I read one review that said the new Accords (2013) while noisy compared to other brands, is definitely quieter than previous Accords. Any truth to this and is it noticeable to the ear (not by benchmarks) ? I've got a 2003 and on most highway roads, it's noisy, some not but on city driving (lower speeds ofcourse) it's not too noisy. I always thought a change of tires could change the noise level a lot but since I never read this elsewhere, not so sure now.
It's noticeably quieter than my 2010, both engine noise and road noise.
Probably did change tires to a quieter variety, for one thing, but it's several others as well.
Some of that is the active noise cancellation, or whatever they call it, but some is simply a design feature, they *finally* changed their design criteria. I think they did a nice job, it is definitely quieter, but still has a reasonably good road feel.
Appreciate the info. I'm not in the market for one right now but just trying to be ready in case or when I am ready. I'm sorta a Honda guy and so use to the feel of an Accord that I prefer to drive another (for my next sedan) over the competition unless the reliability goes down. I know some say it's a boring car to drive but I don't care about that (probably because I'm boring too) as long as it's reliable and reasonably comfortable.
As long as you own one, any advice when buying one? Maybe like things you wish you had or now wish you didn't have, etc.... .
I test drove an EX 4-cyl. It is definitely quieter than my 2004 4-cyl. Accord, and I wouldn't attribute that to the 2013's Michelin Primacy tires. I tried Goodyear Assurance Comfortreds on my 2004, and they were no quieter than any other tire I'd put on that car, including its original Michelins. (As an aside, two years ago I replaced the Goodyears with Nokian WR G2's, which give me far more "assurance" around dry pavement curves and corners than the Goodyears ever did.)
I'm not sure I got the best deal in town but it was at least a lot better than the starting offers. I expected to net a grand from selling the dealer my lease-return, always have in the past, but none of four dealers would take it. I smell a conspiracy.
As I've said, the lane departure and front collision warning features (EXL only) are certainly not ready for prime time, but they are mostly harmless and mildly amusing, and they're not charging much for them over and above the leather seats and other previous EXL gimmicks.
I own a 2013 Accord LX and the tire noise from the Firestone Affinity tires is really loud. I've had 2 out-of-round tires replaced, wheel alignment and balancing twice (once at the dealer's and once at a Firestone store) and the noise goes on. Maybe a different brand of tire would solve the problem but at 5000 miles I'm not ready for that expense. My 2005 Accord was quitter. If it wasn't for the tire noise, I would say that this is the best Accord of the 3 that I've owned ('99, '05 and '13). As near as I can tell, the Active Noise Cancellation feature is the audio system volume control- turn it up until you can't hear the tires.
We have a 2012 EX-L and, although quiet for a Honda, it isn't quiet compared to some of the competition. Particularly over certain road services.
Also just bought a 2009 Civic coupe and yeah...a world of difference from the Accord. Lots noisier by comparison. And big differences in ride. It is definitely a matter of what one is used to.
I got a 2013 Accord LX-S in December last year . No model choise, as I do not like autmatic transmissions and was confined to the LX-S.
Though it is the bottom of the ladder, it is infinitely quieter than the 2000 Subaru Legacy I drove for 12+ years. I was skeptical about the voice recognition for the telephone because of the noise level, but it works fine.
What is suprising is the difference between cruising and accelerating. Even a moderate push on the accelerator, tremendously increases the noise level as the car revs up. The difference in the levels still surprises me. I once floored the accelerator just to see what would happen (was in fourth). The car took off like a rocket, and sounded like one! The moment I took my foot off, it was like I had gone deaf.
My wife bought a Camry Hybrid in the fall last year. *She* finds it noisy, compared to her old Lexus 400. I find it much quiter than the Accord!!
I got a 2013 Accord LX-S in December last year . No model choise, as I do not like autmatic transmissions and was confined to the LX-S.
Though it is the bottom of the ladder, it is infinitely quieter than the 2000 Subaru Legacy I drove for 12+ years. I was skeptical about the voice recognition for the telephone because of the noise level, but it works fine.
What is suprising is the difference between cruising and accelerating. Even a moderate push on the accelerator, tremendously increases the noise level as the car revs up. The difference in the levels still surprises me. I once floored the accelerator just to see what would happen (was in fourth). The car took off like a rocket, and sounded like one! The moment I took my foot off, it was like I had gone deaf.
My wife bought a Camry Hybrid in the fall last year. *She* finds it noisy, compared to her old Lexus 400. I find it much quiter than the Accord!!
So, as the man says, "it is what one is used to".
mt Good choice -- but I thought you could get the EX I4 with the 6spd. If I were to replace my S2000, I would surely buy the manual Accord.
That was not negotiable. Otherwise, BMWs, Volkswagens, Audis and Hyundais were on standby. Actually, after a few months of seeing the digusting grey colour and an interior that is already looking like a slum as every little speck shows on the black, I guess I will not be going back to a Honda again.
Ah! "Sporty", but auto! Oxymoron?
There is another defect that I forgot all about that is very irksome. Every time is rained (now that the snows have gone, or so we hope) I thought it was hail. There is this awfully loud splattering noise that sounds just like hail and it appears to come from just to the left of my ear, near the middle pillar of the car. Finally, I think I have figured it out. There is broad plastic trim along the trailing edge of the window and the raindrops hitting it make the sound of buckshot! Very disconcerting and loud while driving.
I think that this is a real design defect and am going to complain when I take it in for the first service.
Getting off the thread here, but ... I love the 6 speed as it is smooth as silk compared to the Subaru Legacy. Perhaps on par with the Toyotas and Citreons I have driven and better than the BMWs I have had a chance to drive.
The only trouble is the Subaru was 5 speed and now I tend to get a bit confused between 4 and 6!! Sometimes I shift from 5 to 4 when I meant to go to 6, sometimes I drive on
4 for while thinking I am on 6 (till I glance at the tach), ... and so on. But, it is treat to shift after the Subaru.
There are degrees, and being swaddled in cotton is where they didn't want to go, hey the Camry is already there.
You might be a little retro on the opinion anyway, a good auto with paddle-shifters or the like, and why not. The Beemers have this video-game joystick style shift lever, since it's all drive by wire anyway, that I really like - makes the Honda heavy-duty shift lever look like something grafted on from a 1940s Buick.
OTOH, my CVT is starting to feel a little sticky in low-level throttle response (like trying to accelerate from 25 to 30mph), I can't wait to see what happens next.
I might drive the manual if they were readily available, but at this point haven't driven one since I traded in my 1987. And if I ever went nuts and bought the Beemer, I doubt I'd want the manual. I think we're just sort of past that, technologically. Though ask me again if my CVT explodes.
No comments on this yet .... Have others experienced the same. It does not have to be very heavy rain. Even a moderate shower in enough at highway speeds. It is not that bad at street speed, but once you are above the 40 mph (60 kph) range, it is very obnoxious.
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