2015 Honda Accord Buyer`s Guide

Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord
Buyer’s Guide
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Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
Beyond the Brochure:
The Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
The 2015 Honda Accord is one of the leading midsize
sedans on the market. The car features a mix of strong
performance on the road, excellent fuel economy, and
an enviable sporty design. The sedan is roomy and
fitted with a high-quality interior. Other pros that make
it a formidable player in the midsize category include
its responsive handling, quick acceleration, and efficient
powertrain.
The vehicle comes with Honda’s Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT), which enables drivers to change
ratios smoothly and without having to step onto
the gears. The benefits of CVT include seamless
acceleration from an earlier stage and fuel economy.
some cases, they have been expanded to be available
on a variety of trims. The Honda Accord is available in
the sedan and coupe body styles.
In this e-book, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features
and performance of the Accord and touch on how the
vehicle compares with other competitors in the midsize
category.
Overview of the Honda Accord
In 2013, the Honda Accord received a complete design
overhaul. The result was a slimmer car that used fuel
more efficiently and offered higher value with its
improved interior. The cabin room was redesigned to
have more space and provide more comfort.
Although about 1,000 units were selling every day, the
market could not help but feel that something was
missing. The Honda Accord Hybrid was the missing
piece of the puzzle. The much-awaited Hybrid made
its debut in the 2014 Accord line and is available in two
varieties: the standard hybrid and the plug-in variety.
Accord’s Market Performance
The Honda Accord has been popular due to its
reputation as a trouble-free car that requires low
maintenance and adapts to most situations. These
qualities have led many consumers to become loyal
Honda fans.
The Honda Accord has received a few cosmetic and
interior updates this year when compared to the 2014
model. The Accord has a smoother look to its taillights
and back end, and the front grille has received a
minimal redesign. The interior has been altered slightly
to provide a more comfortable ride for the driver and
passengers. Many of the same safety features and
interior options have been carried over, although in
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The latest Accord models to join the fold have
maintained these traditional qualities and promise the
reliability that has been Honda’s signature for decades.
Leaving nothing to chance, Honda ensured that all
the Accord models, including the four-cylinder engine
equipped with the CVT, offer great performance and
excellent fuel efficiency. The strength of the vehicle is
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Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
clear in the 7.8 seconds that the car takes to accelerate
from zero to 60 mph and the combined 30 mpg EPA
fuel efficiency rating.
2015 Accord Features Overview
The new Honda Accord’s level of comfort and its value
for the money will help to boost its sales. The Accord,
classified as a midsize sedan, offers a spacious interior,
quiet ride, and impressive seating comfort, especially in
the backseat.
performance, spacious and comfortable interior, and
outstanding reputation make it a favorite in the market.
If you’re looking to buy a midsize sedan, you have many
options to consider. However, if you’re looking for a car
that rates well in all aspects of luxury and performance,
you should consider the 2015 Honda Accord.
The standard features available even in the base LX
mode rival optional amenities offered in much more
expensive cars. The base LX standard package comes
outfitted with iPod and USB integration units, climate
control, and a rearview camera, among other features.
Standard instrument features in all Accord trims
include backlit gauges, Vehicle Stability Assist
Indicator, exterior temperature indicator, a tachometer,
Maintenance Minder System, and low oil pressure and
brake fluid indicators.
All trim levels come with a front and rear stabilizer
bar, front shock tower bar, MacPherson strut front
suspension, and independent multi-link rear suspension.
These features make the Accord stable on the road
even when taking sharp turns.
Other notable features include Active Noise Control,
Variable Cylinder Management, Drive-by-Wire Throttle
System, Electronic Brake Distribution, childproof rear
door locks, Forward Collision Warning, and side-impact
door beams.
Even with the stiff competition in the midsize sedan
car segment, the Accord’s fuel efficiency, strong
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2015 Accord Trim Levels and Options
The 2015 Accord sedan comes in a variety of styles and
trim levels. There are four trim levels available on the
four-cylinder sedan: LX, EX, EX-L, and Sport. The Honda
Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 comes in two trim levels: EX-L and
Touring.
The 2015 Accord Hybrid is offered in three trims: Hybrid,
Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring. They are all powered
by the same inline four-cylinder engine that also comes
with a lithium-ion battery and an AC synchronous
permanent-magnet electric motor. The Accord Plug-In
has not yet been updated for the 2015 model.
The coupe is powered by a four-cylinder engine and
comes in three trims: LX-S, EX, and EX-L. On the other
hand, the V6-powered coupe is only available in one
trim level: EX-L V6.
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Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
The base trim features the following standard options:
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Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
Power accessories
8-inch video display
Automatic climate control
Cruise control
16-inch alloy rims
Rearview camera
Pandora functionality
iPod and USB audio interface
Auxiliary audio jack
Four-way speaker system
CD player
Folding backseat
Manual driver seat with height adjustment functionality
In addition to the standard features available on the
base trim, the Sport trim offers more horsepower
and comes with shift paddles for the CVT, a leatherwrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloy
wheels.
and a driver seat memory function. Honda is also now
including its HomeLink Remote System on the 2015
Accord EX-L.
The standard options package for the EX-L V6 is
similar to that of the four-cylinder trim. The V6exclusive Touring trim is packed with all of the features
of the EX-L V6 plus an adaptive cruise control system
and LED headlights.
With the 2015 coupe models, the base LX-S trim has
a similar option package as the LX sedan. The only
differences are in the 17-inch rims they come with (as
opposed to the 16-inch rims in the LX sedan) and the
six-speaker audio system instead of the four-speaker
system. The coupe’s EX trim matches the features and
equipment of its sedan counterpart. The only major
shift is with the EX-L, powered by the V6 engine that
comes with 18-inch wheels.
