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2011 Honda Accord Review: A Fun to Drive Affordable Midsize Car

Rating: 4.62
Based on 100 Owner Reviews ▶
Cathleen V | March 31, 2025
The 2011 Honda Accord is a mid-size car known for its reliability and practicality, part of the eighth generation (2008-2012). Available as a sedan or coupe, it offered trims like the LX, SE, EX, and EX-L. Its popularity stemmed from its reputation for dependability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. New, it ranged approximately from $21,000 to $32,000, depending on the trim and options. The Accord stood out for its balanced approach to performance, comfort, and value.
The Good

The 2011 Honda Accord offers a compelling blend of advantages. Practically, it boasts impressive reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value. From an emotional standpoint, its responsive handling and comfortable interior contribute to a satisfying driving experience. The Accord's reputation for longevity also provides peace of mind to buyers.

The Bad

While generally reliable, the 2011 Honda Accord can experience issues with excessive oil consumption in the 4-cylinder engines, particularly in later years. Some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission. Rust can also be a concern in areas with harsh winters. It's crucial to inspect any potential purchase for these issues and check the vehicle history report.

2011 Honda Accord: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.4L Inline-4: Available across LX, SE, EX, and EX-L trims.
    • 3.5L V6: Available on EX-L trim.
  • Horsepower:
    • 2.4L Inline-4: 177 hp (LX, SE), 190 hp (EX, EX-L).
    • 3.5L V6: 271 hp.
  • Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
    • 2.4L Inline-4: 23 city / 34 highway mpg (automatic), 22 city / 31 highway mpg (manual).
    • 3.5L V6: 20 city / 30 highway mpg (automatic).
  • 0-60 Times (Approximate):
    • 2.4L Inline-4: 8.5-9.5 seconds.
    • 3.5L V6: 6.5-7.0 seconds.
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • LX: Air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, keyless entry, CD player, auxiliary audio input.
    • SE: Adds leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded audio system, and alloy wheels.
    • EX: Adds sunroof, alloy wheels (if not already equipped), automatic headlights, upgraded audio system, and available navigation system.
    • EX-L: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium audio system, and available navigation system with voice recognition. V6 models get fog lights and a chrome exhaust finisher.

2011 Honda Accord Specifications

No records to be displayed

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 2011 Honda Accord Have?

The 2011 Honda Accord, while generally reliable, has some frequently reported problems. Excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 4-cylinder engines, is a common concern. This issue can lead to premature engine wear if not properly monitored and addressed. Some owners have also reported issues with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting or hesitation. Rust, especially in areas with road salt, can be a long-term concern, affecting body panels and undercarriage components.
Recalls for the 2011 Accord have included issues related to the power steering hose, which could leak and potentially cause a fire. Also, the Takata airbag inflators were subject to a widespread recall affecting numerous vehicles, including the 2011 Accord. Long-term reliability concerns often revolve around maintaining the engine to prevent or mitigate oil consumption, addressing potential transmission issues promptly, and proactively preventing rust. Checking the vehicle history for completed recall repairs is crucial when considering purchasing a used 2011 Accord. Regular maintenance and addressing minor issues promptly can significantly extend the lifespan of the vehicle, but being aware of these potential problems is essential.

How long will the 2011 Honda Accord last?

