Despite the (in)famous 2012 Civic episode, there seems to be no bad feelings between Honda and Consumer Reports (CR). The publication may have dropped the 2012 Civic from its recommended list pressuring for a quick redesign, but Honda can relax as far as its U.S. market best-seller is concerned.
In fact, it may even smile as CR has put the 2013 Accord at the top of its class in four-cylinder guise while it notes that the V6 version is “challenging the Toyota Camry for the top spot” in its ratings.
“Honda missed the mark with other redesigned models in recent years, but it nailed this one”, commented CR Auto Test Center director Jake Fisher.
In particular, the new Accord was praised for its fuel efficiency. The new, direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder eked out “an excellent” 30 mpg overall, rising to 40 mpg on the highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 variant managed 26 mpg on average, despite posting a zesty 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of 6.3 seconds.
The mid-size Honda saloon also earned top marks for its visibility, driving position and interior space but, on the downside, its LaneWatch system that’s available on plusher versions was found to be “gimmicky and distracting”.
You can watch a video of CR auto engineer Tom Mutchler test driving the new Accord right after the break.
By Andrew Tsaousis
