Used Honda Accord Quick Facts
- Honda Accord models from the years 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. It’s a dependable performer since its U.S. launch in 1976.
- Beginning in 2018, Accord’s only powertrains were turbocharged 4-cylinder engines.
- Because historically, the Accord ranked among the best-selling cars in the U.S., you’ll typically find an ample supply of used models for sale.
From the moment Honda launched the Accord in the United States in 1976, it began building its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The Accord nameplate reflects Honda’s core mandate for this car to create an accord between technology and society. Its success in achieving that goal is evidenced by the Honda Accord’s impressive sales numbers and amassed accolades over the years. For example, our sister company, Kelley Blue Book, named it a Best Buy and the Best Midsize Car for 2024. By the way, 2024 was far from the first time the Accord won either award.
Although its beginnings were humble, as little more than a larger version of the Civic, the Accord set a pace to become a top-tier midsize sedan, battling it out for sales supremacy in its class with its key rival, the Toyota Camry, year after year. Let’s take a look at the Honda Accord’s best years to buy used and its history by generation.
- Best Honda Accord Model Years
- Which Generation Should You Buy?
- Is the Honda Accord a Good Car?
- Is the Honda Accord Reliable?
- Honda Accord Model Years to Avoid
- Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?
Best Honda Accord Model Years
We are big fans of the eighth-generation (2008-2012) models. Moreover, their pricing on the used market is affordable. Otherwise, with only a few exceptions already mentioned, the Accord has been a dependable performer since its U.S. launch in 1976.
See used Honda Accord models for sale near you
Which Generation Should You Buy?
Each Accord generation was, if not a leap, at least a step forward in size, design, and technology. Because consumer interest in the earlier Accord cars is restricted primarily to classic collectors and project-car backyard mechanics, we’ve lumped together the first five generations. Generation six to the current eleventh generation receive a more detailed accounting for used car buyers, whether from a private seller or dealer.
11th Generation (2023-Present)
Honda unleashed another totally redesigned Accord in 2023. Although there wasn’t a separate Honda Accord hybrid model for 2023, car buyers will find the top four trim levels come standard with a hybrid powertrain. The two lower trims use the 192-hp 4-cylinder turbo carried over from 2022. Its head-turning exterior styling is matched by an upscale cabin brimming with technology. Also standard is an impressive array of advanced safety tech, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. For 2024, you won’t find any model with all-wheel drive (AWD). However, the four higher-level Accord trims all use a hybrid drivetrain.
See used 2023-2025 Honda Accord models for sale near you
10th Generation (2018-2022)
Gone were the V6 engine and the Coupe configuration for 2018. Replacing the V6 were two turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. The entry-level turbo churned out 192 horsepower, while the turbo upgrade made 252 horsepower. Honda carried over the 50-mpg hybrid powertrain from 2017. If you wanted a 6-speed manual, opting for the Sport trim was the way to go. Otherwise, Honda married the smaller turbo with a CVT and the higher-performance turbo with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The base price of the entry-level 2018 Accord LX Sedan was $24,445. Because of the current used car market, you may pay as much for a used Accord of this vintage as when it sold new. Mileage doesn’t seem to mean much for used examples of this Accord generation. Models with average to low mileage are listed for $24,000-$28,000. Only those versions with extremely high mileage are priced below $24,000.
See 2018 to 2022 Honda Accords for sale in your area.
Ninth Generation (2013-2017)
Honda trimmed back the Accord’s size in its 2013 redesign, dropping it back to the midsize class. Struts replaced the front wishbone suspension, which added a greater degree of comfort. A new 4-cylinder engine delivered 185 hp, while Honda coaxed another 10 hp out of the carry-over V6. You could mate the 4-cylinder with a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A 6-speed automatic hustled the V6’s torque to the wheels. Honda brought back the hybrid, along with a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) version, in 2014; it was another 2-season experiment. There was no hybrid in 2016; however, in 2017, it made another comeback, this time with a stronger 4-cylinder engine. It still wasn’t as satisfying to drive as the V6 hybrid, but the fuel economy was much better. As of this writing, you can find Accord cars from this generation with average miles for $13,000-$17,000. Low-mileage models are listed between $15,000 and $25,000.
See 2013 to 2017 Honda Accords for sale in your area.
Eighth Generation (2008-2012)
By 2008, the Accord had nothing to prove. Impressive sales, high resale values, and an adoring owner base firmly secured the Accord in the top tier of cars. Honda laid the hybrid to rest, but the traditional Accord came out swinging. The base engine delivered 177 hp, with the V6 upgrade generating 268 hp. Honda stretched the size (four inches in length), tweaked the styling, and enhanced the driving dynamics. The 2008 Accord provided stability control (dubbed Vehicle Stability Assist) across its lineup. A minor facelift in 2011 freshened the looks a bit. However, rivals, like the Hyundai Sonata, began mounting competitive pressure. With average miles and in average shape, a Honda Accord in this generation will run from $6,500 to $8,000, as of this writing. Low-mileage models can cost between $9,000 and $14,000.
