Rueld
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"Another big change is the front suspension, which has switched from double wishbones to McPherson struts. Normally, I don't write much about this sort of thing; as long as the car drives well, I don't care if they attach the wheels with bananas and paper clips. But the new suspension makes a big difference: While the Accord now handles far more responsively than its competitors, the ride quality has gone down the tubes. It isn't hard, but it's very busy -- the suspension allows the body to move up and down with such great frequency, rapidity and duration that smooth roads feel bumpy and bumpy roads fell like the surface of the Moon. It's as if, in response to charges that the Civic (Honda's last McPherson design) was too soft, they made the Accord too firm. Oddly enough, the Sport version -- which gets more aggressive suspension tuning -- has a slightly more comfortable ride."
I test drove an lx briefly and noticed a firm ride. Anyone notice. It was this bad as this reviewer states ?
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Steve
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I drove a '13 Sport. Once behind the wheel, any misgivings about the demise of double wishbone is gone. This car handles beautifully, the ride is not busy but well controlled and responsive. I find the ride, handling, much reduced noise and seat comfort to be far better than the car it replaces. This car is what an Accord should be. I say, double wishbone-RIP we don't need you.
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markitdown
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The ride is definitely firm compared to the Camry and Altima. There is more road feedback similar to a BMW. It was a concern of mine that has been put to rest after 1 week of ownership. I really enjoy driving this car. The handling is superb, and I agree with Steve regarding DWB- don't miss it.
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vandtee11
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Rueld wrote:
"Another big change is the front suspension, which has switched from double wishbones to McPherson struts. Normally, I don't write much about this sort of thing; as long as the car drives well, I don't care if they attach the wheels with bananas and paper clips. But the new suspension makes a big difference: While the Accord now handles far more responsively than its competitors, the ride quality has gone down the tubes. It isn't hard, but it's very busy -- the suspension allows the body to move up and down with such great frequency, rapidity and duration that smooth roads feel bumpy and bumpy roads fell like the surface of the Moon. It's as if, in response to charges that the Civic (Honda's last McPherson design) was too soft, they made the Accord too firm. Oddly enough, the Sport version -- which gets more aggressive suspension tuning -- has a slightly more comfortable ride."
I test drove an lx briefly and noticed a firm ride. Anyone notice. It was this bad as this reviewer states ?
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The reviewer sounds particularly sensitive to the ride. I found the ride absolutely fine from the driver's seat, the passenger seat and the seat behind the passenger.
Mind you, this was after hopping out of a 99 Accord LX.
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talon95
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+1
This is the best handling Accord of all I have owned (gens 6,7,8 and now 9). And a firm but comfortable ride to go along with it. I haven't had this much fun driving since my sport coupe days. DWB gone? No big deal.
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siegen
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I test drove a 2013 EX-L and it felt comfortable and familiar to my A4 (with OEM Sport Pkg) as far as the suspension and road manners go.
Does the Sport model have different suspension tuning? The dealer said it didn't and the Honda website doesn't say anything about suspension. The Sport model does have larger tires and a different steering ratio.
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A77
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Rueld wrote:
"Another big change is the front suspension, which has switched from double wishbones to McPherson struts. Normally, I don't write much about this sort of thing; as long as the car drives well, I don't care if they attach the wheels with bananas and paper clips. But the new suspension makes a big difference: While the Accord now handles far more responsively than its competitors, the ride quality has gone down the tubes. It isn't hard, but it's very busy -- the suspension allows the body to move up and down with such great frequency, rapidity and duration that smooth roads feel bumpy and bumpy roads fell like the surface of the Moon. It's as if, in response to charges that the Civic (Honda's last McPherson design) was too soft, they made the Accord too firm. Oddly enough, the Sport version -- which gets more aggressive suspension tuning -- has a slightly more comfortable ride."
I test drove an lx briefly and noticed a firm ride. Anyone notice. It was this bad as this reviewer states ?
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I am still testing it out but my initial reaction is that the reviewer is talking bollocks.
