Amassing millions of sales worldwide, the Honda Accord is one of the most recognizable nameplates in the car industry.
Its widely praised for its versatility, comfort and affordability and has won numerous awards from major auto review sites.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Accord’s best and worst years…
Table of Contents
Here’s The Short Answer To What The Best And Worst Years For The Honda Accord Are:
The best Honda Accord model years are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2011, and 2006. The worst model years of the Accord are 2018, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, and 1998. This is based on reviews, NHTSA stats, reported problems, and consumer feedback.
What Are The Best Years For The Honda Accord?
Honda has produced a lot of great Accords in the vehicle’s lifetime, detailed below are the top performers.
2022 & 2021 Honda Accord
The latest Accord models are the best simply because they have the most modern tech and features, the best reviews and are the most refined.
The 2021 and 2022 Accords are essentially the same car, however for 2022 the hybrid powertrain was made available for the Sport trim to replace the previous EX hybrid.
The 2021 Accord received a light styling refresh from the previous year, including a better grille design, optional LED headlamps, new alloy wheels, and a new body color – Sonic Gray Pearl.
In terms of electronics, the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system became standard across the range, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
2022 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 81 / 100
- Car & Driver: 10 / 10
2021 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
- Car & Driver: 10 / 10
2022 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“This review is coming from someone who owned a 2010 Civic for 11 years. So upgrading to the 2022 Accord was quite a jump. What I love: – This car is beautiful inside and out. – Wireless phone charger (dealer told me it can’t be used with a phone case, but that’s not true) – Smooth on the road and accelerates easily – Fuel efficiency… I can go 3-4 weeks without refueling (but I also WFH full-time)…”
2021 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“Just purchased a new 2021 Accord LX after shopping many different vehicles. With standard Apple Carplay, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and dual zone climate control, the features are plenty for me, and are offered at a reasonable price. Cars are all really expensive, so reasonable is a relative term, but I do believe that this was a great value for the money. For me, driving the car is enjoyable…”
2020 Honda Accord
The 2020 Accord is another top pick offering nimble handling, an intuitive infotainment system and oodles of practicality.
This model had no major changes (in preparation for the light refresh for the succeeding 2021 model year).
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
- Car & Driver: 10 / 10
2020 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“I truly enjoy navigation from my phone and 38 mpg over 2100 miles. I have been adjusting to cvt on takeoff and finding sweet spot for cruising interstate. It corners great. Definitely worth upgrade to EX and sometimes would appreciate leather for I am concerned about staining the seats. I hear scotts stain guard would help protect the seats. Looking forward to 1200 mile road trip over Easter break. Happy Hondaring!”
2019 Honda Accord
The 2019 Accord is the second installment of the 10th Generation that was introduced for the 2018 model year. It offers sporty handling, engines that are both powerful and fuel-efficient and lots of modern driver safety tech as standard.
The 2019 model is a much safer choice than the 2018 one which received a considerable number of complaints (hence why it made our worst list).
As a general rule its a good idea to avoid the first year of a new generation as they tend to be more problematic.
The 2019 model was unchanged from the previous year however the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and the hybrid powertrain were the only two powertrains available on the high-spec Touring model.
- Edmunds: 4.0 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 79 / 100
- Car & Driver: 10 / 10
2019 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“This is my first Honda ever and could not be happier! I have always bought domestic cars but did a lot of research before buying this car. Handling acceleration are second to none, rear visibility is a little obstructive but I went with the EX model with the blind spot detection and it really helps. The lane departure and autonomous features are a little over sensitive but it didn’t take long to get used to it. All and all a great car, we’ve had it about 3 months and have put about 6000 miles on and still happy…”
2017 & 2016 Honda Accord
The 9th Generation, 2017 and 2016 Accords are top-rated choices, both of which are known for their long list of standard features, comfortable ride and roomy cabins.
There were various updates and upgrades for the 2016 Accord.
Exterior styling was updated (including standardized LED tail lights for all variants), upgraded suspension, a better interior design, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality) for EX models and above.
In addition, all trims save for the LX model now have a 60/40-split rear seat
The Honda Sensing package was also integrated across all models.
The 2017 Honda Accord remained mostly unchanged and is essentially a carryover year.
