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Best Honda Accord Years to Buy Used

Used Honda Accord Quick Facts

  • Honda Accord models from 2008 to 2012 are among the best to buy used. Their pricing on the used market is affordable.
  • The Honda Accord tends to hold its value better than most other cars.
  • Beginning in 2018, the Accord’s only powertrains were turbocharged 4-cylinder engines.
  • Most recently, hybrids have become the range-topping models.

Honda’s reputation for quality, comfort, and reliability is largely due to the success of the Accord. The long-running model has been part of the automaker’s lineup since 1976, and has earned numerous awards and best-buy recommendations over the years. For example, our sister company, Kelley Blue Book, named it a Best Buy and the Best Midsize Car for 2024 and 2025. By the way, this was far from the first time the Accord won either award.

Let’s take a closer look at the most popular recent Accord generations. Note that the tables below contain specifications for the first year of each Accord generation.

Which Honda Accord Generation Should You Buy?

Every Accord generation improved on the version before it, but the 10th and 11th generation cars offer the most bang for your buck. They have many of the latest technologies and safety features, and the car’s styling is more modern in the newest model years.

11th Generation (2023-Present)

2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

Trim Level                 Engine                                     Horsepower     Torque (lb-ft)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LX (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
EX (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
Sport Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 204 hp 247 lb-ft (combined)
EX-L Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 204 hp 247 lb-ft (combined)
Sport-L Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 204 hp 247 lb-ft (combined)
Touring Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 204 hp 247 lb-ft (combined)
  • 2024: No major changes
  • 2025: SE replaced EX trim

See used 2023-2025 Honda Accord models for sale near you

10th Generation (2018-2022)

2022 Honda Accord Hybrid in red.
Trim Level                 Engine                                     Horsepower     Torque (lb-ft)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LX (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
Sport (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
EX (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
EX-L (Sedan) 1.5L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (L15B7) 192 hp 192 lb-ft
Sport 2.0T (Sedan) 2.0L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (K20C4) 252 hp 273 lb-ft
EX-L 2.0T (Sedan) 2.0L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (K20C4) 252 hp 273 lb-ft
Touring 2.0T (Sedan) 2.0L I4 Turbo DOHC VTEC (K20C4) 252 hp 273 lb-ft
Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 212 hp 232 lb-ft (combined)
Touring Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 212 hp 232 lb-ft (combined)

  • 2019: Touring trim only comes with the 2.0L turbo
  • 2020: No major changes
  • 2021: 8-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard
  • 2022: No significant changes

See 2018 to 2022 Honda Accords for sale in your area.

Ninth Generation (2013-2017)

2017 Honda Accord parked on
Trim Level                 Engine                                     Horsepower     Torque (lb-ft)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LX (Sedan) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (Earth Dreams) 185 hp 181 lb-ft
Sport (Sedan) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (Earth Dreams) 189 hp 182 lb-ft
EX (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (Earth Dreams) 185 hp 181 lb-ft
EX-L (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (Earth Dreams) 185 hp 181 lb-ft
EX-L V6 (Sedan/Coupe) 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC (J35Y1/J35Y2) 278 hp 252–251 lb-ft
Touring (Sedan) 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC (J35Y1) 278 hp 252 lb-ft
Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (Hybrid) 196 hp 226 lb-ft (combined)
Plug-In Hybrid (Sedan) 2.0L I4 + Electric Motor (PHEV) 195 hp 226 lb-ft (combined)

  • 2014: Regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions were introduced
  • 2015: A few trim-level-specific enhancements dotted the Accord lineup
  • 2016: Hybrid disappeared, suspension upgrades, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto standard on upper trims, and Honda Sensing available
  • 2017: Hybrid returns, Honda Sensing standard, and a new Sport Special Edition sedan arrives

See 2013 to 2017 Honda Accords for sale in your area.

