Once again, the automobile giant Honda has come up with another great addition to its stable of top quality cars—the 2011 Honda Accord. This is actually the eighth generation of the Honda Accord model. Compared to the Honda Accord released in 2010, this one has undergone some aesthetic improvements to make it more stylish. In fact, it was planned by the company to make this one look more like a four-door coupe rather than a family sedan.
As it turns out, there are really a couple of noticeable improvements when this model came out in the market. The front grill, bumper and rear deck lid have all been updated. This model also comes with a new set of wheels. There were also some tweaks made on the inside. Now, the Accord is available with a new leather-equipped Special Edition or SE trim.
Performance
The Honda Accord comes with 3-powerful-engine line up mainly because of its topnotch engineering for which it is known for. Thus, it gives you a wide variety of options to choose from when you are very particular about motors. But all the same, each choice will guarantee you of a powerful engine with top quality performance.
With this model, you have two options for 2.3-liter four-cylinder engines—180 horsepower with 161 pound-feet of torque or 190 horsepower with 162 pound-feet of torque. Both these engines come with a five-speed manual transmission. You still have the option to go with the five-speed automatic transmission.
The other engine option is the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 275 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. It also comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. For some, this is the best feature of 2011 Accord’s engine line up. It even comes with an updated version of the Variable Cylinder Management Technology which is a great aid in fuel economy.
Exterior & Interior
As previously mentioned, the 2011 Accord comes with a more stylish exterior. As a matter of fact, some reviews even hail the exterior design as futuristic. But what it is common among all reviews is that this model has been given a fresh and substantial new look. The side sculpting has been deeply angular. The fender flares are also very much pronounced and the headlights seem to be pulled back.
This model is also the largest of all the Honda Accord models. It also comes with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure that improves it collision compatibility with SUVs. It has been given a more sporty, aggressive and coupe-like appearance which is definitely a hit among many customers.
Honda revamped its interior as well. Although a lot of people consider this model as a mid-size sedan, its interior can be compared to that of larger sedans. Thus, there is more room for wider seats as well as a large two-arm console. You will also find audio controls embedded on the steering wheel. There is also a dial-controlled eight-inch LCD display. When it comes to the leather seats, there are some who love it, but there are also those who complain of numbness after long hours of driving.
Safety
This model comes with safety features to guarantee that you will have confidence when you drive. For one, it comes with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, as well as front side airbags and side curtain airbags.
And in the strenuous crash testing for 2011, this model garnered a five-star rating for overall performance, side-impact and front-impact protection.
Competition
Finally, the Accord finds competition with the 2011 Toyota Camry (MSRP $21,650; 22 city / 33 hwy) as it pertains to sales, resale value and dependability ratings. On the other hand, it is coming close in the midsize-class sales race with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata (MSRP $19,695; 24 city / 35 hwy) which has been attracting more buyers since it has been redesigned. Lastly, the 2011 Ford Fusion (MSRP $22,830; 23 city / 33 hwy) is also a rival of the 2011 Honda Accord when it comes to sales.
Overall Rating
80 out of 100
What others say:
“Inside, the Accord models are either fashion-forward, or a little drab and unintuitive—depending on your tastes and, frankly, which trim level you get… “Car Connection
“All Accords feel refined and solid. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it’s never bothersome.”Consumer Guide
“Intrusive road noise; so-so interior quality; seats uncomfortable.”Edmunds
“With styling and performance that splits the difference between the sportier Nissan Altima and softer Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord embodies the very balance that attracts so many buyers to the mid-size sedan segment in the first place.”KBB
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $21,380.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gallons | Miles Per Gallon: 23 city / 24 hwy |
| Length: 194.9 in. (495 cm) | Width: 72.7 in. (184.6 cm) |
| Height: 58.1 in. (147.5 cm) | Curb Weight: 3217 lbs (1459 kg) |
| Wheel Base: 110.2 in. (280 cm) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 14.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC® inline 4-Cylinder | Displacement: 2354 cc |
| Horsepower: 177 HP | Max RPM: 6500 RPM |
| Torque: 161 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 14.6 seconds |
| Option:LX-P 5-spd Auto | MSRP: $23,180; MPG: 23 city / 34 hwy |
| Option:EX 5-spd Auto | MSRP: $25,105; MPG: 23 city / 34 hwy |
| Option:EX V6 5-spd Auto | MSRP: $27,280; MPG: 20 city / 30 hwy |
| Option:LX Coupe 5-spd Auto | MSRP: $23,780; MPG: 22 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Crosstour EX 2WD 5-spd Auto | MSRP: $29,990; MPG: 18 city / 27 hwy |