Powertrains and Performance
The Accord EX trim adds the following features to the
standard options: a six-way speaker sound system,
Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot display, a leatherwrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition and entry,
heated mirrors, power driver seat, and a sunroof.
The Honda Accord sedan and coupe are similar
in terms of the engine size and transmission
specifications. Both Accords are generally fitted with
a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The engine
provides 181 lb-ft of torque and 185 horsepower. The
Sport trim has both slightly higher torque ratio and
horsepower levels. This is due to the dual exhaust that
sets the torque ratio at 182 lb-ft and the horsepower at
189.
The Honda Accord EX-L trim comes with the standard
features and also includes an auto-dimming rearview
mirror, leather upholstery, HondaLink smartphone
app integration, satellite radio, a premium seven-way
speaker with subwoofer, an advanced rearview camera,
heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat,
With the exception of the EX-L trims, all fourcylinder Accords have a standard six-speed manual
transmission. The four-cylinder EX-L trim is equipped
with the CVT as standard. The CVT is also available
as an option in the other four-cylinder Accords and
replaces the conventional automatic transmission.
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Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
All Accords with the CVT, except for the Sport trim,
have a combined EPA-estimated 31 mpg. The Sport
trim with CVT gets an EPA-estimated 26 city mpg and
35 highway mpg, with a combined estimated 29 mpg.
The Accords with the six-speed manual transmission
get an EPA-estimated 24 city mpg, 34 highway mpg,
and combined 27 mpg.
Unfortunately, the Honda Accord failed to impress
in the braking distance test. The result posted by the
Accord was below the average for a midsize sedan.
Both Accords powered by the four-cylinder and
V6 engine models posted an unimpressive 128-foot
braking distance to come to a complete stop from
a speed of 60 mph.
The V6 Honda Accords are powered by a 3.6-liter
engine that produces 278 horsepower and 252 lbft of torque. The conventional six transmission units
give these Accords an impressive EPA standing at 21
mpg for city, 34 mpg for highway, and a combined
estimate of 26 mpg. A six-speed manual transmission
is available on the V6 coupe, which further reduces the
fuel economy rating to 18 mpg for city, 28 mpg for the
highway, and a combined estimate of 22 mpg.
2015 Accord Safety Features
Although the specifications of the 2015 Accord Hybrid
Plug-In are not out yet, they are widely expected
to match last year’s version. The plug-in hybrid is
equipped with a four-cylinder engine that has an
electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. Its EPA
ratings stand at a combined estimate of 46 mpg with
47 mpg for city and 46 mpg on the highway. This EPA
rating falls within the expected segment standards and
equals some of its competitors.
Road Tests
The performance of the Honda Accord is quite impressive
for a car in its class. Most Accord buyers are expected to
opt for the base four-cylinder engine and CVT.
Performance test results of the Accord were very
impressive. The EX sedan trim equipped with the CVT
achieved a speed of zero to 60 mph in an impressive
time of 7.2 seconds. The V6 was equally impressive
with the EX-L V6 sedan posting a time of 5.6 seconds.
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All 2015 Honda Accord trims come equipped with the
following safety features as standard:
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Side curtain airbags
Stability and traction control
Front seat side airbags
Anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist
Active front head restraints
Rearview camera
Electronic brake distribution
The rearview camera may offer different specifications
across the models but is a standard feature in all of the
2015 vehicles Honda makes. In addition to the features
above, some Accords come fitted with blind spot
monitoring systems and lane departure and forward
collision warning systems.
An impressive feature is the LaneWatch blind spot
system, which is installed on the EX and higher trim
levels. You will quickly become familiar with the
LaneWatch blind spot system, which automatically
switches the 8-inch display system to a confidenceinspiring view when you engage the right turn signal.
This view is captured by a camera that is on the right
side mirror and relays it to the center dash display unit.
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Auto Consumer Guide
2015 Honda Accord Buyer’s Guide
Safety and Crash Tests
The Accord has undergone various tests with mixed
results. With the government crash test, the 2015
Honda Accord was awarded the maximum five stars in
its overall protection. The same test gave the Accord
an impressive four stars for frontal impact safety and
the highest possible rating of five stars for side-impact
safety.
The Accord coupe performed better in all categories,
earning a higher rating of five out of a possible five
stars in frontal impact safety. Information about the
2015 Accord from the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety is not yet available.
Interior Features and Design
The Honda Accord scores highly in the area of interior
design. Much of the material used on the interior is
high quality, and the Accord’s interior has an appealing
look and feel. The cockpit has a graceful design that
exudes more of a luxury car feel instead of a family
car feel.
The dashboard has been split into three parts with
each segment providing a particular functionality.
On the top level of the dashboard sits an 8-inch display
unit that offers a variety of information depending on
the model.
Besides the display unit is the audio and navigation
panel, which varies across the models. Finally, there is
the well-arranged main instrument panel that gives the
driver relevant information but also is easy on the eyes.
Buy the Right Accord for You
Your needs should guide you in determining the type
of Accord to buy. Generally, the Accord is a good
family-sized sedan that offers high performance,
luxury, and good handling. You can buy a new or used
Accord from your local dealer, but if you opt for a
used car, make sure it is a certified pre-owned Honda
Accord.
5200 Lake Worth Road
Greenacres, FL 33463
BramanHondaPB.com
561-459-8924
500 OFF
$
MSRP on Any New
Honda Vehicle
(With This Coupon)
Must present printed coupon at time of
purchase. Cannot be combined with
any other offers. Valid only at Braman Honda.
Offer expires December 31, 2015.
250 OFF
$
Any Pre-Owned
Vehicle
(With This Coupon)
Must present printed coupon at time of
purchase. Cannot be combined with
any other offers. Valid only at Braman Honda.
Offer expires December 31, 2015.