injection (DI) in North America significantly contributes to the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine’s outstanding fuel efficiency and low emissions. (See Powertrain section.)

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
A new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Featuring a wider ratio range than the 5-speed automatic transmission it replaces, the CVT significantly contributes to the Accord’s improved fuel efficiency. The Accord CVT has special G-Design Shift logic that is designed to offer more immediate acceleration response than either conventional automatics or other CVT designs.

MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
Lighter than the double-wishbone system it replaces, the Accord’s new MacPherson strut front suspension system provides superior ride and handling qualities, while also reducing interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The front suspension also rides on a new aluminum and steel front subframe that is assembled with a new proprietary Honda friction-stir-welding process.

LED Lighting
The Touring Sedan features Honda’s first use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) projector headlights for improved visibility. LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are found on V-6 powered models, and LED brake lights come on all EX-L and Touring models. (See Body section.)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Included on Accord EX-L and Touring models, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alerts drivers when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use. (See Safety section.)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Included on EX-L and Touring Sedan and EX-L Coupe models, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) alerts the driver when the system detects a potential collision with another vehicle ahead. (See Safety section.)

Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display
Included on Accord EX, EX-L and Touring Sedan models and Accord EX-L Coupe, Honda LaneWatch™ Blind Spot Display provides an expanded rear view of the passenger side roadway via the audio/information screen. (See Interior section.)

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Exclusive to the Touring Sedan, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and a distance interval behind the vehicle ahead. This allows using cruise control in light traffic. (See Powertrain section.)

Accord Sedan Quick Specs (LX)

Accord Coupe Quick Specs (LX-S)

1 Honda products are produced using domestic and globally sourced parts.

2 Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates. Use  for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

3 Compatible with select phones with Bluetooth® only. Your wireless carrier’s rate plans apply. State or local laws may limit use of texting feature. Only use texting feature when conditions allow you to do so safely. Drive responsibly. Some state laws prohibit the operation of handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. For safety reasons, always launch your audio application or perform any other operation on your phone or audio device only when the vehicle is safely parked.

4 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any such use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

5 XM services require a subscription after 90-day trial period. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement; see www.siriusxm.com. If you decide to continue your XM service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically be renewed and you will be billed at then-current rates until you call XM at 1-800-967-2346 to cancel. Fees and programming subject to change. Available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States and D.C. ©2012 Sirius XM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.

6 Windows Media® is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

7 The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your Honda dealer for details.

8 Preliminary EPA fuel economy ratings and gas-electric range rating determined by Honda. Final EPA mileage ratings not available at the time of printing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage and range will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

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