2014 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is one of the most important segments of the American car market: the family sedan. he all-new ninth-generation model that was introduced this past year, Honda added some of the design flair and sophistication that's been sweeping the likes of the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Mazda 6. Powertrain offerings for the 2014 Accord are, across the board, more modern and fuel-efficient than they were just a couple of years ago. With the base four-cylinder engine, you get direct injection technology, and you can choose from a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). This CVT gives a much more linear feel than earlier CVTs on the market, so it might even fool some drivers into thinking it's a regular automatic transmission. Most four-cylinder Accords make 185 horsepower, while an Accord Sport model makes 189 hp. A V-6 engine is still offered across the Accord model line; it makes 278 hp and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission or (in Coupes only) a six-speed manual gearbox. Regular unleaded gasoline is just fine no matter which engine, and fuel economy ratings range up to 27 mpg city, 36 highway with the four-cylinder engine and CVT, and up to 21/34 with the V-6.The only functionality letdown is that the rear seat folds forward in one clunky piece, and the dual-screen infotainment system you get in some trims comes with a confusing control set.The Accord has been one of the few new 'IIHS Top Safety Pick+' vehicles; and it achieves a top five-star overall score from the federal government (albeit with four stars for frontal impact). Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control systems are all available on the Accord, and a cool new LaneWatch Blind Spot Display provides a wide view of the passenger side of the vehicle on the Multi-Information Display (i-MID) screen the moment you flick the turn signal.Honda had long been criticized for being skimpy on features, but this is definitely no longer the case with the Accord. As part of a turnaround from the brand's features philosophy, connectivity and safety-tech features are offered in the volume models, not just the top-of-the-line trims. Dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and an eight-inch i-MID display plus Pandora audio streaming and SMS text-messaging capability are all included in the base LX model.

With the Honda Accord Sedan offered in LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, V6, and Touring trims, and the Coupe available in LX-S, EX, EX-L, and EX-L V6 models, there's still a wide range of equipment. All V6 models include daytime LED running lamps, and interior appointments are a bit warmer and richer in upper trims. Adaptive Cruise Control is exclusive to the Touring Sedan, which also includes Honda’s first LED projector headlamps, while LED brake lights are included in EX-L and Touring models. Also included in top EX-L models is an upgraded 360-watt audio system with Aha internet radio streaming capability (with your smartphone's data connection).The starting price of this beauty is $28,190, plus on road costs, and climbs to $51,990, plus on road costs, as you scale upward through the variations. The high price range for the Hybrid and 9th Generation models such as the 6sp is a cool $51,500, plus on road costs, which might cause some car buyers to rethink things. However, with a car that is loaded with safety features, style, elegance and relative performance, car buyers can expect the best with this car, and an outperforming on almost all the competitors puts it as a strong buy