Are Honda Accord Sport Good Cars? Common Issues Breakdo

The Honda Accord has long been a staple of the American automotive landscape, known for its reliability, practicality, and value. Among the Accord trims, the "Sport" variant aims to inject a bit more excitement into the equation. But does the Honda Accord Sport live up to its name, and is it truly a good car? This article delves into the specifics of the Accord Sport, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and common issues to help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

What Makes the Accord Sport, "Sporty"?

The Accord Sport isn't a full-blown performance model like, say, a Civic Type R. Instead, it's more of an aesthetic and equipment upgrade over the base Accord trims. Here's what typically sets it apart:

Styling Enhancements: Expect a more aggressive front grille, rear spoiler, side skirts, and unique wheel designs. These visual tweaks give the Sport a more dynamic and youthful appearance. Often these are blacked-out or darker chrome than the standard trim, contributing to the sporty look.
Larger Wheels: The Sport typically comes with larger alloy wheels (usually 19-inch), which not only enhance the aesthetics but can also slightly improve handling due to the reduced tire sidewall flex.
Sport-Tuned Suspension (Sometimes): Depending on the model year, the Accord Sport might feature a slightly stiffer suspension setup for a more engaging driving experience. This isn't always a significant difference compared to the standard suspension, but it can add a bit of sharpness to the handling.
Interior Upgrades: Inside, you'll often find unique upholstery, sport pedals, and possibly a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. These details enhance the cabin's sporty feel. Red stitching on the seats and steering wheel is a common visual cue.
More Powerful Engine (Potentially): In some model years, the Sport trim was offered with the more powerful engine option available for the Accord, such as the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while lower trims were restricted to the base engine. This adds a substantial performance boost.

The Good Stuff: Why People Love the Accord Sport

Despite not being a true performance car, the Accord Sport has plenty to offer:

Sharp Looks: Let's face it, the Accord Sport looks good. The styling enhancements give it a more aggressive and eye-catching appearance compared to the more conservative base models. This is a major draw for many buyers.
Engaging Driving Experience: While not a sports car, the Accord Sport offers a more engaging driving experience than the standard Accord. The potentially sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels, and available more powerful engine contribute to a more responsive and enjoyable ride.
Honda Reliability: It's an Accord, so you can generally expect excellent reliability. Honda has a strong reputation for building durable and dependable cars, and the Accord Sport is no exception. Regular maintenance is key, of course.
Practicality: It's still an Accord, meaning you get all the practicality and spaciousness that the Accord is known for. Plenty of room for passengers and cargo makes it a great daily driver.
Good Value: The Accord Sport typically offers a good balance of features, performance, and price, making it a compelling value proposition. It's often priced competitively within the Accord lineup.
Resale Value: Hondas generally hold their value well, and the Accord Sport is no different. This means you can expect a decent return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in.

Common Issues to Watch Out For

While the Accord Sport is generally reliable, there are a few common issues that potential buyers should be aware of:

Infotainment System Glitches: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, such as freezing, lagging, and connectivity problems. This is particularly common in models with the touchscreen interface. Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues, but not always.
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup (Turbocharged Engines): Models with the turbocharged engine can be susceptible to carbon buildup on the intake valves due to the direct injection system. This can lead to reduced performance and fuel economy. Regular cleaning of the intake valves may be necessary.
1.5T Oil Dilution (Certain Model Years): Some Accord models (including the Sport) equipped with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine experienced an issue with oil dilution, where fuel mixes with the engine oil. This can lead to premature engine wear. Honda issued a software update to address this issue, but it's important to check if the car you're considering has had the update performed. This was more prevalent in colder climates.
Premature Brake Wear: Some owners have reported that the brakes on the Accord Sport wear out faster than expected. This could be due to the more aggressive driving style that the Sport encourages. Regular brake inspections are recommended.
Paint Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the paint quality on certain model years, such as chipping and fading. This is more common in areas with harsh weather conditions. Applying a paint sealant or wax can help protect the paint.
Transmission Problems (CVT): Although not widespread, some owners have experienced issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) used in some Accord Sport models. These issues can range from unusual noises to complete transmission failure. Regular CVT fluid changes are crucial to prevent these problems.

Specific Model Year Concerns

It's crucial to research specific model years of the Accord Sport you're considering, as issues can vary. Here are a few examples:

2018-2020 Models: These years were particularly affected by the 1.5T engine oil dilution issue. Ensure the vehicle has had the software update performed.
Early Models with Touchscreen Infotainment: Early models with the touchscreen infotainment system were more prone to glitches and software issues.
Models with the 10-Speed Automatic: While generally reliable, some owners have reported occasional rough shifting with the 10-speed automatic transmission.

Is the Accord Sport Right for You? Things to Consider

Before making a decision, consider these factors:

Your Driving Style: Do you enjoy a more engaging driving experience, or are you primarily looking for a comfortable and practical commuter car? If you prioritize sporty handling and aesthetics, the Accord Sport might be a good fit.
Your Budget: The Accord Sport typically costs more than the base Accord trims. Consider whether the extra features and styling enhancements are worth the price premium for you.
Your Maintenance Habits: Like any car, the Accord Sport requires regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Be prepared to follow the recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly.
The Car's History: If you're buying a used Accord Sport, carefully inspect the car's history report for any accidents, maintenance records, or recalls. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is also highly recommended.
Test Drive: Always test drive the car before buying it. Pay attention to the way it handles, accelerates, and brakes. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.

Comparing the Accord Sport to the Competition

The Accord Sport competes with other sporty mid-size sedans, such as:

Toyota Camry SE/XSE: The Camry also offers sporty trims with aggressive styling and upgraded features.
Mazda 6: The Mazda 6 is known for its refined driving dynamics and upscale interior.
Hyundai Sonata N Line: The Sonata N Line offers a powerful turbocharged engine and sporty styling.

Researching and comparing these models will help you determine which one best suits your needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Accord Sport faster than the base Accord? It depends on the year. If the Sport has the optional, more powerful engine, then yes. Otherwise, the performance difference is minimal.
Does the Accord Sport have a manual transmission? Some model years of the Accord Sport were offered with a manual transmission, but this is becoming increasingly rare. Check the specific model year you're interested in.
What is the average lifespan of a Honda Accord Sport? With proper maintenance, a Honda Accord Sport can easily last for 200,000 miles or more.
Is the Accord Sport expensive to maintain? No, the Accord Sport is generally affordable to maintain, thanks to Honda's reputation for reliability and readily available parts.
Does the Accord Sport have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Most recent model years of the Accord Sport come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Final Thoughts

The Honda Accord Sport is a compelling option for those seeking a stylish, practical, and engaging mid-size sedan. While it's not without its potential issues, particularly in certain model years, the Accord Sport generally offers excellent reliability, good value, and a rewarding driving experience. By carefully researching specific model years, considering your own needs and preferences, and performing a thorough inspection before buying, you can make an informed decision and potentially enjoy many years of trouble-free ownership. Remember to prioritize a pre-purchase inspection to ensure you're aware of any potential problems.