The Accord comes with either a 2.0 or 2.4 litre petrol engine or a 2.2 litre diesel. Of these the diesel cars are the most numerous and probably best all round option. The diesel engine pulls strongly throughout the rev range without ever becoming particularly unrefined. The bigger petrol engine delivers greater performance, but is noisier and more expensive to run. There is also a higher performance version of the 2.2 litre diesel badged as a Type S which comes at a significant price premium.
The interior of the older Accord has a more ergonomically intuitive lay outthan the newer car. However, the new model compensates with better quality materials. A possible drawback of the saloon version of the Accord is that it doesn't have the roomiest of boots. If load-lugging ability is a priority then the Tourer estate is worth considering. The old model Accord Tourer has a longer wheelbase than the current car giving even greater space.
In 2010 the Accord range received updates to the engine range which helped to significantly cut the vehicle's carbon emissions. In the case of the 2.0 litre petrol model this is enough to drop the car down a tax bracket.
The Honda Accord is reasonable in terms of running costs, but has a purchase price when new that pitches it towards the upper end of its rivals. Used Honda Accords have excellent residual values which should be factored in when you make your choice between this and other family saloons.
If you think an Accord might be for you then Howards Group have garages that specialise in Hondas in both Weston-Super-Mare and Taunton. Take a trip to your nearest retailer and get a feel for yourself what it's like to cruise down the motorway in a Honda Accord.