Eighth Generation (2008-2012)

2008 Honda Accord on the road.
Trim Level               Engine                                  Horsepower     Torque (lb-ft)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LX (Sedan) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24Z2) 177 hp 161 lb-ft
LX-P (Sedan) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24Z2) 177 hp 161 lb-ft
EX (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24Z3) 190 hp 162 lb-ft
EX-L (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24Z3) 190 hp 162 lb-ft
EX V6 (Sedan/Coupe) 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC (J35Z2/J35Z3) 268 hp 248–251 lb-ft
EX-L V6 (Sedan/Coupe) 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC (J35Z2/J35Z3) 268 hp 248–251 lb-ft
Touring (Sedan) 3.5L V6 SOHC i-VTEC (J35Z2) 271 hp 254 lb-ft

  • 2009: Slight boost in V6 power
  • 2010: Standard Bluetooth for leather models
  • 2011: Styling enhancements, new SE trim, mpg increase, and rearview camera included with navigation option
  • 2012: USB audio interface standard in sedan

See 2008 to 2012 Honda Accords for sale in your area.

Seventh Generation (2003-2007)

2004 Honda Accord in red.
Trim Level           Engine                             Horsepower   Torque (lb-ft)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DX (Sedan) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24A4) 160 hp 161 lb-ft
LX (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24A4) 160 hp 161 lb-ft
EX (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24A4) 160 hp 161 lb-ft
EX-L (Sedan/Coupe) 2.4L I4 DOHC i-VTEC (K24A4) 160 hp 161 lb-ft
LX V6 (Sedan/Coupe) 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A4) 240 hp 212 lb-ft
EX V6 (Sedan/Coupe) 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A4) 240 hp 212 lb-ft
EX-L V6 (Sedan/Coupe)3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A4) 240 hp 212 lb-ft

2004: Dual-zone automatic climate control standard with navigation option and side-curtain airbags more available

  • 2005: Hybrid launched, and front side airbags and side curtain airbags became standard on all trims
  • 2006: Freshened styling and a new 6-speed manual transmission for V6 models
  • 2007: Antilock brakes standard on all trims and stability control is standard for V6 and Hybrid models

See 2003 to 2007 Honda Accords for sale in your area.

Sixth Generation (1998-2002)

1998 Honda Accord parked outside.
Trim Level        Engine                          Horsepower   Torque (lb-ft)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DX (Sedan) 2.3L I4 SOHC (F23A1) 135 hp 145 lb-ft
LX (Sedan) 2.3L I4 SOHC (F23A1) 150 hp 152 lb-ft
EX (Sedan) 2.3L I4 VTEC (F23A4) 150 hp 152 lb-ft
EX V6 (Sedan) 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A1) 200 hp 195 lb-ft
LX V6 (Sedan) 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A1) 200 hp 195 lb-ft
EX (Coupe) 2.3L I4 VTEC (F23A4) 150 hp 152 lb-ft
EX V6 (Coupe) 3.0L V6 SOHC VTEC (J30A1) 200 hp 195 lb-ft

 

  • 1999: Standard anti-theft system
  • 2000: A few model-specific safety improvements
  • 2001: Several trim-specific enhancements
  • 2002: SE trim and LATCH child-seat system introduced 

See used 1998-2002 Honda Accord models for sale near you

Is the Honda Accord a Good Car?

Without a doubt, yes. The Honda Accord is comfortable, spacious, and it offers surprisingly strong performance. While it holds its value better than most, it’s possible to find a good deal on a solid used Accord, and the most recent used models come with generous standard features. 

Is the Honda Accord Reliable?

Yes, the Honda Accord is considered reliable because resale value is a strong measure of reliability, and historically, this vehicle has been a value-retention champ. Both the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are among the strongest value-retainers in the midsize segment, and the Accord currently holds KBB’s Best Resale Value Award for midsize cars. Of course, that’s not particularly good news for consumers shopping for used Accord or Camry models because it means higher prices. However, it is a testament to reliability.

Our Take: Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?

Generally, the answer is yes, you should consider buying a used Honda Accord. It is widely regarded as a safe, smart buy. Moreover, a used Accord makes a terrific starter car for your teen driver. However, as with any used vehicle, you should take precautions to ensure the specific used Accord you are considering is in good working condition. You can do that by insisting on a vehicle history report from services like AutoCheck. If the seller doesn’t provide it, order it yourself. You will need the VIN to complete the order. Furthermore, you should have a qualified technician perform a pre-purchase inspection. You can also check the used car’s Kelley Blue Book value on our sister site, kbb.com.

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Russ Heaps contributed to the report.

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5 COMMENTS

    • Nobody said it’s a car only for college students, “Jebus.” I assume you were speaking about yourself in your second sentence.

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