Grassroots Motorsports

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

New car reviews » 2011 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6

• 

Better than: Accord Coupe with an automatic
But not as good as: BMW 3 series
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 90.00  

A little while ago we sampled the Accord Coupe and, truth be told, we were disappointed that it had the four-cylinder backed by an automatic transmission. Where’s the fun in that?

Well, we have now experienced the hot setup: the V6 backed by a six-speed manual box. Our test car even had the EX and Navi packages. Yes, deluxe.

Something to think about: The Accord’s 3.5-liter V6 makes 271 horsepower. Remember when a 225-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 was worthy of magazine covers?

Other staff views:

Tom Heath :

The Accord EX-L is a sleeper for sure. Sure it’s heavy and wrong wheel drive, but it’s also a surprisingly capable and good looking sports coupe.

Scott Lear Production Editor:

The stir-it-yourself V6 Accord has a surprisingly strong link to the surprisingly fun Hondas of days past. It likes to go around corners, it has engaging steering and shift linkage, and it’s eager to play. Tromp the gas in any lower gear and it doles out eye-opening amounts of acceleration. It will shred the tires in second without hesitation; some stickier rubber would only serve to make it more enjoyable. I can see why these fare so well in full race trim, with all the extra weight torn out and some proper suspension and traction modifications, the Accord V6 six-speed would be a riot on track.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

I admit, my first car ever was an Accord, so I feel a special connection withe model. The latest coupe is a nice car. Adding more power only makes a good thing better.

I’m not going to call this a Miata substitute, but it’s a sporty, comfortable car for 99 percent of the people out there.

Reader comments:

1. dj: — Jan 16, 2011 9:15 p.m.
   

   But how does it compare to the CR-Z?

2. irish44j: — Jan 17, 2011 10:55 a.m.
   

   I still miss my 92 Accord EX coupe. Even with it’s so-so power, it was a fun car to drive, even bone-stock. And it’s still the best looking accord model (in coupe/EX trim).

3. Brett_Murphy: — Jan 20, 2011 9:15 a.m.
   

   Not a wagon, not interested.

4. ansonivan: — Jan 20, 2011 11:46 a.m.
   

   Good looking car, great numbers on the engine. Would love to stick that drivetrain in the middle of a CR-Z.

5. 4eyes: — Jan 20, 2011 3:12 p.m.
   

   Beautiful car! Any new car with a manual, is worthy of special consideration. The power to weight ratio is close to what I like.

   I just wish it were a three door.

6. ReverendDexter: — Jan 21, 2011 3:37 p.m.
   

   I think the current-gen Accord coupes are fantastic lookers.

   I just couldn’t ever put $300+/month towards a car that powers the wrong wheels.

7. 4cylndrfury: — Jan 21, 2011 3:41 p.m.
   

   Reverend FTW…I just couldn’t ever put $300+/month towards a car that powers the wrong wheels.

   I will wait 5 years and pick one up 50% off thankyouverymuch

8. ShadowSix: — Jan 23, 2011 9:57 p.m.
   

   Can you get the V6/MTX combo in a four-door?
   And yes, I read the new car reviews to see what kind of cars I might be getting in 5 years as well.

9. neon4891: — Jan 27, 2011 11:25 p.m.
   

   Only down side of looking used, is V6/6spd Accords are not the most common.

---