All-new model for 2013, the ninth-generation Honda Accord offers four-cylinder and V6 gas engine options in sedan and coupe models, with manual and automatic transmissions. However, four-cylinder models may suffer from oil issues.
Key Points
- Regardless of whether you opt for a sedan or coupe, the 2013 Honda Accord comes with either a 2.4-liter inline-four or a 3.5-liter V6.
- Both engines were all-new for 2013 and named to Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for the year.
- The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is available in all models but the Touring sedan, and was the first Honda engine to feature direct injection in the U.S.
- While the 2.4-liter normally makes 185 hp, a special high-flow exhaust helps the Sport model make 189 horsepower.
- The 3.5-liter V6 makes a healthy 278 hp and could be optioned with a manual transmission in the Accord coupe.
2.4L Four-cylinder ‘Earth Dreams’ Engine Features Direct-injection to Achieve Up to 35 mpg on the Highway
The 2013 model year saw the arrival of an all-new ninth-generation Honda Accord, with one new engine and one revised engine complementing the redesign. Available most widely across the range is the former, a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Utilizing all-aluminum construction, it featured i-VTEC variable valve timing, dual overhead cams with 16 valves, and direct injection for the first time on a U.S.-market Honda.
In most models, it produced 185 hp at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,900 rpm. However, the Accord Sport sedan features a unique high-flow exhaust to bump that up to 189 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. While a six-speed manual transmission is standard on most models, a new CVT is available optionally across the range and standard on the EX-L. With the manual, the Accord Sport sedan could get from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the CVT knocked it down to 7.5 seconds.
Fuel economy is the 2.4-liter’s strong suit, and a big part of it being named to Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list for 2013. Manual models achieve 24 mpg city, 34 highway, and 27 combined. The CVT makes it even more economical at 26/35/30. Ward’s called it “stunningly efficient,” adding, “We drove the car 537 miles, and two editors exceeded 33 mpg, not bad for a generously proportioned sedan.”
When changing the oil, 4.4 quarts of 0W-20 motor oil are required every 5,000 miles. Should you need to replace one of these 2.4-liter engines, it’s slightly cheaper than in some rival vehicles, with Car Part Planet quoting around $1,099 for a used motor.
3.5L V6 is a Strong Performer with 278 Hp and Optional Six-speed Manual Transmission in the Accord Coupe
Positioned as the performance option in the 2013 Honda Accord range, the 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 was preserved for the higher-end EX-L and Touring grades. Also named to the 2013 Ward’s “Top 10 Engines” list, the updated V6 features single overhead cams with 24 valves, i-VTEC variable valve timing, and multi-point fuel injection.
A new six-speed automatic is standard, but a six-speed manual could be optioned on the Accord EX-L coupe, making it the sportiest model in the lineup. Automatic models benefit from variable cylinder management tech as well, allowing them to run on three cylinders at times to save fuel. They also have a higher compression ratio of 10.5:1 versus the manual’s 10.0:1.
All V6 models produced a healthy 278 hp at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,900 rpm, which is enough to help the coupe get from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds with either transmission, with the automatic sedan only fractionally slower at 5.6 seconds.
The manual coupe might offer maximum driver enjoyment, but it is at the cost of fuel economy. It only achieves 18 mpg city, 28 highway, and 21 combined. The new, more efficient automatic can be seen to make an impact, however. Its highway fuel economy of 33 mpg is just off the mark of the four-cylinder, although its 21 mpg in the city and 25 combined is.
Oil changes are again prescribed every 5,000 miles on the V6, with 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 motor oil required. Should you need to replace one of these V6 engines, you’re looking at a cost of around $1,550 per Car Part Planet.
2013 Accord’s with 2.4L Earth Dreams Engine Have Reported Problems with Excessive Oil Consumption
The 2013 Honda Accord’s 2.4-liter Earth Dreams engine in particular was the source for many complaints, with 157 engine-related complaints submitted to the NHTSA.
These complaints largely boil down to two common and well-known problems. The one most owners have complained about is excessive oil consumption, typically occurring from around the 80,000-mile mark. Consumption of roughly one quart of oil per 1,000 miles is generally claimed, which would leave it bone-dry by the next service were you not diligent in checking it. One owner even cites the catalytic converter needing to be replaced due to burnt oil clogging it up.
The other common complaint is starter motor failure occurring anywhere between 40,000 and 80,000 miles due to corrosion. Unlike the oil consumption issue, this appears to affect both four-cylinder and V6 models, although more NHTSA complaints cite it being on the former.
Punchy V6 is the Pick of the 2013 Honda Accord Range Thanks to its Power and Better Reliability
Given the 2.4-liter Earth Dreams engine’s well-documented issues, those looking at purchasing a used 2013 Honda Accord are better off going with the 3.5-liter V6, even if it can also suffer from starter motor issues. Not only is the V6 considerably more powerful, but automatic models are just as economical on the highway as the four-cylinder. For those after more of a driver’s car, the EX-L V6 coupe’s optional manual transmission also makes it well worth consideration by enthusiasts.
Photos: Honda
