Honda announced it would offer a Sport variant as part of the ninth-generation Accord lineup, we were eager to get one for a long-term loan. Why? Well, after a couple generations of decidedly non-sporty Accords, the thought of a full year with a dedicated performance variant offering a high-output 189-hp 2.4-liter I-4, a dual exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels seemed too good to pass up. Luckily, Honda obliged, sending us a $24,980 example dressed in Obsidian Blue paint and equipped with the optional paddle-shift CVT (the standard six-speed manual variant runs $800 less), making the ninth-gen the first Accord to offer a continuously variable transmission.Shortly after surpassing its 600-mile break-in period, the Accord paid a visit to the test track, where it put down some commendable numbers. Armed with the so-called Earth Dreams direct-injected engine, which touts 4 more horsepower and 1 extra lb-ft (up to 182) compared to non-Sport I-4 Accords, our long-termer zipped from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.8 at 90.8 mph. As I mentioned in a prior update, that 0-60 stat makes the Sport a tenth quicker than a 1998 Lexus GS300. Even better, it's 0.2 second quicker than our long-term 182-hp 2013 Nissan Altima SL and only 0.3 slower than our turbocharged 274-hp 2013 Kia Optima SXL. Better still, the Accord, EPA rated at 26/35/29 mpg city/highway/combined, returned observed fuel economy of 28.6 mpg, a healthy 1.4 mpg better than the 27.2 of the 27/38/31-rated Altima, and, in case you're wondering, markedly superior to the 22.8 of the 22/34/26-rated Optima.
More than quick at the dragstrip and frugal at the gas pump, the Accord proved plenty able at the handling track. In our figure-eight test, the Sport, wearing 235/45R18 Michelin Primacy MXM4 all-season tires, clocked a time of 26.7 seconds and maximum lateral acceleration of 0.88 g. By comparison, the sporty 205-horsepower Honda Civic Si in this issue could only muster 26.9 seconds and 0.86 g, and that was with summer tires. Speaking of which, I tried two sets of summer tires on the Accord -- the Continental ContiSportContact3 and the Pirelli P Zero Nero GT— to see if I could improve handling, but neither could match the Michelins' lateral grip, though each bettered the 129-foot 60-0 braking number (116 and 109 feet, respectively).
During my year with the sportiest of Accords, I found far more to praise than criticize. The ride struck a nice balance between comfort and sportiness, so the Accord felt competent whether cruising down the highway or tearing up the mountain. Ditto for the four-wheel disc brakes, whose reassuring pedal and solid bite always inspired confidence. The electric power steering served up nice linearity with a light heft that made maneuvering through parking lots and driveways a snap. The standard cloth seats were supportive, comfortable, and easy to clean, and the 10-way power adjustment for the driver chair proved a handy feature. Further, with a big, airy cabin that can easily swallow five adults, providing 9.1 cubic feet of additional volume compared to my previous Volkswagen Jetta GLI long-termer, not to mention a huge 15.8-cubic-foot trunk, the Accord never seemed unprepared for the rigors of daily life. Of course, the standard Bluetooth phone/audio, backup camera, cruise control, auto climate control, USB interface, and Pandora radio helped, too.I plugged in my iPhone via the USB prior to starting the car and then initiated Pandora audio, the display would show a song as playing but, alas, no sound (I had to unplug and then plug back in); and a CVT Sport mode that doesn't return to Sport auto after engaging Sport manual. (Unlike some other performance cars, if you engage manual mode and then hold the upshift paddle for a couple seconds, the transmission will return to Sport auto; not so in the Accord.)
During my year with the sportiest of Accords, I found far more to praise than criticize. The ride struck a nice balance between comfort and sportiness, so the Accord felt competent whether cruising down the highway or tearing up the mountain. Ditto for the four-wheel disc brakes, whose reassuring pedal and solid bite always inspired confidence. The electric power steering served up nice linearity with a light heft that made maneuvering through parking lots and driveways a snap. The standard cloth seats were supportive, comfortable, and easy to clean, and the 10-way power adjustment for the driver chair proved a handy feature. Further, with a big, airy cabin that can easily swallow five adults, providing 9.1 cubic feet of additional volume compared to my previous Volkswagen Jetta GLI long-termer, not to mention a huge 15.8-cubic-foot trunk, the Accord never seemed unprepared for the rigors of daily life. Of course, the standard Bluetooth phone/audio, backup camera, cruise control, auto climate control, USB interface, and Pandora radio helped, too.I plugged in my iPhone via the USB prior to starting the car and then initiated Pandora audio, the display would show a song as playing but, alas, no sound (I had to unplug and then plug back in); and a CVT Sport mode that doesn't return to Sport auto after engaging Sport manual. (Unlike some other performance cars, if you engage manual mode and then hold the upshift paddle for a couple seconds, the transmission will return to Sport auto; not so in the Accord.)
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