Honda Accord review 2022

Model review

The Accord is one of Honda’s most-loved nameplates, and it’s been around 1976, spanning an impressive 10 generations - though not all of these have been sold in the UK. 

Since its launch, the Accord has been sold in a whole range of bodystyles, including hatchbacks, coupes and the versions it’s best known for being – a saloon and estate car. 

Another important fact about the Accord is that it’s a model that was produced in the UK for a time, in its fifth and sixth generation between 1993 and 2003. One of the Accord’s claim-to-fames is the advert for the then-new 2003 car – known as the ‘Cog’’. It has gone down as one of the best advertising films ever, and is well worth watching if you get the chance. 

Latest model

The last generation of Honda Accord to be sold in the UK was the eighth model, which arrived in showrooms in 2008. Bringing with it far more modern design, it represented a shift upmarket, with a far more premium interior finish. 

It also boasted a particularly impressive level of technology for its time, with features including a large satellite navigation display and reversing camera. Elements like adaptive cruise control were even available on the options list – something that’s only recently been available on many new cars. 

The Accord also debuted with a new second-generation diesel engine, which was both smoother and more efficient than previous units. 

Sadly, due to falling UK sales for non-premium saloons like the Accord, Honda decided to discontinue it here in 2015, though further Accord generations have followed in markets such as the US.

Value for money

By modern-day standards, the £19,250 starting price of the Accord at its launch in 2008 seems like an absolute steal, with prices rising to £26,650 for flagship versions, though these still undercut the equivalent German rival by several thousand pounds. 

But as the Accord hasn’t been sold in the UK since 2015, the only option now is in the used market. Prices for slightly tatty but usable examples start from under £1,000, but you’ll need double that for the cheapest examples of the generation we’re reviewing here. Good versions with under 100,000 miles on the clock are available from around £4,500, but the best-of-the-best examples can command more than £10,000. At the time of writing, there was even a 2015 example with 30,000 miles on the clock listed for a very steep £17,000.  

Looks and image

At its launch in 2008, the Accord represented a big uplift compared to its predecessor, with Honda setting its sights on more premium manufacturers. The new model certainly offered a more modern feel, with this generation getting a sleeker design, particularly in the case of the estate version. Where style is concerned, the ‘GT’-badged versions are the ones to go for, with these adding a sportier kit to make them stand out. 

By modern standards, the Accord’s interior looks quite old now, and particularly if you contrast it with an Audi A4 of the same year. The button-heavy layout has dated badly, though the overall quality of this Honda continues to impress; there’s a real feeling that it was built to last. High-spec versions also get plenty of luxuries, including a 10-speaker sound system, electric leather seats and even a large satellite navigation system positioned high into the dashboard. 

The Accord is quite good to drive too, with two distinct versions to choose from. Non-GT models get a comfort suspension setup, while the GT models get a sportier configuration, which helps to make this Honda more fun to drive. It’s worth test driving both versions to see which one you prefer. 

Space and practicality

Oddly with the Accord, the saloon is the more practical option than the Tourer estate version. With the four-door model, the boot measures 467 litres whereas the estate offers just 396 litres, which is tiny by estate car standards. This is because of its awkward shape and limited boot lip. If you want a roomier estate car, Honda’s later Civic Tourer is the version to go for. 

On the plus side, the Accord recorded a top five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, although it’s worth considering that this was when this Honda was first tested in 2008, and won’t be comparable to newer models.

Engines

Honda offers a good selection of petrol and engines on the Accord, though it’s the 147bhp 2.2-litre ‘i-DTEC’ diesel engine that’s our pick. It’s smooth and responsive, and though not particularly rapid, is able to take the Accord from 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds. 

Moving over to petrol, there are two to choose from – a 153bhp 2.0-litre or 198bhp 2.4-litre. The former can hit 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds, with the latter managing it in a respectable 7.8 seconds. It’s worth noting that every Accord engine is available with a choice of manual or automatic gearbox.  

Running costs

If you’re looking to keep your running costs down, it’s the diesel that is the one to go for. With this, Honda claims 53mpg, whereas both the petrols will struggle to return more than 40mpg, or 33mpg in the case of the thirsty 2.4-litre. 

Also be aware of the road tax costs of the petrol models, as these are between £180 and £265 depending on the engine and trim level

Things to look out for

Honda’s cars have some of the best reputations for reliability of any cars on the market, and the Accord is no exception. Its build quality is very impressive, while there have been very few mechanical complaints from customers over the years. As with any used car, though, make sure a model has been regularly serviced and well-maintained in the past. 

Just be aware of diesels with particularly low mileage, as these engines are fitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that can become blocked if cars only do short and low-speed journeys. 

Rivals

Though the large family saloon/estate segment might not be the most popular these days, the Accord still has plenty of rivals. Popular options that are plentiful on the used market include the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and Volkswagen Passat. The Mazda6 and Skoda Superb are both worth a look too. 

If you’d prefer something more premium, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class are the three main options to look out for, though you will likely pay more for a like-for-like example. 

Depreciation

Used prices for the Accord are certainly a mixed bag, with values fluctuating from just £2,000 for high-mileage examples to around £15,000 for the best-of-the-best. 

The best value can be found somewhere between those two figures, and considering the Accord’s excellent reputation for reliability, should be a solid used buy.