Should I Purchase a 2009 or 2010 Honda Accord?

Question: I am sitting on the fence between purchasing a new Honda Accord 2009 or 2010. As I understand it, the difference is $1,500, blue tooth, and rear AC controls. I am trying to find out whether there are any other benefits to the 2010 Honda Accord or concerns. I have heard of issues with the rear braking system but have been unable to find any in depth reviews. Please offer me your own professional opinion.

Answer: You’ve identified the key differences between the two model years, differences discussed in our 2010 Honda Accord review. I do note that you mention rear AC controls; I don’t think that’s accurate. My understanding is that the EX sedans and EX-L sedans and coupes gain rear heat and air-conditioning ventilation ducts, not controls. Overall, we think the changes are worthwhile, though they’re minor and don’t apply to the volume-selling LX models.

As for your concern about brake issues: I have not heard any official accounts of Accord brake problems. A quick check of various Accord-owner chat rooms does turn up some complaints about what the writers say is the short life of rear brake pads on late-model Accords. Some cite replacement at under 20,000 miles. I do note a Honda service bulletin about brake-pedal softness on some Accords, mostly 2007 models, but nothing official about pad wear or the like.

I’ve sent an e-mail to Honda’s media office asking if the company has identified a problem with brake wear on Accords, and if so, how it was addressed. I’m awaiting an answer, but I don’t anticipating hearing anything that would constitute a deal-breaker for what is one of the best all-around cars on the road.

Meanwhile, if Bluetooth, rear vents, and changes in the color of some control-panel graphics are not critical to you, I think you’d be happy saving a few bucks and going for a 2009 Accord. The dealer is probably quite anxious to unload the 2009 model now that the 2010s are arriving, and you may be able to leverage an even better deal than a $1,500 difference you cite.

Remember, Accord is due a facelift for 2011, getting freshened styling and maybe more new features. So the 2010 model’s going to look and feel a little stale by this time next year.

Chuck Giametta
Managing Editor, Iguida.com