2017 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.4 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
- Car & Driver: 9 / 10
2016 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.5 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
- Car & Driver: NA
2017 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“The 2017 Accord doesn’t have the most powerful engine at this trim level, but the slightly gruff, very responsive character of the non-turbocharged 4-cylinder has won me over. The engine loves to rev, feels alive and is your friend for a fast drive, as is the handling which is agile and sure footed as long as you feed the car some power through fast corners — if you lift off or are timid with it, it can feel a bit twitchy and nervous…”
2016 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“I’ll keep this short and highlight what I love and what I don’t. 1. This car is surprisingly quick, yet capable of 34+ mpg on the highway. I’ve even seen 35+ if I keep my speed around 65mph 2. Beautiful car. I will freely admit that previous versions of the Accord look like ‘grandma’ cars. Not this one though. very, very sharp…”
2012 & 2011 Honda Accord
If you’re on a tight budget or you’re not too concerned about having the most modern styling or tech features, than the 2012 and 2011 Accord models are highly recommeded – largely because of their incredible reliability.
The 2011 Accord received the first significant updates for its 8th generation platform which debuted for the 2008 model.
The most notable were fuel economy improvements due to aerodynamic, transmission and engine tweaks.
The exterior design was given a slight facelift including revisions to the grille, front bumper and wheel designs.
On the inside, changes include fresh seat fabrics and a revised climate-control unit.
The only change for the 2012 Accord was the addition of a USB audio interface which came as standard across all trims.
2012 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.1 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
- JD Power: 82 / 100
- Car & Driver: NA
2011 Honda Accord:
- Edmunds: 4.2 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.3 / 5.0
- JD Power: 83 / 100
- Car & Driver: NA
2012 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“Car has great gas mileage and power. However, on the freeway it may not respond quick enough when trying to pass another car. Slight throttle response delay. Typical for cable less throttle bodies. Sometimes at highway speed you may not get lower gear to kick in for a strong punch in acceleration. Mind you the car is an automatic five speed v6. I do love it when the car is in the right gear and accelerates powerfully…”
2011 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“The 2011 Accord Coupe EX-L V6 looks great outside and inside. The exterior looks upscale and sporty like an entry-level luxury car. The handling is tight and sporty. The black leather interior looks sporty and upscale. It’s hot! The Accord coupe exterior looks different than the sedan. I would compare the V6 Accord Coupe more to an Infinity or Acura than a Camry, Fusion or Sonata sedan…”
2006 Honda Accord
The 2006 Accord wouldn’t be our first pick simply due to the cars age, however there’s no denying it deserves a spot on our best list.
This model thanks to its tight build quality, smooth ride, refined drivetrains and top crash test scores not to mention its stellar reliability.
The 2006 Accord was a recipient of both a styling refresh and mechanical upgrade.
Updates include revised fascias and new alloy wheel designs.
Engine adjustments increased horsepower ever so slightly for both the four-cylinder and V6 engine.
For the V6 sedan specifically, the model was made available in a six-speed manual transmission.
Another upgrade for this model is a stiffer suspension system, 17-inch alloy wheels and electronic stability control.
- Edmunds: 4.8 / 5.0
- Kelley Blue Book: 4.7 / 5.0
- JD Power: NA
- Car & Driver: NA
2006 Honda Accord, Edmunds review:
“I have had my 2006 Honda since it was brand new. It has been my favorite car I have ever owned. It holds its retail value like no other. I called it my baby, I always wanted one when I was younger. Well I have the luxury of being able to say my baby saved my life on Tuesday when a 74 year old lady ran a red light and tboned me. My side and curtain air bags went off. My baby, my Honda saved my life, she didn’t fair too well…”
Consumer Scores For Best Honda Accord Years
Below is a table that presents all the consumer ratings of the best Honda Accord model years from reputable vehicle websites:
| Honda Accord Model Year | Edmunds | Kelley Blue Book | JD Power | Car & Driver |
| 2022 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 81 / 100 | 10 / 10 |
| 2021 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 | 10 / 10 |
| 2020 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 | 10 / 10 |
| 2019 | 4.0 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 79 / 100 | 10 / 10 |
| 2017 | 4.4 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 | 9 / 10 |
| 2016 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.5 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 | NA |
| 2012 | 4.1 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 82 / 100 | NA |
| 2011 | 4.2 / 5.0 | 4.3 / 5.0 | 83 / 100 | NA |
| 2006 | 4.8 / 5.0 | 4.7 / 5.0 | NA | NA |
What Are The Worst Years For The Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord is one of the best, if not the best mid-size car around, however some years have been notably more problematic than others.
