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2012 Honda Accord Review: A Fantastic Reliable Budget-Friendly Midsize Car

Rating: 4.64
Based on 100 Owner Reviews
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2012 Honda Accord is a mid-size car, part of the Accord's eighth generation (2008-2012). Available as a sedan or coupe, it's known for its reliability and practicality. Key trims included the LX, SE, EX, and EX-L. New pricing ranged roughly from $21,000 to $32,000. Its reputation for longevity, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride have consistently made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
The Good

The 2012 Honda Accord offers a blend of advantages. Practically, it boasts excellent reliability and fuel efficiency. Emotionally, it provides a comfortable ride and a reputation for lasting value. Performance is adequate for daily driving, and its design is classic and inoffensive, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

The Bad

While generally reliable, the 2012 Honda Accord can have issues. Some owners report excessive oil consumption in the 4-cylinder models. Premature brake wear and potential power steering pump failures are also things to watch for. Inspect the car thoroughly for any signs of these problems before purchasing.

2012 Honda Accord: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.4L Inline-4: Standard engine
    • 3.5L V6: Optional engine
  • Horsepower:
    • 2.4L Inline-4: 177-190 hp (depending on trim)
    • 3.5L V6: 271 hp
  • Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
    • 2.4L Inline-4: 23 city / 34 highway mpg
    • 3.5L V6: 20 city / 30 highway mpg
  • 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
  • Trim Level Features:
    • LX: Standard features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a basic audio system.
    • SE: Adds features like alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded audio.
    • EX: Builds upon the LX with features like a sunroof, automatic headlights, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
    • EX-L: Adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, and premium audio system. Navigation system was optional.

2012 Honda Accord Specifications

No records to be displayed

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 2012 Honda Accord Have?

The 2012 Honda Accord is generally reliable, but some common issues have been reported. Excessive oil consumption, particularly in the 4-cylinder models, is a known concern. Some owners have experienced premature brake wear, requiring more frequent replacements. Power steering pump failures, leading to noisy or difficult steering, have also been reported.

Recalls for the 2012 Accord were issued for issues such as potential fuel leakage due to improper fuel tank welding and problems with the power window master switch that could lead to a fire hazard. Always check the VIN with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to determine if any recalls are outstanding.

Long-term reliability concerns often center around the automatic transmission, with some reports of hard shifting or slipping at higher mileages. Regular maintenance, including timely fluid changes, is crucial to mitigating these risks. Inspecting the car's service history and performing a thorough pre-purchase inspection are essential to identifying any potential problems.

How long will the 2012 Honda Accord last?

With proper maintenance, a 2012 Honda Accord can easily exceed 200,000 miles and provide 10-15 years of service. Hondas are known for their durability. However, neglecting regular maintenance like oil changes and transmission fluid flushes can significantly shorten its lifespan. The most common long-term weaknesses relate to potential oil consumption issues in the 4-cylinder engines and the possibility of transmission problems at higher mileage, though these are not universal. Rust can also become a factor in regions with harsh winters and road salt.
Positive Owner Reviews
Brian Jones
My Honda Accord is going to be one of my favorite cars. It is very reliable and spacious. Ever since I purchased it it never gave me problems.
Manny
Still own the 2012 Honda Accord LX-P. Bought new in 2012 and currently has 187k miles (mostly highway) and still runs smooth. Great for commuting. Great mileage. You are welcome to contact me via text at 203-645-9642 for any further details.
Randolph
Excellent vehicle overall. Great gas mileage. At 192,000 miles and i still have the original clutch. Excellent car for commuting and excellent on the highway
Negative Owner Reviews
Mutaher Ali
Mostly junk yards, accident, rebuilt cars with very costly prices in market. Damages, dents seen openly without any proper painting done to look cosmetic. Neither body damage fixed properly. Dealers, mechanics join together selling such cars. Not even a single honest mechanics who resort to cheat customers stating lots of work need to be done.
Scam
This ad was a scam. They sent me 3 emails all with completely different stories about how desperately they need to sell this car. They did not even have the car in the state where the license plate and ad was located.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2012 Honda Accord offered a decent array of technology for its time. Standard features included a CD player, auxiliary input jack, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Higher trims (EX and EX-L) added features like a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls (but not audio streaming on earlier models), and a premium audio system. A navigation system was optional on the EX-L trim.

Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern cars. Stability control and antilock brakes were standard. Higher trims offered features like automatic headlights and a rearview camera.

Safety features included front, side, and curtain airbags. The 2012 Honda Accord received strong crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating. The IIHS gave it a "Top Safety Pick" designation. These ratings reflect the car's robust safety structure and effective safety systems.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Alabaster Silver Metallic
Basque Red Pearl II
Crystal Black Pearl
Dark Amber Metallic
Polished Metal Metallic
Taffeta White
Modern Steel Metallic
Interior Colors
Ivory
Black
Gray

2012 Honda Accord Prices and Market Value

The 2012 Honda Accord had a starting MSRP of around $21,000, with higher trims reaching upwards of $32,000. As of late 2023, used prices typically range from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on condition, mileage, and trim level. The Accord has experienced significant depreciation, but its strong reputation for reliability helps it retain more value than some competitors. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition (accident history, rust), trim level (EX-L models with navigation command higher prices), and overall market demand for used cars.

2012 Honda Accord Cost of Ownership

The 2012 Honda Accord is generally economical to own. Insurance costs are typically moderate. Fuel efficiency is good, especially with the 4-cylinder engine. Maintenance costs are reasonable due to Honda's reliability and readily available parts. Repairs are usually affordable, although some specific issues like transmission problems can be costly. Overall, the Accord offers a low long-term cost of ownership, making it a financially sound choice.

