Honda today took the wraps off the 11th-generation, 2023 Accord, and, well, it’s unlikely to offend. And although some call it the best-looking Accord of all time, we’re not so sure that’s right. So we want to know from you. What is the best-looking Accord of all time?
As noted at the top, this is the 11th-generation of the Accord nameplate, which first appeared in 1976. That means that there’s no shortage of designs to choose from, each a relic or an exemplar of its era, depending on your point of view.
The first-generation Accord was introduced in 1976 and was around from the 1977 to 1982 model years. Honda gave it classic, round, twin headlights and was offered as both a sedan and a hatchback.
More: 2023 Honda Accord Debuts With New Looks And Techy Interior, But Drops 2.0 Turbo
The second-generation car moved the needle further, embracing ’80s squared-off design and adding new square headlights. Slim and angular, the car is doubtless pleasing to fans of the era and was produced for the 1982 to 1985 model years.
From 1986 until 1989, the third-generation refined the second-generation’s design even further. Adding more pronounced wheel flares and pop-up headlights, the car features design that is distinctly of its time.
For the ’90s, Honda introduced the fourth-generation Accord, whose boxy lines were rounded gently. Offered for only the 1990-1993 model years, though, it was quickly replaced by the fifth-generation car, whose even more rounded lines and tiny grille made it even more sober and sophisticated than the models that preceded it.
From 1998 to 2002, the sixth generation car added a little spice to the lineup with new headlights and tail-spanning brake lights. The seventh-generation Accord took over from there and ran from 2002-2008, introducing an increasingly rounded wedge-shaped design.
The eighth-generation Accord is well-remembered by many, and was around from the 2008 to 2012 model years. Still offered as a coupe, it featured distinctive design lines and a new squared-off grille.
From 2012 to 2018, the ninth-generation took over with an evolved design. Slightly less pointy at the front and featuring chiseled body lines, and was the last offered with a two-door, coupe body style, a treat that was only offered to North American buyers.
The 10th-generation was a major departure from that, and featured four-door coupe body lines, elaborately contoured body panels, and a divisive grille that was topped by a chrome strip.
Although the eschewing of that strip is one of the first design changes to catch the eye, it certainly isn’t the only modification. Overall, the body panels feature fewer contours and the grille has been simplified and shrunk. Still an evolution on the 10th-generation’s design language, it is a significant step back towards restrained design compared to the model it replaces, which was a distinctive and (by Accord standards) extravagantly designed sedan.
That’s only a very quick summary of generational shifts. There are body styles, limited editions, and specialty vehicles to consider, too. So what do you think? What’s the best-looking Honda Accord of all time?
