Sneak Peek: 2013 Honda Accord

You can't blame Honda for holding its next generation Accord close to the vest. The popular Accord is one of the longest lasting and most recognized model names in America, a five passenger midsize sedan or coupe that is also a best-seller. For 2013 the Accord is all new, a model that is slightly smaller on the outside, larger on the inside and offers fresh styling for a design in much need of an update. Honda has released more details about this model, information that we'll share here with you.

Long-Lasting Name

There aren't too many midsize vehicles that are sold in sedan and coupe configurations with Honda having one such model and Nissan, with its Altima, another model. The Accord nameplate goes back nearly 40 years to when the first model was introduced stateside. That vehicle was a compact model, the second Honda automobile sold in the U.S. after the Civic. Today, the Civic is a compact and the Accord is a midsize model.

Seating five passengers, the ninth generation Accord seeks to build on the strengths of the earlier models. This vehicle will come in slightly smaller and lighter than the eighth generation Accord, in a bid to deliver improved fuel efficiency in a segment dominated by fuel efficient sedans such as the Toyota Camry, the Nissan Altima, the Hyundai Sonata and Ford's Fusion. What Honda hasn't said yet are what engines will be offered, but it has said that a continuously variable transmission will be available, a first for this line. A CVT should help Honda enjoy improved fuel economy, perhaps matching the Sonata's 35 mpg highway or even approaching the Altima's segment-leading 38 mpg highway.

Sneak Peek

Four new images of the Honda Accord were released, showing us a model that is stylish, sporty and elegant. The 2013 Accord features a bold, new grille with a sporty hood and sweeping body lines. The coupe has the sportier look with side skirting and color-keyed side mirrors flowing back to a tapered rear deck with a built-in spoiler. Dual chrome exhaust tips give this vehicle a premium look and will likely appeal to sporting enthusiasts.

The Accord's athletic stance is certainly a change for a vehicle that was long on quality and value, but short on handsome good looks. Honda paid much attention to detail when crafting its next generation Accord, bringing in tapered fenders, flowing C-pillars and contoured rocker panels to suggest a car that is always on the move.

Unknown Amenities

What we can't tell you about just yet are the engine choices this model will offer. A four cylinder will be standard and it seems likely that an optional V-6 engine will also be offered. Technological enhancements may include safety updates as well as improvements to its audio system, navigation package and Internet connectivity. Those details should be released just as the 2013 Honda Accord goes on sale this fall.

With a new Accord in the mix, Honda has strong competitors in each of the three main car selling categories. Its Fit is a leading subcompact and the Civic is one of the best selling cars in America. In the Accord, Honda hopes to recapture some of the sales this model has lost in recent years; judging by the look of the new Accord it seems that it'll succeed in this endeavor.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Holley Carburetors and Koni Shocks.