Used 2013 Honda Accord Consumer Reviews
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A rough riding, stuttering, vibrating mess
Chris, 08/28/2016
2013 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
While I wasn't originally planning to buy an Accord, many of my other top choices were in limited supply or unavailable, so after reading countless glowing reviews from Consumer Reports, Edmunds, KBB, and others, raving how this was the "best Accord ever," and the best family sedan in the segment, I decided to go ahead with it. I'd wanted a V6 model, but those were nowhere to be found near me either, so I took a chance on a clean, low-mileage, certified, fully loaded EX-L with "the best CVT in the business" per the reviews. I took it for a test drive on the local roads and everything seemed alright. Good news first: On paper, there are some great features which is why I had selected it over a Camry. Pre-collision warning (which I ultimately had to turn off as it sends false alarms at least 3 times per day), side-view camera, and great MPG (which I didn't really care about, but I'll take it). Interior materials are hit-or-miss, but I knew that going in. But any benefits are far outweighed by three glaring flaws: Vibration: Buyer's remorse set in quickly over the next few days as I made the first few commutes to and from work. I found at some stop lights that the car would start vibrating, like very loud air conditioner or radiator fan engaging - a deep, resonating vibration through the pedal, steering wheel, and seat that you could feel and hear. If I had a drink in the cupholder, I could hear the ice jiggling until I started moving, or put it in neutral. It seemed to vary by day - some days it didn't do it at all, but when it did, it did it at every stop. So of course when I brought it back to the dealer, they couldn't find anything. Awful CVT: I also noticed in slow-moving, stop-and-go traffic that I had trouble modulating the speed - the car seemed to stutter and wobble like it couldn't decide what to do. Press the gas, and it would hesitate, then pop forward. Moving along at 20 MPH or so, then letting off the gas, the car would coast for a few seconds, then suddenly pull back to a stop, wobbling back and forth as it slowed. Pulling away from a stoplight, it often felt like it was stuck in a high gear, struggling to move, then it would slip down into a lower gear and slingshot forward. Very inconsistent. At first I thought I just had to get used to the new car, but I never could. There's a TSB out for it, but I never got to find out if it works, as the dealer refused to perform it because their service people said it doesn't apply to my car (wrong - the VIN matches) and that "my car doesn't even have a CVT" (I gave up at that point since I could tell this was going nowhere). I'm sure I could get them to do it if I pressed harder, but I won't be owning the car long enough to find out. Ride: I guess the roads during my test drive were smoother than I thought, because over fresh asphalt, the car's quiet as a mouse and smooth as silk. But it's a night and day difference anywhere else. The Accord pops and jiggles over small imperfections and expansion joints, and clunks over over big potholes, sending a crashing sensation rattling through the cabin. Somehow, Honda managed to eliminate tire roar, while also eliminating soundproofing everywhere else. I'm not even sure how something with 4 inches of rubber on the wheels can possibly ride like this - I know the Accord is known for a bit firmer ride, but I've been in many Accords before (friends, co-workers) and they never felt or sounded like this. And yes, I checked the tire pressure. It seems in their quest for lighter weight and better fuel efficiency, Honda completely did away with any standards for NVH. After 6 months and barely 7,000 miles, I'm taking the hit and trading the car for another brand because it's borderline painful to drive. My first and last Honda - if this is truly the "best Accord ever," I'd really hate to have experienced the prior generations.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
AWFUL Info-system
hnda_suks, 03/01/2013
2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
Could not be more disappointed in Honda! Quality control poor. The most annoying part with my brand new car is the Audio module that intermittently (but most of the time) malfunctions. Every time I switch from another module (Info, Navi, or Phone) to the Audio while driving, the frigging system thinks I just started the car, a black screen appears then HondaLink Logo and then a warning message about safe operation of the vehicle - the same sequence that appears when you first start the car. All this paralyzes the system for 10-15 seconds, and only after that, finally, the Audio features reappear, with radio stations or XM. Worse, the sound loses stereo!!! and only the right side plays.
Pleasant surprise!
dnoveau, 12/18/2012
2013 Honda Accord Sport 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
Admittedly, two weeks in the new Accord really doesn't give enough data support my positive reactions to this car. Coming out of a 2010 Honda Insight, almost any bigger car would seem vastly better. I tested: Caddy A class, Nissan Sentra and Altima, '13 Civic, Volt, Fiat Abarth, several Fords, Audi 3, BMW X1, and others. The base BMW was pretty nice, and the only real competition in my tastes, but a lot more $. The Accord Sport has a great combination of features without being overly "loaded" and the price is great. Several cars ago, my wife had a 2007 BMW 530. The Accord compares favorably in size and convenience, if not in high speed (+90) stability, for about one third the price.
Excessive wind noise.
disappointed90, 04/04/2013
2013 Honda Accord EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
47 of 68 people found this review helpful
I've never posted an online review but often refer to them. In fact I wouldn't have purchased a new Accord if not for the positive reviews from professionals and consumers alike. I am so disappointed in my 2013 Honda Accord EX Sedan I felt I must say something so others may benefit or at least be prepared. Before purchasing please do a web search for "2013 Accord wind noise". You'll find talk of TSB 13-010 and feedback from many people with complaints of excessive wind noise starting at 60 mph and especially 75 and above. For me it's an absolutely miserable driving experience. My dealer has been great but I've had it in 3 times in my first 5 weeks of ownership.
Great Job Honda
gman524, 12/02/2012
2013 Honda Accord Sport 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 21 people found this review helpful
This is my first Honda I have ever owned and I am sorry at 42 years old that I wanted this long. This car is absolutely amazing, I have a 2013 Honda Sport and the technology, ride and comfort blow the 2010 Mercedes E350 I had away. THATS CORRECT YOU HEARD ME RIGHT, it makes getting rid of my E350 very easy transition. For 1/3 the price I truly recommend you to test drive both and look at the features and you will not be disappointed and will have a lot more money in your pocket. OK it doesn't have the pick up or horse power that my Mercedes had but everything else is better, ride comfort, controls, technology and gas mileage is amazing. I don't hear any road noise and its comfy.