2018 Honda Accord
The 2018 Accord is the only model on this list that hasn’t received any condemnatory awards from CarComplaints.com, but that’s not to say it didn’t have its fair share of problems.
2018 was the first model of the 10th Generation and with it came a whole host of issues.
The most common of which was that the automatic emergency braking engages for no reason leaving some owners scared to drive the car.
Numerous owners also complained about strange buzzing and rattling sounds coming from the dash.
The 2018 Accord had a total of 267 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,166 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Windshield cracked
- Rattle in dash
- Autobraking system engages for no reason
Related: 9 Most Common Honda Accord Problems (Explained)
2014 Honda Accord
Beware of the Clunker, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
Most of the 2014 Accord’s issues stemmed from problems with the ignition starter which typically failed soon after the 36K mile warranty expired, here’s how one owner described it:
“When trying to start the vehicle, sometimes the starter functions and sometimes it doesn’t. The car key has to be pulled out and inserted again and maybe this will start the car. After researching on line, this seems to be a common problem, but a recall has not been issued for this.”
Another widely reported problem was excessive oil consumption with some owners requiring a replacement engine block.
The 2014 Accord had a total of 372 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,077 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Ignition not working properly
- Engine will not turn over and start
- Uncomfortable seats
2013 Honda Accord
Beware of the Clunker, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
Steering was the main problem, with lots of owners complaining of power steering failure making it impossible to drive.
There were also a large number of complaints about the starter failing prematurely.
The 2013 Accord had a total of 591 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,446 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Starter failure
- Power steering fails while driving
- Engine will not turn over and start
2010 Honda Accord
Beware of the Clunker, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
The most significant flaws with this model were excessive oil consumption and premature brake wear.
This model was also affected by the exploding, shrapnel-shooting Takata airbag recall.
The 2010 Accord had a total of 503 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 741 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Premature brake wear
- Excessive oil consumption
- Uncomfortable seats
- Engine stalls and shuts down while driving
2009 Honda Accord
Beware of the Clunker, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
Like its successor, the 2009 Accord was plagued by premature brake wear and excessive oil consumption (a class action lawsuit was filed).
Owners also reported that the seats, as with the entire 8th generation, were extremely uncomfortable.
The 2009 Accord had a total of 983 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 817 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Premature brake wear
- Brakes squeak
- Uncomfortable seats
- Excessive oil consumption
2008 Honda Accord
Avoid like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
Much like the previously discussed model year, the 2008 Honda Accord suffered a lot from premature brake wear, squeaky brakes, excessive oil consumption and uncomfortable seats.
Here’s one owner’s testimony:
“Not something you expect from Honda. I have replaced rear brakes twice once at 15K and then around 30K and now recent service at 45K the Honda agency tells that rear brakes have worn AGAIN!!!”
The 2008 Accord had a total of 2,479 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,806 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Premature brake wear
- Excessive oil consumption
- Uncomfortable seats
- Grinding noise at startup
2004 Honda Accord
Avoid like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com for this model.
The 2004 Accord suffered from widespread transmission failure, which typically occurred at the 100,000-mile mark and cost owners around $3000 for a replacement.
There were also numerous complaints due to the stereo lights malfunctioning.
The 2004 Accord had a total of 625 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,272 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Transmission failure
- Clear coat/paint peeling
- Stereo backlight failing
- Transmission is slipping
2002 and 2003 Honda Accord
Avoid like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com for this pair of models.
Much like the 2004 model year, the 2002 and 2003 Honda Accord models were notorious for premature transmission failure.
The 2003 Accord had a total of 1,700 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 2,319 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The 2002 Accord had a total of 992 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,225 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Transmission failure
- Stereo backlights blew
- Not shifting properly
- Transmission slips out of gear
- Hesitates and shifts hard
2000 and 2001 Honda Accord
Avoid like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com for this pair of models.
