Consumer Reports love affair with Honda back on track with 2013 Accord [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:25:00 EST

Consumer Reports and Honda seem to have patched things up thanks to the 2013 Accord. The publication says the four-cylinder sedan now sits at the top of its class after testing, beating out the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry, while the V6 Accord is giving the Camry and Camry Hybrid serious competition in CR ratings. The Accord managed to improve its position thanks to its fuel economy, smooth CVT and driving characteristics, though testers also said the Accord boasts "one of the best driving positions available in its class."

That's not to say there weren't a few sore spots. Consumer Reports found the sedan's optional Lane Watch system to be gimmicky given the tech doesn't cover the driver's side blind spot. While the full test results are currently available on the CR web site, the report will also show up in the February issue of the magazine. Expect to see it hit news stand on December 27. Until then, you can check out the full press release below.

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Consumer Reports love affair with Honda back on track with 2013 Accord [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Honda Accord production fires up with Earth Dreams power

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda

Production of the "Earth Dreams" powertrains that will slot into the 2013 Honda Accord got underway at the Japanese automaker's Anna Engine and Honda Transmission Mfg. plants last week, and both facilities have begun feeding engines and gearboxes to the Marysville, Ohio, assembly lines where the 2013 Accord has started rolling off the lines. A ceremony marking the start of the new generation's assembly today also served to celebrate Honda's 30 years of production in the States.

As one would expect with car as important to Honda as the ninth-generation Accord, the company has made a huge investment in the North American debut of its new direct-injected, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a new CVT transmission and a 3.5-liter V6 and its optional six-speed automatic. Honda has spent $220 million on expansions, casting operations and automated lines for its associates, and the plant is now able to make 1.8 million Earth Dreams engines annually.

The new engines are said to be good for a 10-percent improvement in fuel economy compared to current offerings, and the powerplants will eventually migrate to other models in Honda's lineup. Check out the press releases below for more information.

Continue reading 2013 Honda Accord production fires up with Earth Dreams power

2013 Honda Accord production fires up with Earth Dreams power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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