My GarageWhich Honda Accord generation is best?
The generation covering 2013–2017 (9th gen) is the safest buy; the generation table above shows how each one differs on engines, transmissions and known faults.
Best Years · Honda Accord
Best Honda Accord Years to Buy
3 min read
Also worth reading: Honda Accord Years to Avoid, Honda Accord Buying Guide and Honda Reliability Guide.
The Accord has been one of the best midsize sedans for three decades. The 9th and 10th generations are the modern sweet spot — but the story splits between the naturally aspirated K24 era and the turbocharged 1.5T that followed.
Quick Verdict
- ⭐ Overall verdict
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- ✅ Best years to buy
- 2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen)
- ❌ Years to avoid
- 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic)
- Reliability
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Maintenance
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
Bottom line: A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market.
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Side by side
Honda Accord model years at a glance
| Years | Reliability | Buy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2017 (9th gen) | Strong | ✅ Buy | K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. One of the stronger used Accord… |
| 2018–2022 (10th gen) | Strong | ✅ Buy | Modern 1.5T or 2.0T. The 2.0T is the enthusiast's pick and has been very reliable. The 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilut… |
| 2008–2012 (8th gen V6) | Mixed | ⚠ Inspect first | Excellent engine, but some torque-converter shudder on the V6 automatic. Very manageable if inspected. |
| 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic) | Weakest | ❌ Avoid | Well-documented V6 automatic transmission failures — Honda extended coverage that has long since expired. Manual V6s ar… |
At a glance
Quick Recommendations
✅ Best Years
- 2013–2017 (9th gen)
- 2018–2022 (10th gen)
⚠ Worth Researching
- 2008–2012 (8th gen V6)
❌ Years to Avoid
- 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic)
Full detail on the weakest years — the specific failures, typical repair costs, and what to shop instead — is in the Honda Accord years to avoid guide.
Top Picks
Best Years — In Depth
What makes these generations stand out.
2013–2017 (9th gen)
K24 2.4L or J35 3.5L V6 — both naturally aspirated, both proven, both cheap to service. One of the stronger used Accord generations — check starter condition, 2013–2015 CVT fluid history and V6 timing-belt service.
2018–2022 (10th gen)
Modern 1.5T or 2.0T. The 2.0T is the enthusiast's pick and has been very reliable. The 1.5T is excellent post oil-dilution TSB in cold climates.
The Why
Why These Years Are Better
The 9th gen returned to a straightforward K24 four-cylinder with a proven 5-speed and later CVT that has held up well. No turbos, no direct injection carbon issues.
The 3.5L J35 V6 in the 9th gen uses the 6-speed automatic (not the older 5AT) — dramatically better transmission reliability.
By 2020, Honda had addressed 1.5T oil-dilution complaints via TSB reflashes and process updates.
Know the risks
Common Problems by Generation
Bring this to any pre-purchase inspection.
8th gen (2008–2012)
- • V6 automatic torque converter shudder
- • AC compressor on older V6s
- • Rear wheel bearings
9th gen (2013–2017)
- • Starter failure on some units
- • Power steering hose leaks (V6)
10th gen (2018–2022)
- • 1.5T oil dilution in cold climates (pre-TSB)
- • Infotainment quirks on early builds
Buying advice
What to Look For
Acceptable mileage
9th and 10th gen Accords with records are fine to 200,000+ miles. The K24 timing chain doesn't need service.
Maintenance records
V6 owners: verify timing belt service at 105k. 1.5T owners in cold climates: verify oil-dilution TSB completion. CVT owners: verify one drain-and-fill by 60k.
Pre-buy inspection
- • 1.5T: pull dipstick and smell for fuel dilution; check level above full.
- • Cold-start listen for starter cranking speed on 9th gen.
- • Test 10AT (2018+) with full-throttle upshifts.
- • Verify V6 timing belt service (if applicable).
- • Check for takata airbag recall completion.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Honda Accord?
A 2013–2017 K24 Accord is arguably the best midsize sedan value on the used market. A 2020+ 1.5T with a completed TSB is nearly as strong and drives better.
Best for: Commuters, families, enthusiasts (2.0T Sport), and anyone who wants a driver-friendly sedan that lasts.
People Also Ask
What mileage is acceptable on a used Accord?
There is no single cut-off. A higher-mileage Accord from 2013–2017 (9th gen) with complete service history beats a low-mileage car with none — judge paperwork and condition first, odometer second.
What problems affect the 8th gen (2008–2012)?
On the 8th gen (2008–2012), watch for V6 automatic torque converter shudder, AC compressor on older V6s and rear wheel bearings. All of these are detectable on a proper pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Accord years are best?
2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen) are the strongest years to buy.
Why is the 2013–2017 (9th gen) Accord recommended?
It pairs the mature version of the platform with the lowest rate of recurring complaints in the Accord range — the reason it heads the list above.
What mileage is acceptable on a used Accord?
There is no fixed ceiling. A higher-mileage Accord with complete records usually outlasts a low-mileage one without them, so weigh service history and condition ahead of the odometer.
Are the newer or older Accord years more reliable?
Neither by default — it goes by generation. 2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen) are the strong windows, and the generation breakdown explains what changed each time.
Which Accord years should I avoid?
2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic) are worth avoiding or inspecting carefully.
Who is a used Honda Accord best for?
Buyers who want a known quantity: a mainstream Accord from a proven year, bought on records rather than on mileage, and kept for the long haul.
What should I check before buying a used Accord?
1.5T: pull dipstick and smell for fuel dilution; check level above full.; Cold-start listen for starter cranking speed on 9th gen.; Test 10AT (2018+) with full-throttle upshifts.; Verify V6 timing belt service (if applicable).
Should I buy a used Honda Accord?
Yes — stick to 2013–2017 (9th gen), 2018–2022 (10th gen), avoid 2003–2007 (7th gen V6 automatic) unless the records are complete, and have the car inspected before money changes hands.
Generation guide
Honda Accord Generations
Jump straight to the generation you're shopping.
- Generation 1
8th gen · 2008–2012
Larger body, EPA-classified as full-size, more powerful V6.
- Generation 2
9th gen · 2013–2017
New Earth Dreams engines, CVT on 4-cylinder, more efficient V6 with 6-speed automatic.
- Generation 3
10th gen · 2018–2022
Turbocharged engines replace V6, 10-speed automatic on 2.0T, standard Honda Sensing.
- Generation 4
11th gen · 2023–2026
Cleaner styling, larger touchscreen, hybrid becomes the mainstream powertrain. Known problems: Too new for a full picture.
What to check: Run the VIN for open recalls, test the touchscreen and driver-assist features on the drive, and confirm how much factory warranty remains.
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