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40mpg
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A77 wrote:
Rueld wrote:
"Another big change is the front suspension, which has switched from double wishbones to McPherson struts. Normally, I don't write much about this sort of thing; as long as the car drives well, I don't care if they attach the wheels with bananas and paper clips. But the new suspension makes a big difference: While the Accord now handles far more responsively than its competitors, the ride quality has gone down the tubes. It isn't hard, but it's very busy -- the suspension allows the body to move up and down with such great frequency, rapidity and duration that smooth roads feel bumpy and bumpy roads fell like the surface of the Moon. It's as if, in response to charges that the Civic (Honda's last McPherson design) was too soft, they made the Accord too firm. Oddly enough, the Sport version -- which gets more aggressive suspension tuning -- has a slightly more comfortable ride."
I test drove an lx briefly and noticed a firm ride. Anyone notice. It was this bad as this reviewer states ?
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I am still testing it out but my initial reaction is that the reviewer is talking bollocks.
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Depends on who the reviewer is. If (s)he is an elderly person who is looking for comfort, then yes it is firm. I tested it myself. It is just right for my taste. Firm enough to make the handling feels good, and comfy enough for long trip. I think the one thing that makes people think of it being firm is the improvement in the body rigidity, which I feel significantly improved.
I too don't miss the double wishbone. I kind of knew it before hand, since I owned an 8th gen Civic, and it was not an issue at all. So, I am pretty sure this Accord will be a non issue too.
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jackal4eva
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Agree with your comments - it's exactly right for me too. The body rigidity is fantastic. I owned a 2009 C350 and this car feels closer in firmness and strength to the Benz than it does to previous Accords.
I just picked it up last week - took some time to deliver. Love it so far.
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grover432
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I test drove a Canadian I4 and V6 Touring, both with 18" wheels. I thought the ride was pretty good. I took the car over a section of very poor pavement and can say that I wouldn't want to drive on roads like that for extended periods of time in the Accord, but I could say the same thing about almost any car besides a luxury cruiser like a Buick and Cadillac.
On most roads I tested on, I found the ride to be on the firm side, but comfortable. You really need to test drive one to see if you like the ride. I plan to log many more miles testing on various road surfaces before I make a final purchase decision.
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dj
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The Sport though not officially noted does seem to have a completely different suspension tune. Wheels and steering ratio are different as noted but this Accord Sport is far more than described by words it's indeed a trim of its own. In previous Accords they all had the same driving feel with the difference being the equiptment you gained by moving up the model ladder. I have driven the 2013 EX and Sport models back to back..no comparison the Sport is indeed firmer and far more controlled. I'm waiting to drive a manual LX,EX or Sport when they become available..then make a decision. 1st chioce for now is a Sport handsdown.
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Jet Sitter
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When you get your hands on a MT sport, provide us a report of your impressions. I heard that the MT's will become available in November, but IMO, if you want one you're going to have to order it.
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siegen
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dj wrote:
The Sport though not officially noted does seem to have a completely different suspension tune. Wheels and steering ratio are different as noted but this Accord Sport is far more than described by words it's indeed a trim of its own. In previous Accords they all had the same driving feel with the difference being the equiptment you gained by moving up the model ladder. I have driven the 2013 EX and Sport models back to back..no comparison the Sport is indeed firmer and far more controlled. I'm waiting to drive a manual LX,EX or Sport when they become available..then make a decision. 1st chioce for now is a Sport handsdown.
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Interesting. I'm going to drive a Sport model today (unfortunately also CVT). I am glad to hear it has a firmer and more controlled suspension, as that is definitely preferable.
Jet Sitter wrote:
I heard that the MT's will become available in November, but IMO, if you want one you're going to have to order it.
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Both dealers I talked to said they would have to order the Sport 6MT, but both seemed to think it wouldn't be a huge wait (a week to a month). I don't see any 6MT on Autotrader nationwide, so I'm hoping they're just starting to roll out of the factory and I can get a dealer to snag one for me with a deposit (if I like the Sport CVT I drive).