2012 Honda Accord Fuel Efficiency

No records to be displayed

2012 Honda Accord Insurance

Insurance for a 2012 Honda Accord is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Vehicle with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2012 Honda Accord Compare to Other Vehicle?

The 2012 Honda Accord competed with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Sonata. The Accord excels in reliability and resale value, often surpassing its rivals in these areas. The Camry is its closest competitor, offering similar levels of reliability and a comfortable ride. The Altima provides a sportier driving experience but may not match the Accord's long-term reliability. The Fusion offers a more stylish design, and the Sonata presents a strong value proposition with more features for the price.

In terms of performance, the V6 Accord is competitive, but the 4-cylinder is adequate but not thrilling. Feature-wise, the Accord is generally well-equipped, especially in higher trims, but some rivals offered more advanced technology at the time.

If reliability and resale value are paramount, the Accord and Camry are top choices. The Fusion might appeal to those prioritizing style, while the Sonata could be attractive to budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich car. Depending on individual needs and preferences, any of these alternatives could be considered.

Ranks #286 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★)
286 2012 Honda Accord (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Honda Accord a Good Vehicle?

The 2012 Honda Accord is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, practical, and affordable mid-size car. It's ideal for families, commuters, and anyone prioritizing dependability. It's generally worth buying used, provided it has been well-maintained. Look for models with a documented service history and a clean title. While the EX-L trim offers the most features, the LX or SE trims can provide excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. Be sure to have any potential purchase inspected by a trusted mechanic to identify any potential issues before committing.

2012 Honda Accord Owner Reviews

4.64
Overall rating
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Brian Jones on December 29, 2023

Very reliable and comfortable.

My Honda Accord is going to be one of my favorite cars. It is very reliable and spacious. Ever since I purchased it it never gave me problems.

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Manny on September 20, 2022

Excellent and Reliable Car

Still own the 2012 Honda Accord LX-P. Bought new in 2012 and currently has 187k miles (mostly highway) and still runs smooth. Great for commuting. Great mileage. You are welcome to contact me via text at 203-645-9642 for any further details.

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Mutaher Ali on February 28, 2022

Used cars

Mostly junk yards, accident, rebuilt cars with very costly prices in market. Damages, dents seen openly without any proper painting done to look cosmetic. Neither body damage fixed properly. Dealers, mechanics join together selling such cars. Not even a single honest mechanics who resort to cheat customers stating lots of work need to be done.

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0
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Randolph on February 17, 2021

Lowest cost maintenance vehicle i have ever had

Excellent vehicle overall. Great gas mileage. At 192,000 miles and i still have the original clutch. Excellent car for commuting and excellent on the highway

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Pam in CT on January 3, 2021

Honda Accord EX - Luxury, Comfort and Economical

Reliable, economical to own, and very comfortable ride. Honda engines purr. Safe and easy to handle driving and parking. Highly recommend for durability and luxury without the cost and fluff.

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R on December 18, 2020

Great Coupe

The car meets my needs. The 5 speed manual is the only way to drive. Exterior color is a cool metallic gray with a black interior. Huge truck and a lot of space on the inside for a tall person.

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Jhg81angel on October 9, 2020

Love the Accord

I loved my Accord. The vehicle is reliable has great amenities and is great on gas. There weren't many recalls on the vehicle while I possessed it.

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JCKC on October 1, 2020

Reliable and safe car

Practical, reliable, safe and great first and last car! Trusted manufacturer, trusted dealership (joe morgan), great service. Recommend this car for anyone that needs a safe and reliable car for a very affordable price.

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JaneHonda on September 8, 2020

The best financial decision you will ever make

I bought my 2012 Accord SE in May of 2019 with 69k miles on it and I've owned it for about a year and a half now. It now has 78k miles, and in the first 12 months, I spent $80 total on maintenance. As an ASE certified technician, I did all labor myself. But even so, that figure is nothing compared to my previous car, a 2005 Audi A4. When I switched from an Audi to a Honda, I wasn't sure I'd be satisfied with the features that were available. As it turns out, all I need for the everyday are leather and heated seats. The only features I really miss about the Audi are premium sound and sport mode. It does suffer from prominent road noise, but so does every Accord ever built. You get over it. If you live in a snowy area and are skeptical about buying front wheel drive, don't be. I live in Wisconsin where we can count on 30+ inches of snow every year. As I said, my previous car was an Audi with Quattro AWD. Aside from Subaru, Audi has arguably the most sophisticated and legendary AWD system out there. I stuck with all seasons for the Audi and I fishtailed all the time, even at low speeds. I invested in a quality set of Blizzak snow tires when I bought the Accord and, I'm not kidding, it handles better than the Audi did. I can make a turn through four inches of un-plowed snow without sliding. My point being, what really matters most of the time is the quality of your tires more so than your drive train. I also should note that I purchased the 2.4L four-banger instead of the V6. It has plenty enough power to get you around town with 177 horses at your service. My four-cylinder is very easy to maintain and has a timing chain which means I won't have to worry about a flimsy belt snapping off and ruining my engine when I'm cruising down the interstate. It also doesn't burn a single drop of oil even after eight years. The bottom line is, the Accord sedan is a great family hauler or commuter car. It's cheap to own (not necessarily to buy!), it's extremely comfortable, and I highly recommend this car to anyone who likes to keep their vehicles for any extended length of time. If you take care of your Accord, it will certainly take care of you.

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Dane on August 29, 2020

Hondas never Let you down

I owned this car for 8 years and kept up with the maintenance and never once had any issues, it was always reliable and a great ride. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a safe, reliable and comfortable vehicle.

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Jovan

Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.