Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Accord Saloon review

The Accord has unparalleled desirability, but practicality is compromised.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Honda Accord
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving
The driving dynamics are superb. The front-wheel-drive setup is lively and the Accord proves entertaining and agile on twisty roads. It’s not as self-assured as a Ford Mondeo, moving around more as grip transfers between rear and front wheels, but the accurate steering makes it great fun. However, on seemingly smooth motorways, the suspension disappoints. It fails to settle and doesn’t iron out minor undulations that well. As for engines, there are two petrols, but the big seller will be the i-DTEC diesel. It is smooth and flexible, punchy if not thrilling, and is mated to one of the slickest six-speed gearboxes around.

Marketplace
Honda accepts it hasn’t been all that daring with the current Accord. However, study it hard and you’ll notice that, while the angular lines of the old model remain, the overall stance and proportions are much more athletic. It’s wider and longer, but only the Renault Laguna is shorter. The range comprises ES and EX models, with GT versions of both also available (adding extra kit), and there is a choice of saloon or Tourer estate bodystyles. Sales of the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engine will be dwarfed by those for the 2.2-litre i-DTEC, as the Honda takes on rivals including the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia, Mazda 6, Citroen C5 and – if the company meets its premium aspirations, cheaper versions of the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Owning
Button-heavy the dash may be, but it’s all clearly labelled and logically presented. Quality is excellent, while attention to detail is a revelation. The dash has floating dials similar to those in a Mercedes, and there’s a useful (if prominent) gearchange indicator. Up front, there are sumptuous, shoulder-supporting seats, but while headroom in the rear is generous, there’s limited leg and footroom. The rear squab is sculpted for only two passengers, so sitting in the middle isn’t comfortable for adults. The boot is also miserly, and has an odd shape. What’s more, it is unlike Honda to leave bare medal in the load area. Retained values are good, though, and the diesel engine is impressively economical – it averaged 43.9mpg on our varied test route. 

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

Electric Car Grant in detail: Which cars will get the UK EV discount?

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 Electric Car Grant for new EVs sold under £3…
News
18 Jul 2025
Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake - front action

Electric Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake will keep going long after rivals need to stop

The second of Merc’s new-era EVs is here in the form of an attractive estate with a huge range
News
14 Jul 2025