See 2018 to 2012 Honda Accords for sale in your area.
Seventh Generation (2003-2007)
A significant power boost came in 2003 by way of a new 160-hp 4-cylinder engine and a 240-hp V6. Managing engine output fell to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual was available in the Coupe. By 2005, dual front and side-impact airbags were standard. That same year, Honda launched a hybrid Accord with a V6 engine, which was basically a 2-year experiment. Honda sold roughly 1.9 million seventh-generation Accord cars. If shopping for a model in this generation, those in decent shape with average miles as of this writing will run between $4,000 and $6,000. Low-mileage models are $7,000-$9,000.
See 2003 to 2007 Honda Accords for sale in your area.
Sixth Generation (1998-2002)
The sixth-generation Accord was a watershed for the midsize car in many ways.. Honda eliminated the wagon in favor of its new CR-V crossover. The Accord became bigger, with new, more grown-up styling. Because the Coupe’s exterior styling was penned in the U.S., it and the Sedan were very different visually. Riding on a totally new chassis, the Accord’s propulsion was from two new power trains: a 135-hp 4-cylinder and a 200-hp V6. The 1998 Honda Accord on our sister site Kelley Blue Book shows that pricing began at $16,295 for the DX Sedan. As of this writing, you can find sixth-generation cars with average mileage for $3,000-$4,000 and low mileage for $5,000-6,000.
See used 1998-2002 Honda Accord models for sale near you
The Honda Accord’s Early Years: Generations 1-5 (1976-1997)
1976-1981
Walking the fine line between large and midsize, today’s Accord sedan is a beast compared to the 2-door hatchback that first hit our shores in 1976. With an overall length of 162.8 inches, that first Accord was even longer than the already hot-selling Honda Civic. Thus giving car-buying consumers requiring more passenger space another Honda choice. They snatched up about 18,600 Accord cars that first model year at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $3,995. Providing its thrust was a 68-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. In conjunction with releasing a sedan configuration, Honda unleashed a 72-horsepower 4-cylinder engine in 1979. A 5-speed manual transmission sent engine production to the front wheels with a 2-speed automatic as an option. Honda added a 3-speed automatic to the menu in 1979.
1982-1989
Production of the second-generation Accord sedan in 1982 moved to Honda’s new plant in Ohio. By 1984, engine output was now a whopping 86 hp. Introduced in 1985, the Accord SE-i put 101 hp to the pavement. A growth spurt for the third generation in 1986 also saw the introduction of hidden headlights and a 98-hp 4-cylinder. A coupe joined the sedan and hatchback. By this point, the public began viewing the Accord as somewhat spirited and fun to drive.
1990-1997
In 1990, the fourth-gen Accord grew another five inches in length with a midsize classification, while losing the hidden headlights. Propelling the Accord was a 125-hp base 4-cylinder engine. A huge milestone, 1990 was also the first year the Accord earned honors as the best-selling car in the nation. An Accord wagon appeared for the first time in 1991, displacing the hatchback in the lineup. For the fifth generation in 1994, Honda sanded off some of the Accord’s corners for a more rounded look. Squeezing a few more horsepower out of the carry-over 4-cylinder, Honda also beefed up Accord’s powertrain lineup with a 170-hp V6.
Is the Honda Accord a Good Car?
Unequivocally, yes. The Honda Accord is a good car. The Accord’s popularity is a product of excelling in comfort, safety, passenger and cargo space, solid mileage, and low cost of ownership. Also, it retains its value. Its reputation is virtually bulletproof.
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. Only the Toyota Camry is more effective at holding value, and that’s only by a whisker. 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.
Honda Accord Recalls
Even the most reliable vehicles have the occasional issue, and the Accord is no exception. Some problems are widespread enough to ask owners of certain model years to bring their vehicles to a dealer service department to inspect a specific component. This process is referred to as a recall. The manufacturer initiates some recalls, but the federal government mandates most through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In either case, the manufacturer covers the cost of any repairs or replacement.
You can determine if your Accord or a used one you are considering buying is currently under an active recall by accessing the NHTSA website and providing your vehicle’s 17-character identification number (VIN).
Honda Accord Model Years to Avoid
Generally, the Honda Accord is a solid bet as a used car. However, in researching complaints, repairs, recalls, and problems, it seems the sixth-generation (1998-2002) models were particularly problematic. More recently, the 2018 Accord suffered several recalls and a rash of complaints filed with NHTSA regarding engine issues. It was the first year for the two turbo 4-cylinder engines.
Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?
Generally, the answer is, yes, you should buy a used Honda Accord. It is widely considered 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 trained technician perform a pre-purchase inspection. You can also check the used car’s Kelley Blue Book value.
More than a car for college students! Someone isn’t bright or has issues.
Nobody said it’s a car only for college students, “Jebus.” I assume you were speaking about yourself in your second sentence.
Good information for someone looking for a car for a college student
Thanks for reading, Dawn. I’m happy you found it useful. Here’s an Autotrader article about car maintenance for college students that might find helpful.
Very useful article! Thanks