With diligent maintenance, a 2011 Honda Accord can easily reach 200,000 miles or more and provide 15+ years of service. Regular oil changes (using the correct viscosity), timely transmission fluid replacements, and cooling system maintenance are crucial. Long-term durability is generally good, but potential weaknesses include oil consumption in the 4-cylinder engines, and rust in areas where road salt is used. Neglecting maintenance, especially addressing oil consumption issues, can significantly shorten the lifespan. Many Accords from this era are still on the road, testament to their inherent reliability.
Positive Owner Reviews
Steve
This car met all of my needs. It has plenty of leg room in the front and back. The leather seats are perfect for my dogs
Gkp
This car met all of my needs.It has plenty of legroom in the front and back, the ride is great compared to other cars I tested. It has 3 USB ports.
abake
i love it hondas, it is really good cars and less gas strong so on Cars .com is asking me type more but i do
Negative Owner Reviews
Tom G,
Over the years I have had four Honda products —œ 2 Civics and 2 Accords. This is my second Accord. The first, a 1990 LX coupe, was bought new and was a reliable vehicle in most every way. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes, tires etc.) the only issue I had was replacing an alternator. It ran well until totaled in an accident. Can't fault the manufacturer for that one. The second is another story. It is a 2011 Honda Accord V6 EX. I bought it used in 2016 and was unaware of a class action lawsuit, which Honda lost. The issue was over excessive oil burning, fouled plugs resulting in engine misfires. In the past 2 years I have had to replace plugs and 3 coils on the vehicle. It was getting not only expensive but really annoying. Just yesterday the engine light came on again and the car was again misfiring. I took it to the Honda dealer from which I purchased the car and found three badly fouled plugs. Honda Canada has extended the warranty on these cars to eight years. The dealer has ordered parts and will replace the rings on three of the problem cylinders. This is a major repair job. It will apparently take three days, possibly more, to complete. Seems like a long time but it is a busy Honda dealership. It appears all parts and labour will be covered under warranty. They bloody well better be. Other than this major issue, and this is a major issues, the car has been very good in every other way. Potential buyers should/must be aware of this oil burning issue before purchase. If the car has not been repaired do not purchase unless the oil problem had been addressed. The warranty extension will run out at the end of 2019. After that time you will be screwed for a major repair bill.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2011 Honda Accord offered a decent array of tech and safety features for its time. Standard features included a CD player with auxiliary input, power windows and locks, and cruise control. Higher trims (EX and EX-L) offered upgrades like a sunroof, premium audio system, and available navigation system with voice recognition. The navigation system was optional and a significant upgrade.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles. There was no adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, or blind-spot monitoring available.
Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), vehicle stability assist (VSA), and front, side, and side curtain airbags.
The 2011 Honda Accord received generally high crash-test ratings. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) rated it as a "Top Safety Pick." These ratings reflected its strong performance in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. The EX-L trim added features like automatic headlights, which enhanced safety in low-light conditions. While not as advanced as newer cars, the 2011 Accord provided a solid safety foundation for its occupants.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Basque Red Pearl
Crystal Black Pearl
Polished Metal Metallic
Taffeta White
Dark Amber Metallic
Royal Blue Pearl
Interior Colors
Ivory
Gray
Black

2011 Honda Accord Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2011 Honda Accord ranged from approximately $21,000 for a base LX sedan to around $32,000 for a fully loaded EX-L V6 coupe. Current used market prices vary widely depending on condition, mileage, and location, but expect to find them ranging from $6,000 to $12,000. The Accord's strong reputation for reliability contributes to better-than-average resale value. Factors affecting resale include mileage, condition (mechanical and cosmetic), trim level (EX-L models command a premium), accident history, and geographic location. Models with documented maintenance history will also fetch higher prices.

2011 Honda Accord Cost of Ownership

The 2011 Honda Accord is generally economical to own. Insurance costs are typically moderate. Fuel efficiency is decent, especially with the 4-cylinder engine. Maintenance is relatively affordable, with readily available parts and a wide network of mechanics familiar with the car. Repairs are usually straightforward, further contributing to lower costs. Long-term ownership costs are kept in check by the Accord's inherent reliability, although potential oil consumption issues on the 4-cylinder engines could lead to increased expenses if not properly addressed.

2011 Honda Accord Fuel Efficiency

No records to be displayed

2011 Honda Accord Insurance

Insurance for a 2011 Honda Accord is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2011 Honda Accord Compare to Other Vehicle?

