Well, it's been a month and 2,500 miles in the Accord. First time Honda buyer, long time admirer. For the past ten years, I've had VW products. A mix of Jetta's and Passat's in both the gas and diesel versions. I was pretty die hard, but the thought of owning one long term with some upcoming life changes really made me a bit uneasy. So, after some shopping, I bought the Accord. EX-L, 2.4, CVT.
2,500 miles in one month is a lot for me, and the next month and a half promises to bring about 2,500-3,000 more miles with work travel.
The first thing I noticed is the fit and finish. Frankly, it's better than any VW I have owned. The way the doors close, the materials...all better. Also, a lot of nice features for the money. Lane departure, forward crash warning, lane watch, and dual zone climate. All unavailable in the last Jetta I bought, a 13. However, it looks like the 15 Jetta will get these as options.
The Accord is also much quieter than my Jetta. Taking the diesel out of the equation, it’s still much quieter. Less road noise, limited engine noise, and a much better overall ride. Loving this, as I spend a lot of time behind the wheel each month. Very easy to drive and I feel much more relaxed when I arrive after a long trip. Also a lot more room in the Accord, but that’s not the Jetta’s fault. 
I’ll touch on the much debated item with Honda fans – The CVT. I’ll admit that was one con when considering the Honda. I was not thrilled at first, as it seemed a bit ‘juddery,’ but it seems to have smoothed out. It’s not a traditional automatic, but it’s really growing on me. While it gives the false perception that 0-60 runs are slow, they aren’t. They are just a little anti-climatic.
Engine wise, I really debated on the V6. However, I wanted to maximize MPG, as I do a decent amount of in town driving. While I’d always love more power, the 4 is more than adequate. It’s not a killer off of the line, but passing and merging are quick…surprisingly so. Moreover, it’s got plenty of legs to cruise at 80+ without making a fuss. Very happy with the 4, and it sounds very nice under hard acceleration. On my highway trips I am seeing 37-40 MPG with about 80% of that being highway. In mixed everyday driving I am seeing about 30-31. I’m happy with that and think it will inch up a little with more break in.
So what about the things I am not crazy about? The stereo. 370 watts with a sub, but it’s weak. Just not what I expected coming from the Fender in the Jetta. Bluetooth. It works pretty well, but making a call by name is cumbersome. Paint. This is a stretch, but I am a detailing enthusiast. Hondas are known for soft paint, the opposite of the VW norm. Great in that it is easy to correct, albeit it fussy at times, but frustrating because it can mar easier. Give and take, I guess. Lastly, single exhaust. The rear looks so much better filled out with twin outlets like the sport and touring have. It can be made that way with OEM parts and some welding, but it is pricey.
Overall, I’m very happy with the car. I love driving it and it’s the first car I’ve had in a long time that when people ask me how I like it I say, “I love it.” VW will always have a place in my heart, but Honda is doing a good job of making me think less about my beloved VW’s. I’m also loving the overall ease of future maintenance and the price of oil changes.
I’ll touch on the much debated item with Honda fans – The CVT. I’ll admit that was one con when considering the Honda. I was not thrilled at first, as it seemed a bit ‘juddery,’ but it seems to have smoothed out. It’s not a traditional automatic, but it’s really growing on me. While it gives the false perception that 0-60 runs are slow, they aren’t. They are just a little anti-climatic.
Engine wise, I really debated on the V6. However, I wanted to maximize MPG, as I do a decent amount of in town driving. While I’d always love more power, the 4 is more than adequate. It’s not a killer off of the line, but passing and merging are quick…surprisingly so. Moreover, it’s got plenty of legs to cruise at 80+ without making a fuss. Very happy with the 4, and it sounds very nice under hard acceleration. On my highway trips I am seeing 37-40 MPG with about 80% of that being highway. In mixed everyday driving I am seeing about 30-31. I’m happy with that and think it will inch up a little with more break in.
So what about the things I am not crazy about? The stereo. 370 watts with a sub, but it’s weak. Just not what I expected coming from the Fender in the Jetta. Bluetooth. It works pretty well, but making a call by name is cumbersome. Paint. This is a stretch, but I am a detailing enthusiast. Hondas are known for soft paint, the opposite of the VW norm. Great in that it is easy to correct, albeit it fussy at times, but frustrating because it can mar easier. Give and take, I guess. Lastly, single exhaust. The rear looks so much better filled out with twin outlets like the sport and touring have. It can be made that way with OEM parts and some welding, but it is pricey.
Overall, I’m very happy with the car. I love driving it and it’s the first car I’ve had in a long time that when people ask me how I like it I say, “I love it.” VW will always have a place in my heart, but Honda is doing a good job of making me think less about my beloved VW’s. I’m also loving the overall ease of future maintenance and the price of oil changes.
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