2013 Honda Accord Gets Sport Model, CVT For 4-Cylinders, 6-Speed Manual For Certain Trims
A leaked spec sheet ( from Temple of VTEC) for the 2013 Honda Accord shows that manuals aren’t dead yet, but CVTs are also in – at least for 4 cylinder models.
The CVT will replace Honda’s automatic transmission for 4-cylinder Accords, while V6 cars will retain the option of a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The 6-speed manual will be offered on all 4-cylinder sedans save for the EX-L. V6 sedans will be available only with the automatic, while 4-cylinder and V6 coupes can be had with the stick shift. Those who want a two pedal coupe can choose from a 4-cylinder and a CVT or a V6 with the automatic.
Also available for 2013 is a “Sport” trim level on the sedan, which will ostensibly compete with the Toyota Camry SE. The Sport will be available with either a manual or CVT gearbox. V6 models have a cryptically named “TRG” package – perhaps it stands for “Touring”?
More by Derek Kreindler
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I find it hard to believe that Honda would go to a CVT on the Accord. I have heard more negatives about these transmissions than I've heard good. The auto journalist's (experts in their own right) say it's like driving a car with a manual transmission that has a clutch thats slipping. The engine rpm goes up and then the chain or belt adjusts itself in the pulley's. Then as you reach your desired speed the engine slows down. Also these CVT's are referred to rubber band transmissions. It would be good to hear from the owners of Nissan cars that have CVT's I read somewhere that Honda is going to embrace direct injection for 2013 on some of their engines...any comments.
Honda automatics have sucked forever, a CVT can't possibly be worse. I have the sneaking suspicion the CVT will be the least of this car's problems. If recent history is a guide, the new Accord will look just like the last Accord, save for an uglier grille and taillights. The interior will be chintzy and ergonomically-challenged. However, it will sell in spite of this and all thrashing it will get from the print rags. This will irritate the domestic fanboys to no end and I will laugh. I do wonder how much longer this trend is going to continue with Honda products before the company gets a clue. I agree with what psarhjinian said above: Honda is almost GM-like in their arrogance and complete lack of self-awareness. We all know how well things worked out for the General...
FromaBuick6, Honda and Acura cars have the highest resale value of all brands. GM cars have some of the lowest resale values. Does this mean anything to you. I don't currently own a Honda or Acura, but I have had very good luck with all that I have owned. As far as Honda automatic transmissions sucking, there have been more than a few GM automatic transmissions that dropped dead early and often. Personally, I owned an Acura Legend from 1990 till 2006, with no transmission problems and damn few problems of any kind. My experiences with GM trash ranging from a 1955 Chevvy to a 1983 Chevvy insure that no GM product will ever darken my driveway again.
Whatever TRG stands for, you can not get NAV or NAV comes standard with TRG.