The 2011 Honda Accord competed with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu. In terms of reliability, the Accord and Camry were generally considered top contenders, with the Altima slightly behind. Performance-wise, the Accord's V6 engine offered competitive power, but the Fusion's sportier driving dynamics were appealing to some. Feature-wise, the Altima and Fusion offered similar tech options. Price-wise, the Accord was generally in line with the Camry, while the Malibu and Fusion could often be found for slightly less.
A viable alternative to the 2011 Accord is the Toyota Camry of the same year; it offers similar reliability and a comfortable ride. The Ford Fusion is a decent alternative if you value styling and handling. The Mazda6 is also an option if you want a more engaging driving experience. Choosing between these options depends largely on individual priorities – reliability, performance, features, or budget. Overall, the Accord offers a balanced package, making it a consistently popular choice.

Ranks #295 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0★)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0★)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0★)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0★)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (5.0★)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0★)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0★)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0★)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0★)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0★)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0★)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0★)
295 2011 Honda Accord (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Honda Accord a Good Vehicle?

The 2011 Honda Accord is an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and practical mid-size car. It's well-suited for families, commuters, and anyone prioritizing dependability and fuel efficiency. Whether it's worth buying depends on the condition and price. A well-maintained used model can be a great value. Due to the age of the vehicle, buying new is obviously not an option. The EX or EX-L trims offer a good balance of features and value. Thoroughly inspect any potential purchase for oil consumption, transmission issues, and rust before committing. If these issues are addressed, the 2011 Accord can provide years of reliable service.

2011 Honda Accord Owner Reviews

4.62
Overall rating
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Jake on March 7, 2022

Classic Honda reliability, with quirks

EX coupe, I4 engine, 5 speed manual transmission Bought this car used, traded in a Subaru Forester for it. Had about 125k ish on the odometer when purchased, coming up on 143k now with absolutely zero issues. Had to get the tire sensors replaced and a remote made for it, but I haven't had any mechanical issues whatsoever. Hondas are reliable to a fault, even more so with regular maintenance. I only run Chevron or Shell fuel, and Mobil 1 super synthetic oil to keep things clean. The computer lets me go up to 7k miles between changes! Good thing for me because this is my daily all around the state driver. Sound system is incredible stock, with an 8 inch shallow throw sub in the rear deck. As usual, Honda is known for great power trains, but a fairly cheap interior. No big unless you're looking for a luxury vehicle! Road noise is pretty average for a Honda, can be loud if you're used to Toyota or Chevy. Suspension is a little stiff and clumsy, but again, reliable. Don't expect to take this car off-road unless you want it to complain the entire way 😂 All in all, this is probably the best car I have owned to date. Sporty, stylish, and almost bulletproof. Going to give her a good tune up soon and I plan to have her for years to come!

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Steve on May 11, 2021

Safe car

This car met all of my needs. It has plenty of leg room in the front and back. The leather seats are perfect for my dogs

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Poophead on May 6, 2021

Nice ride for traveling

Great little car nice design inside and out .. very peppy four a four cylinder , great on gas... Sporty and comfortable for a two door coupe

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Jason Bluml on April 10, 2021

Used car with low mileage

Just purchased, happy so far with the vehicle. This car was well taken care of by the previous one owner. This car has a very smooth ride.

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Gkp on December 11, 2020

Most of reliable car ever I have

This car met all of my needs.It has plenty of legroom in the front and back, the ride is great compared to other cars I tested. It has 3 USB ports.

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abake on December 1, 2020

i love it hondas

i love it hondas, it is really good cars and less gas strong so on Cars .com is asking me type more but i do

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Sshon G on November 11, 2020

Most reliable car I ever owned

I love this car, drive well, seats are comfortable. comfortable rear seats, very reliable, no issues with engines, you can drive for a long time, selling to get a new Honda car.

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Dan on September 23, 2020

Honda Accord bias

Great car. Roomy. Handles well. Great gas mileage for sedan. This is our 3rd Accord. Have been able to pass the other 2 down to the kids for college & work.

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Steve on September 7, 2020

Worry free car ownership

I loved this car. I never had a problem with it. It handled well on slick roads. The A/C froze us out. It looked great and ran great even approaching 100k miles.

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EricW on July 30, 2020

Very Reliable

Mostly reliable transportation. Had to replace wheel bearing. Car runs great. Good acceleration. I added a underseat subwoofer. Really had no major issues with this one

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Cathleen V

Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.