The 2000 and 2001 Accord suffered from premature transmission failure, airbag issues and subframe rust.
The airbags were recalled due to a faulty sensor but the subframe rust typically cost owners $2000 to fix and $3000 for a new transmission.
The 2001 Accord had a total of 594 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,143 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The 2000 Accord had a total of 480 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,486 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Transmission failure
- Transmission slipping
- Shifting roughly
- Clear coat is peeling
1998 and 1999 Honda Accord
Avoid like the plague, according to CarComplaints.com for this pair of models.
There were several electronics-related issues for this pair of models.
The biggest and most frequent issue was the failure of the ignition switch, which was subsequently recalled.
These models were also notorious for transmission failure, subframe rust (due to the poorly positioned A/C drain hose) and peeling paint (especially for the green and blue colors).
The 1999 Accord had a total of 362 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,328 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
The 1998 Accord had a total of 438 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 1,420 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.
Common problems:
- Transmission slipping
- Clear coat is peeling
- Transmission failure
- Slips when shifting between gears
Related: Honda Accord Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs (Complete Guide)
What Years Have The Most Complaints?
| Model Year | Complaints (CarComplaints.com) | Problems (CarProblemZoo.com) |
| 2022 Honda Accord | NA | 32 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 0 | 71 |
| 2020 Honda Accord | 11 | 190 |
| 2019 Honda Accord | 43 | 394 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 267 | 1,166 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 117 | 431 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 270 | 485 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 179 | 648 |
| 2014 Honda Accord | 372 | 1,077 |
| 2013 Honda Accord | 591 | 1,446 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 239 | 446 |
| 2011 Honda Accord | 205 | 338 |
| 2010 Honda Accord | 503 | 741 |
| 2009 Honda Accord | 983 | 817 |
| 2008 Honda Accord | 2,479 | 1,806 |
| 2007 Honda Accord | 306 | 632 |
| 2006 Honda Accord | 198 | 500 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 311 | 823 |
| 2004 Honda Accord | 625 | 1,272 |
| 2003 Honda Accord | 1,700 | 2,319 |
| 2002 Honda Accord | 992 | 1,225 |
| 2001 Honda Accord | 594 | 1,143 |
| 2000 Honda Accord | 480 | 1,466 |
| 1999 Honda Accord | 362 | 1,328 |
| 1998 Honda Accord | 438 | 1,420 |
| 1997 Honda Accord | 67 | 539 |
| 1996 Honda Accord | 49 | 573 |
What Problems Do Honda Accords Have?
- Transmission failure
- Transmission slipping and jerking
- Premature brake wear
- Excessive oil consumption
- Grinding noise at startup
- Not shifting properly
- Car hesitates
What Are The Best Alternatives To The Honda Accord?
The Honda Accord is considered one of the best midsize cars in the market.
It secured the 1st spot (edging out the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry), with a great score of 8.9 out of 10.
| Make & Model | Score | MSRP | Fuel Economy (MPG) |
| Honda Accord | 8.9 | $26,120 – $38,050 | City: 22 – 30 /Highway: 32 – 38 |
| Hyundai Sonata | 8.2 | $24,500 – $34,750 | City: 23 – 28 /Highway: 33 – 38 |
| Kia K5 | 8.2 | $25,090 – $31,490 | City: 24 – 27 /Highway: 32 – 37 |
| Toyota Camry | 8.0 | $25,945 – $36,370 | City: 22 – 28 /Highway: 31 – 39 |
| Nissan Altima | 7.9 | $24,750 – $34,450 | City: 25 – 28 /Highway: 34 – 39 |
| Subaru Legacy | 7.8 | $24,395 – $37,695 | City: 23 – 27 /Highway: 31 – 35 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | 7.4 | $23,400 – $33,500 | City: 22 – 29 /Highway: 33 – 36 |
| Volkswagen Passat | NA | $27,575 – $30,575 | City: 24 /Highway: 36 |
Source: cars.usnews.com
Related: 11 Best & Worst Honda Accord Hybrid Years (Facts & Stats)
References
https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/accord-2022
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/honda/accord
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/
https://www.carproblemzoo.com/honda/accord/
https://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/
https://www.kbb.com/honda/accord/
https://www.jdpower.com/cars/2021/honda/accord
