We drove a $31,000 Honda Accord to see why it's one of the best selling cars in the US and discovered it's best features

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

• The 10th generation Honda  Accord is all-new for the 2018 model year. 
• Earlier this year, Honda dropped off a 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport in San Marino Red for Business Insider to evaluate.
• We were impressed by the Accord's new infotainment system, interior design, and powerful turbocharged engine.
• The base 2018 Honda Accord starts at $23,570 while our mid-tier Sport model starts at $25,780. The top-spec Touring starts at $33,800.

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The Honda Accord has long been a major player the in the midsize sedan market. Since 1976, Americans have purchased more than 13 million Accords.

Even though sales of passengers cars, in general, have fallen considerably over the past few years, the Accord and its rivals from Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, and others remain strong sellers. 

Through July, Honda has sold more than 163,000 Accords in the US, making it the number tk best seller in the midsize segment. 

For the 2018 model year, Honda rolled out a brand new 10 generation Accord. 

After a decade in the wind, Honda's passenger cars have been resurgent in recent years. The Japanese automaker absolutely nailed the current 10th generation Civic back in 2016.

And Honda looks to return the Accord to its former glory after earning mixed reviews for its eighth and ninth generation models. 

Earlier this year, Honda dropped off a 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T Sport in San Marino Red for Business Insider to evaluate. And it certainly didn't disappoint. 

We came away impressed by the Accord's new infotainment system, interior design, and powerful turbocharged engine. 

Our Marysville, Ohio-built Accord test car was an absolute blast to drive. Especially considering the fact that, at its heart, it is a sensible family sedan. The 252 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and six-speed manual transmission delivered strong acceleration off the line and silky smooth power while cruising. 

The base 2018 Accord LX starts at $23,570, while the top-of-the-line Touring model starts at $33,800.

Our mid-grade Sport model starts at $25,780, but fees and the optional 2.0-liter engine pushed the as-tested price up to $31,200.

The 2018 Honda Accord is available with an impressive mix of luxury, tech, and safety features. Here's a look at its coolest features:

1. Turbo power!: You can have any engine you want in a Honda Accord as long as its a turbocharged four-cylinder. The base engine is a 192 horsepower, 1.5-liter unit while our test got the upgraded 252 horsepower, 2.0-liter motor. We simply love the smoothness and eagerness of the turbo four. Not only does it deliver reliable horsepower, it also the daily commute a bit more fun.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

2. Six on the floor: Manual transmissions are a rarity these days, especially on family sedans. The Accord's six-speed sets it apart from the masses of automatics and CVTs. Even though we found the clutch to be a bit vague and the shifter a tad rubbery, we still loved the fact it's still in Honda lineup. Kudos Honda!

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

3. Honda's new infotainment system: Our Accord came with an eight-inch touchscreen running Honda's updated infotainment system. The system is quick to respond and is crisply rendered.

Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider


See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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