The GREAT Debate: Did Honda BLOW It With The 2018 Accord OR Is This The SMARTEST Thing Its Done?

The GREAT Debate: Did Honda BLOW It With The 2018 Accord OR Is This The SMARTEST Thing Its Done?
If you were to name some of the top-selling sedans on the market today, you'd have to be silly to forget the Honda Accord. And not only is it a top seller, it also is a brilliant car.

Is it the best thing I've driven? No. But I'll tell you what, when compared to what else is in its class it is a very, very nice ride. Hell, I even named the Accord one of my Top 007 picks for 2015.

2018 Honda Accord

But there's a problem lurking in the industry: People are moving away from sedans and getting into sport-utility vehicles. One could argue its for the utility, others could argue it's for the higher seating position and you could say it's due to space.

Really it's all three plus the fact gas is cheap these days.

So rather than build another standard sedan, it seems Honda wanted to push the boundaries. That's why we've been shipped the 2018 Honda Accord that appears to have a hatch. Considering how successful the Civic has been, it seems like the company is simply following that playbook. Whether or not it will work is another matter as the demographic is a bit different.

Having said that, I've got to ask: Did Honda BLOW it with the 2018 Accord or is this the SMARTEST move the company's design department could have made?


2018 Honda Accord




















































bnilhomebnilhome - 7/21/2017 8:06:00 AM
+7 Boost
While I don't think the new Accord or any new Sedan will halt the move toward SUVs and CUVs, I do think the Accord delivered a blow to its competition with this new design (both interior and exterior). This is by far the nicest interior I have seen ever on a Honda, and the exterior looks sporty and premium. It may actually hurt Genesis the most who is trying to become a premium brand and only has sedans in its lineup currently.


Vette71Vette71 - 7/21/2017 8:45:14 AM
+8 Boost
The trend in all of the new sedans is toward a more fastback design, likely due to a more aerodynamic shape. At that point why not make it a hatchback? Without that the trunk opening gets so small it is almost useless.

I've never been a Honda fan and wouldn't enjoy owning one, but the new Accord is one of the best looking they have done. I and could see it doing some damage to the competition. It makes the VW Passat downright dowdy looking.


dumpstydumpsty - 7/21/2017 2:57:49 PM
+2 Boost
Why didn't Honda make it a hatchback? I see the fastback roof & extended proportions & immediately assume the rear has a hatchback. The standard trunk is a serious design disappointment.

Nice interior...a la C-class/Mazda. Kinda glad they dropped the multiple touch screens - which doesn't work for Acura too.

It looks like there should be an AWD option too. But I doubt it.


carsnyccarsnyc - 7/21/2017 9:11:25 AM
+2 Boost
Sadly so, we are going to see fewer and fewer "pure" sedans as the masses keep demanding more SUVs, crossovers and hatchbacks hoping to get more space, easier leave/entry, and a higher driving position. The latter giving them a fake sense of additional safety and self-steam. Honda is not about to loose its sales spot with the Accord and despite the car's might in the charts, the company is willing to compromise.


MDarringerMDarringer - 7/21/2017 9:39:25 AM
-4 Boost
It will sell because it's an Accord. It doesn't have to look good. Is the Accord a game changer in the segment? Nope! It has literally zero innovation. Throw the money on the hood and watch them drive off the lot.


TomMTomM - 7/21/2017 11:51:48 AM
+4 Boost
I agree that it will sell for just being an Accord as well

However - while we can look at the pictures - the question is whether it takes back the "handling" title the Accord held for years. WHile the Mazda 6 may have that title now - the interior packaging for the Mazda simply does not compete with Accord.


carsnyccarsnyc - 7/21/2017 12:41:31 PM
+1 Boost
@ Tom: I actually think that if the new interior looks good is because it got closer to a Mazda 6.


cidflekkencidflekken - 7/21/2017 1:35:51 PM
0 Boost
This segment is driven by reliability, roominess, and, probably more importantly, value or perceived value. Never has styling come into play, otherwise the 2009 YF Sonata would have run away with the sales crown by a significant margin and today's Fusion would be looking back at the Accord, Camry, and Altima.




MDarringerMDarringer - 7/21/2017 2:25:54 PM
-3 Boost
The 2009 Sonata was VERY influential stylistically along with its cousin the Kia Optima.


dumpstydumpsty - 7/21/2017 3:02:50 PM
+1 Boost
I still like the older 2011-2014 Sonata exterior better than the current model. I think they could have done more with that general design to keep it as a "stand-out" in the sea of the same exterior shapes out there now.


malba2367malba2367 - 7/21/2017 11:35:21 PM
+4 Boost
The Accord has never been the best looking, best handling, quickest or most luxurious vehicle in the class, but Honda always finds a way to strike the best competition of these attributes in a very price competitive class. That is the reason it is at or close to the top of sales in its segment each year.


malba2367malba2367 - 7/21/2017 11:36:37 PM
+3 Boost
the best combination, not competition. Stupid autocorrect....


skytopskytop - 7/24/2017 10:26:36 AM
0 Boost
The very low angled rear window is a major PAIN to keep clean. Also, in the rain, it becomes almost unusable. There is no wiper option.
Lastly, Honda uses a low quality glass for their windshields. Looking through the rear window shows a very grey cast with a lot of distortion. With varying outside lighting conditions, it becomes very difficult to look through the glass accurately.


cidflekkencidflekken - 7/24/2017 12:58:29 PM
+1 Boost
I have a very low-profile rear window with no wiper and it rarely gets and stays dirty. Aerodynamics helps considerably.


CANADIANCOMMENTSCANADIANCOMMENTS - 7/25/2017 6:27:36 PM
+1 Boost
I think it is an extension of the whole a sedan is a coupe is a sports car design ethos that the Mercedes CLS started 10+ years ago. The current style champ is the Audi S7 for sheer swept back 4 door coolness. I think Honda is following this trend and trying to give a little automotive style to Mom and Dad. With 6 trim levels I am sure everyone will find the Accord that fits their budget.



MDarringerMDarringer - 7/25/2017 7:12:35 PM
0 Boost
The Accord is either the bastardization of the "a sedan is a coupe is a sports car design ethos" or it is its death knell.
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