2013 Honda Accord Sports Two award-winning engine options, a fuel-efficient four-cylinder and a 278-horsepower V6 – vehicle history (2023)

The 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 can suffer from oil problems.

Important points

• Regardless of whether you go for a sedan or a 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 were named afterWard's "10 Best Engines"list for the year.
• Available in all models except the Touring sedan, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine was Honda's first direct-injected engine in the United States.
• While the 2.4-liter normally produces 185 hp, a special high-flow exhaust boosts the sports model to 189 hp.
• The 3.5-liter V6 produces a whopping 278 hp and could be fitted with a manual transmission in the Accord coupe.

2.4L 4-cylinder direct injected 'Earth Dreams' engine for up to 35mpg on the highway

TheIn the 2013 model year, an all-new ninth-generation Honda Accord was launched, with a new engine and a revised engine to complement the restyling. The most common is the former, a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Using all-aluminum construction, it featured i-VTEC variable valve timing, dual 16-valve overhead camshafts and direct fuel injection for the first time on a US-market Honda.

In most models it produced 185 hp at 6,400 rpm and 181 lb.-ft. Torque at 3,900 rpm. However, the Accord Sport sedan features a unique high-flow exhaust to push up to 189 hp and 182 lb.-ft. While a six-speed manual is standard on most models, a new CVT is optional across the range and standard on the EX-L. With the manual could get the Accord sports sedanfrom 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the CVT knocked it down to 7.5 seconds.

Fuel economy is the 2.4-litre engine's strong suit, and a large part of that is namedGuardianList of “10 Best Engines” for 2013.Manual models achieve 24 mpg city, 34 highway and 27 combined. The CVT makes it even more economical at 26/35/30.Guardiancalled it "amazingly efficient," adding, "We drove the car 537 miles, and two editors topped 33mpg, not bad for a generously proportioned sedan."

Oil changes require 4.4 liters of 0W-20 engine oil every 5,000 miles. Should you need to replace one of these 2.4 liter engines, it's a little cheaper than some competing vehiclesCar Part Planet costs around $1,099for a used engine.

The 3.5-liter V6 is a strong performer with 278 hp and an optional six-speed manual in the Accord coupe

Positioned as a performance option in the 2013 Honda Accord lineup, the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 was retained for the high-end EX-L and Touring classes. Also named for 2013Guardian"Top 10 Engines" list, the updated V6 features 24-valve single overhead camshafts, i-VTEC variable valve timing and multi-point fuel injection.

A new six-speed automatic is standard, but a six-speed manual could be an option for the Accord EX-L coupe, making it the sportiest model in the lineup. Automatic models also benefit from variable cylinder management technology, 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 guide's 10.0:1.

All V6 models produced a healthy 278 hp at 6,200 rpm and 252 lb.-ft. Torque at 4,900 rpm, which is enough to help the coupe from 0-60mph in just 5.5 seconds with either transmission, with the automatic sedan only slightly slower at 5.6 seconds.

The manual coupé offers maximum driving pleasure, but at the expense of fuel consumption. It only gets 18 mpg city, 28 highway and 21 combined. However, the new, more efficient automatic system is having an effect. Its highway fuel economy of 33 mpg is just within the mark of the four-cylinder, though its 21 mpg city and 25 combined.

Oil changes are also mandatory for the V6 every 5,000 miles, using 4.5 liters of 0W-20 engine oil. Should you need to replace one of these V6 engines, you will have to reckon with a cost ofrund 1.550 $ pro Car Part Planet.

2013 Accords with 2.4 liter Earth Dreams engines have reported problems with excessive oil consumption

In particular, the 2013 Honda Accord's 2.4-liter Earth Dreams engine was the source of many complaints157 engine-related complaints filed with NHTSA.

These complaints can largely be reduced to two common and well-known problems. The one that most owners have complained about is excessive oil consumption, which typically occurs after the 80,000 mile mark. It's generally quoted as consuming about a liter of oil per 1,000 miles, which would leave it bone dry by the next service unless you checked it carefully. One owner even states that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced because burnt oil is clogging it.

The other common complaint is starter motor failure, which occurs anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 miles due to corrosion. Unlike the oil consumption issue, this appears to be affecting both four-cylinder and V6 models, although more NHTSA complaints suggest it's the former.

The hard-hitting V6 is the choice of the 2013 Honda Accord Range thanks to its power and better reliability

Given the well-documented problems of the 2.4-liter Earth Dreams engine, those looking to buy a used 2013 Honda Accord are better off opting for the 3.5-liter V6, albeit under-spec starter problems. The V6 is not only significantly more powerful, automatic models are just as economical on the highway as the four-cylinder. For those looking for more of a driver's car, the EX-L V6 coupe's optional manual transmission is also worth considering for enthusiasts.

Photos: Honda