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talon95
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dj wrote:
I have driven the 2013 EX and Sport models back to back..no comparison the Sport is indeed firmer and far more controlled.
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Based on my own experience and published road tests, other 2013 Accords besides the Sport (like the EX) are plenty nimble and controlled in their own right. A great balance of firm but supple ride and sporty handling, IMO.
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sas363
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I've had my 2013 Accord EX-L v6 since October 2012. While I love the handling and responsiveness, I find the ride quality to be miserable. I prefer a stiffer ride, but I agree with Rueld that even smooth roads feel bumpy and bumpy roads feel like I'm driving over craters. My previous car was a 2001 Maxima SE, and over the same 20-mile stretch of highway there is no comparison -- I prefer the ride in the Maxima. Front and back seat passengers have also commented on the bumpy ride. Unless the suspension loosens up I may start looking for another car, even though I love everything else about the Accord.
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GradyPhilpott
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I think the ride in my '13 EX 6MT is just fine. I like to feel the road and I certainly can in this car.
My sister, the Toyota queen, would crabbing to high heaven if she took a ride in it, as she deplored my '03 Accord LX 5MT.
I just wish the '13 had the seat bolsters that my '03 had. The new ones aren't the worst I've ever experienced by any stretch of the imagination, but they aren't as good as the '03.
It's still a great car, in my personal judgement.
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A77
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I still reckon the 13 rides better - in as far as absorbing bumps, better than the 12. perhaps it's an illusion brought about by less road noise and a stiffer shell (and far better seats for me - I hated the last gen which were a huge step backwards from the 7 gen). But for whatever reason the 13 rides better. Sure its firm compared to a maxima or an Avalon or most camry's. But that's not what we are discussing. I also think the only differences with the Sport are the fatter lower profile tires which necessitate a wider turning circle, and which make it feel firmer riding. Canadian Tourings have the same wheel size and they feel the same as the Sport.
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GradyPhilpott
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I have not problem with the ride of the new Accord. It can be a bit "busy" at times, but I'll take that any day over a mushy ride.
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typer_801
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Poor ride quality could simply be shock valving. Probably aren't any decent aftermarket shocks out yet, but that could be the issue entirely.
If you're in the greater Cincinati area, you could submit your car to Koni as a test vehicle and potentially recieve a free set of shocks if they select your car. There's a link on the Koni website.
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JeffX
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A77 wrote:
I still reckon the 13 rides better - in as far as absorbing bumps, better than the 12. perhaps it's an illusion brought about by less road noise and a stiffer shell (and far better seats for me - I hated the last gen which were a huge step backwards from the 7 gen). But for whatever reason the 13 rides better. Sure its firm compared to a maxima or an Avalon or most camry's. But that's not what we are discussing. I also think the only differences with the Sport are the fatter lower profile tires which necessitate a wider turning circle, and which make it feel firmer riding. Canadian Tourings have the same wheel size and they feel the same as the Sport.
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Perspective can be a funny thing. I find it amusing that people would consider the Accord to be too firm. To me, it's a hair on the too soft and floaty end of the spectrum. There's no way I'd be able to live with anything softer than tha Accord, that's for sure. I took my kid for a ride in it and he was like, 'whoah this is so smooth and luxurious!'
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DCR
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I wouldn't consider the coupe I drove firm at all...didn't even think about that because nothing happened on the drive that would indicate that sort of ride. The steering is pretty light which contributes to the float big time.
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TonyEX
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DCR wrote:
I wouldn't consider the coupe I drove firm at all...didn't even think about that because nothing happened on the drive that would indicate that sort of ride. The steering is pretty light which contributes to the float big time.
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Was that an MT6 or the AT model?
I'm on the crossroads between going with the 13 Si or trying a 13 Accord V6 MT6. Given my 'commute', gas is not an issue.
But handling is. I was sorely dissapointed with the light steering and shock valving in our 05 Accord V6 MT6 and given that the '13 MT6 is unobtanium for a test ride....
JeffX, what was your impression on that? Was the Accord too soft? Does is float?
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