KBB used car reviews

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Beyond its history of reliability and high resale value, the Accord is now more varied than ever. Whether you want a no-fuss and highly economical sedan, a sporty V6-powered coupe or a hybrid that attains 50 mpg in the city, the 2014 Accord offers something for everyone.

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Make that almost everyone. The Accord covers many bases, but it doesn't hit them all. If you require all-wheel drive, for instance, look to the Subaru Legacy or Ford Fusion. Diesel-proponents, meanwhile, can get their high-mileage happiness in the Volkswagen Passat or coming Mazda6 SkyActiv-D.

After an all-new sedan and coupe were introduced last year, only minor changes are made on mainstream models. The big news for 2014 Accords is the introduction of a regular hybrid model and a limited-production, plug-in hybrid variant.

Favorite Features

LANEWATCH
This safety system sees where your eyes cannot by way of a tiny video camera under the passenger-side mirror that displays what’s happening in the blind spot. LaneWatch – included in EX and Touring models – can be configured to stay on or automatically turn on when the right-hand turn signal is engaged.

HYBRID OPTIONS
The Accord offered a hybrid years ago, but it wasn't nearly as efficient as today's versions. The new hybrid earns up to 50 mpg. With the Accord Plug-In hybrid, initially limited to California and New York, you can drive about 13 miles on electricity before the small gasoline engine kicks in.

2014 Honda Accord Details

The 2014 Accord's 5-passenger cabin feels familiar yet sophisticated. The familiar part comes from its roominess, excellent visibility and the fact that controls are within easy reach. You don't have to hunt and peck to turn up the radio or fan. Among the premium touches are an 8-inch screen that sits prominently in the dash and relays audio, phone and navigation information. EX-L models and higher have a secondary screen for touch-operated audio and Bluetooth wireless streaming. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the rear seats are roomy for two adults (as with most midsize sedans, three in back is a squeeze).

The latest Accord sedan is curvier and shorter than the previous generation by over three inches, but it's still easily identified. The coupe, too, has gotten slightly smaller. Especially appealing is the Accord's grille with its classy horizontal bars and Honda's logo floating in the middle. Sedans boast a low "beltline" where the side windows meet the metal. This is relevant because it improves visibility, especially for children sitting in back. Higher trims have premium touches such as LED brake lights and daytime running lights. Accord Plug-In hybrids are distinguished by an additional “fuel cap” above the front-left wheel where the charging cable is inserted.

Under the Hood

Two engines and three new transmissions are offered in gasoline-powered versions of the 2014 Honda Accord. The base is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that makes a healthy 185 horsepower (189 in Sport versions). The optional engine is a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 278 horsepower. In the sedan, 4-cylinder engines are linked to a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic, and V6 engines are connected to a 6-speed auto. In the coupe, the V6 can be connected to a satisfying 6-speed manual. The Accord Plug-In uses a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 124-kilowatt electric motor. The lithium-ion battery recharges in less than three hours on a standard 120-volt outlet or under an hour on a 240-volt outlet. Electric-only range is rated at 13 miles, and total range when factoring in the gasoline engine is 574 miles.

2.4-liter inline-4
185 horsepower @ 6, 400 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 3, 900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (manual, sedan and coupe), 27/36 mpg (automatic, sedan), 26/34 mpg (automatic, coupe)

3.5-liter V6
278 horsepower @ 6, 200 rpm
252 lb-ft of torque @ 4, 900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 (manual, coupe), 21/34 mpg (automatic, sedan), 21/32 mpg (automatic, coupe)

2.0-liter inline-4 + 124-kW AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor (hybrid models)
141 horsepower @ 6, 200 rpm (gasoline engine)
166 horsepower (motor power, hybrid)
55 horsepower (battery power, Plug-In hybrid)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 50/45 (mpg, hybrid), 47/46 mpg (gasoline-engine only, Accord Plug-In hybrid model)