TEST DRIVE: 2013 Honda Accord

(Santa Barbara, CA) Admittedly, it’s always kinda cool to be able to see and test out a brand new vehicle before almost everyone else does.

Such was the case when I received an invite from Honda Canada to travel down to Santa Barbara, California and be a part of the Canadian Media preview of the all new, 9th generation 2013 Honda Accord.  It was also nice to be able to drive the scenic roads and to use many of the breathtaking vistas as backdrops for my video review.  What was a bit frustrating though was being told I couldn’t tell you what I thought of the vehicle until after the publication embargo that was placed on us by Honda.

However, now that the embargo date has arrived…I’m happy to have you check out my video review of the 2013 Honda Accord as part of the Enviro Dad Test Drive.

YouTube Preview Image

Despite not looking dramatically different from it’s previous generation, there are indeed a lot of changes to the new Accord.  I’ll be especially excited when we see the rollout of the the PHEV version of the Accord, but that isn’t expected until likely next summer.

Even with the embargo lifted, I’m still not able to share pricing or provide an accurate measurement of fuel efficiency.  Pricing hasn’t been officially released yet but it’s safe to assume that the range will be around $24,000 for the base LX sedan right up to about $35,000 for the top end Touring V6.  As for fuel efficiency Honda has offered that they estimate a highway rating of 5.5 L/100 KM for 4 cylinder models and 5.7 L/100 KM for 6 cylinder.

The 2013 Honda Accord will also offer a 2 door sports coupe, which when considering how Toyota recently dropped the Solara and Nissan recently announced the end of the Altima coupe, is certainly a bold and perhaps risky move to make.  Those who still look for some 2 door excitement likely won’t be disappointed with the new Accord coupe as it offered aggresive and stylish lines that I found to be quite attractive.

The 2013 Honda Accord will be available in dealerships as of September 24th.  Based upon my time with the new version in California, I wouldn’t be suprised if Honda dealerships across North America suddenlty found themselves a little busier than normal in a few weeks time.

BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10)

 

LOOK/DESIGN                    –           8.5

DRIVE                                   –           9.0

THE GREEN FACTOR         –           8.0

THE FAMILY FACTOR       –           9.0

TECHIE STUFF                     –           9.0

VALUE                                  –           8.0

 

OVERALL SCORE               –           9.0

 

NOTE: Travel and accomodation costs were provided by the automaker.

Eric Novak

About Eric Novak

Eric Novak is a father of 4 who also thinks that environmental stewardship is a requisite of parenting. He's not a professional Dad nor is he an environmental scientist, but he's someone who gives a damn and is trying to make the right decisions as he lives his life as a father, environmentalist, part time professor and business owner. Eric has 4 children and resides in Ajax, Ontario.