AutoNsider Review: 2015 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe
In 2013, Honda introduced their totally redesigned Accord Sedan and Coupe; and its only taken me a year and a half to get my hands on one of them. Now the question is, was it worth the wait?
The previous generation Accord always stood out to me as one of the most aesthetically pleasing of the lineage and of the entire mid-sized car segment, for that matter. Nothing overly striking about it, just clean lines and body panels that all seemed to work well together; not to mention it aged well. So when rumblings about the redesigned Accord started, I was cautiously optimistic about the highly anticipated release.
After almost two years on the road, the design still looks fresh, yet familiar. In fact, at first glance, it bares a strong resemblance to the previous model (even though none of the previous generation sheet metal of body panels carried over). Honda has done a good job of late, refreshing their models without alienating the owners of the previous models. That's always a point worth noting whether you trade cars with regularity and resale value is important, or you like to drive them until the wheels fall off while looking stylish and timely while doing so.
If you look closely though, you will notice a more mature, muscular design with a long flowing lines that give the appearance of motion while sitting still. The redesigned grill is more chiseled and the rear quarter panel raises just above the wheel wells to give the coupe a bit of a muscle car stance. In fact, one might even be compelled to refer to the EX-L, with its 278-hp, 3.5-Liter, 24-Valve, SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 Engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission, as a "sports" coupe. Honda doesn't use that term, but after a week behind the wheel...?
If the exterior looks weren't enough, once inside, the contoured black leather seats, the thick leather-wrapped steering wheel and the short-throw gear shift made me rethink everything that I ever thought I knew about the Accord. While the Accord may never find its way to the set of "The Fast And Furious", it is a nice constellation for anyone trying to pull a "fast one" over on the insurance company. Tame enough for a daily driver, yet eager enough to get some fun out of the commute. In fact, I found myself taking back roads to the office all week.
Aside from this car being fun to drive while managing to be practical at the same time, it came well equipped with Sirius/XM Radio, Pandora Radio, Navigation, Bluetooth, backup camera, lane departure warning and many more, but the two features that I found most fun were "hill assist" and Honda Lane Watch.
The 2015 Honda Accord Coupe MSRP ranges from $23,775 for the LX-s to $32,550 for the EX-L V6 as tested. For more pricing and options, click here.
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