Honda Accord 2011 full analysis

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

Honda Accord

The 2011 Honda Accord ranks 7 out of 19 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 46 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Accord, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2011 Honda Accord is the go-to car for reliability and practicality in the class of Affordable Midsize Cars. To keep pace with rivals, Honda has made some minor changes to this year’s model that makes it better than ever.

The Accord nameplate is one of the most storied names in the business. Among its many awards, it has been named one of Car and Driver’s 10Best an astonishing 24 times.

The Honda Accord continues to stay in the spotlight for good reasons. Critics praise its massive interior space – the government actually categorizes it a large car – strong resale value and impressive long-term reliability. In fact, Car and Driver says that the 2011 Honda Accord “remains a first-rate ambassador to the segment.”

Still, the Accord is beginning to show some signs of early aging. Combined with the introduction of fresher rivals, competition is getting stiff. Describing the newly-redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata, Road and Track writes, “Warning to Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda and Nissan: Your corporate lives just became more difficult.” What’s more, hybrid alternatives continue their assault on the segment with highly-ranked cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Prius.

While the 2011 Honda Accord makes a great choice in the class of Affordable Midsize Cars, the class has changed drastically due to rivals becoming better and better. Proof of this can be seen with the segment’s highly competitive top rankings.

Before buying a 2011 Honda Accord, be sure to test drive some of its higher-ranked competitors to see how they compare. The Ford Fusion, for instance, was Motor Trend’s 2010 Car of the Year. Not only is the Fusion competitively priced, but it can also be optioned with all-wheel drive, whereas the Accord can’t. Additionally, the Fusion features top-notch interior trims and Ford’s highly-acclaimed SYNC infotainment system. Although the Accord boasts competent systems it cannot compete with SYNC’s high-tech options.

If value is more important to you, check out the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. It offers loads of space, convenience features and style, while still being cheaper than the Honda Accord. The Sonata has virtually no competition because it’s considered upscale for the $20,000 price range.

Shoppers eyeing up a likely rival, the Toyota Camry, should reconsider because while the Camry has been a solid choice in the past, it cannot keep pace with the latest competition from Ford and Hyundai. As more reviewers drive the Camry, it seems they are pointing out deteriorating interior quality, which doesn’t bode well after Toyota’s unintended acceleration issues. Additionally, it is largely considered one of the least exciting rides in its class.

Still, keep in mind that the best deal on a midsize car may vary from month to month, depending on incentives and sales in your area. Be sure to check for the best deals for this month and current Honda Deals that may be available on a 2011 Honda Accord.

The Honda Accord was updated in 2010. That, however, hasn’t stopped Honda from updating it once more. For 2011, Honda has given the Accord a cosmetic refresh, improved aerodynamics, added a new trim and increased fuel economy.

The easiest-to-spot changes are found on the 2011 Honda Accord’s exterior. Although there are minor modifications, the Accord sports an updated front grill and bumper, rear deck lid and a new set of wheels.

Additionally, the 2011 Honda Accord can be had in a new leather-equipped Special Edition (SE) trim. The SE strikes a balance between value and luxury by providing leather, heated seats – with driver’s lumbar support – and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Car and Driver points out, “This is clearly Honda's Hyundai Sonata fighter, albeit with 21 fewer ponies."

Including the new SE, there is a total of seven trim levels.

• "Though Accord is no longer leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a Best Buy for shoppers in this class." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Honda Accord offers an appealing combination of spaciousness, a relatively upscale feel and a reputation for reliability. However, its ride quality and overall performance are merely adequate for this segment. For one thing, the Accord has grown bigger and softer with its latest redesign; for another, the competition has caught up." -- Edmunds
• "If aliens landed tomorrow and asked for our finest example of mainstream transportation, you'd probably point them toward one of these babies.

Accord Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)

Like Buffalo wings, the 2011 Honda Accord’s performance ranges from mild to spicy. This is because it can be optioned with three different engines and transmissions. However, regardless of powertrain, reviewers find that the latest Accord is not quite what it used to be. Compared to competitors, like the Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima, some critics find that the Accord has become softer and less sporty.

Accord Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

Shoppers used to driving an older Accord may notice that it has grown substantially. Although the Accord is now classified by the government as a large car, shoppers will find that it hides its larger proportions well.

Accord Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

Not only does the 2011 Honda Accord benefit from exterior changes, but its interior is updated as well. However, you’ll need a fine eye for detail to spot these changes. Overall, the Accord provides a spacious interior, solid fit and finish – which has earned Honda its long-standing reputation for quality – and loads of convenient technology.

Accord Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

Though the 2011 Honda Accord has not yet been crash tested, the mechanically-similar 2010 Accord was put through its paces. The 2010 Accord earned excellent crash test scores from the federal government and insurance industry.

Accord Reliability - NA

Honda matches some of its rivals with a three-year or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, their coverage falls short of others. On the bright side, the warranty may not be needed -- as Honda is well-known for building long-lasting cars.