2015 Honda Accord Coupe

Like most approaching middle age, the entire Accord lineup, not just the coupe, have grown larger. Is it still a viable ride or one whose cool factor has dropped precipitously?

What is it?
Since we're car guys, we're interested in something a little more out-of-the-ordinary. That's tough to do with a hot-seller like an Accord, so we decided to take a peak at the shapely coupe instead of the bulgy mainstream sedan.

A four-seater coupe based on the four-door sedan older brother, which itself, is now entering its eighth generation and nearly 35th year, the Accord Coupe is definitely the looker of the pack. Packing four-cylinder power underhood it is one of the few non-sporty coupes that offers a manual transmission, but most will opt for the automatic.

What's it up against?
With a base price for the loss-leader LX model, in the mid-$22,000 range, there is lots of competition. The Accord is vaguely sporty, but not like a Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang or Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so we think most buyers will check out the Nissan Altima Coupe. 

Any breakthroughs?
This generation marks the first time Honda has added four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and brake assist on all trim levels. Also, the Accord Coupe's Shift Hold Control manages to hold the gears longer for a smoother, more responsive line.

It's worth noting that the Accord gets a minor nip and tuck for the 2011 model year. Fuel economy is up just a touch thanks to some modest transmission revisions. As soon as they're available, we'll be sure to test one for comparison. 

How does it look?
The Accord Coupe appears to have many design influences ranging from the late 1980's-era Honda Prelude to even some current Mustang design cues. But it improves on prior Honda style with such features as the upswept rear windows, and the typical long nose, short tail GT styling that is prevalent in various sporty cars today.

It is stylized, without getting too wild. Honda customers like it that way. 

It does get a bit daring from a rear view, that makes it appear as though it is sporting ground effects around from the doors around to the back of the vehicle. Fender flares and a rear valance will do that to you. 

And on the inside?
That Honda builds a good interior is not lost on us with this Accord. The Coupe's interior is one of the better assembled out there, featuring good quality fit and finish, up to date features and nicely bolstered front seats that feel like they belong in a car twice this Accord's price. Rear seat legroom is adequate for around-town-touring. Long distance drives might be worthy of further consideration for more than two.

That's not to say the Accord Coupe is without flaws. 

There seems to be a current preoccupation with loading up the control panels, center stack and steering wheel with loads of small buttons to operate all the controls with. In the case of the Honda, many are differentiated by feel, but your eyes still leave the road to make sure you have the correct button under finger. BMW's iDrive is a bad solution. But so is this remote control-style. Balance - it can be found. 

But does it go?
The Accord EX-L Coupe and its four-door counterpart are equipped with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that makes 190 horsepower and 162 lb-ft. of torque. By itself, that's quite a feat considering the 3.0-liter V6 that used to power the Accord not too terribly long ago produced 200 horses. And that seemed like a lot back then. 

One of the better Honda engines we have tested, it is mated on the EX-L to a five-speed automatic transmission with the aforementioned Shift Hold Control which managed to hold the gears for a longer period of time by sensing when we lifted and applied braking. The system works quite well, but we still missed the standard-equipment five-speed manual. 

Using iVTEC, which is Hond's designation for variable valve timing, the lobes of the camshafts move allowing for a change in the valve opening timing. Step on the gas and the four-banger starts with a subtle sound of vitality. 

That is until you put your foot in it. 

Wind it up and the power eventually comes, but not without an audible protest. With most of this engine's torque residing in the top end of the powerband, you will most likely be in the second place column for those stoplight drag races that we all encounter on a daily basis. It doesn't seem as eager to please as the similarly sized direct-injection 2.4-liter four-banger found in the Hyundai Sonata.

The suspension, set up by a double wishbone kit in front and multi-link rear design, holds true around turns and actually instills confidence in the driver. The engine is now mounted lower under the standard-for-EX strut tower brace than in previous models, and along with a lowered fuel tank allow for more responsive turn-ins. Variable gear ratio steering is of the power and mechanically-assisted variety and it provided reasonable feel at most speeds, while feeling a little overboosted in parking lots.

Fuel economy? Well, it's up for '11, but our 2010 tester was rated at 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Those are hardly impressive numbers for a four-banger, but they're not far off of what we saw. For what it's worth, the '11 is rated at 23 mpg around town and 34 mpg on the highway. That's more like it. 

Why you would buy it:
You've had Honda automobiles for most of your driving life. You use it to go from house to work to store to house. Every day. You like it. You like its ability to hold value. " Nough said?

Why you wouldn't:
You like your grits with Tabasco sauce.

Leftlane's bottom line:
Though the Accord Coupe's base price starts in the mid-to-low 20s, stepping up to the EX-L with navigation jacks the price to nearly $30,000. At that point you'll find some entry-level versions of very competent near-luxury players. 

Driving the Accord Coupe is an experience that has us all over the road. Well-built, but using bland ingredients, it is the automotive equivalent of grits. It is probably the best serving of grits you'll ever have, but frankly despite its good looks, it needs a bit of spice.

2010 Honda Accord EX-L Navi Coupe base price, $28,880. As tested, $29,590.
Destination, $710. 

Read more: http://www.leftlanenews.com/new-car-buying/honda/accord-coupe/review/#ixzz3GuZwdiYz