2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid

So what's new for 2014 you ask? The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid is an all-new model!

Introduction

Honda recently redesigned the Accord for its ninth generation, improving the sedan's interior and exterior styling. For 2014, the Honda Accord gains a new model, the Accord Plug-In Hybrid. With this new addition to the lineup, Honda becomes one of the few automakers to offer a midsize family sedan in a plug-in hybrid configuration.

Unlike Honda's other hybrids such as the Insight, the Plug-In has an all-new hybrid system that's capable of accelerating the car using pure electric power. And as its name implies, the Plug-In can be recharged externally, thereby minimizing gas usage. Honda says the Accord Plug-In provides about 10-15 miles of pure electric range, after which point it switches over to normal hybrid operation. In regular hybrid mode, this Accord earns EPA estimates of 47 mpg city/46 mpg highway and 46 mpg combined.

Like the standard Accord, the plug-in hybrid offers similar features and comes in one well-appointed trim level based on the standard Accord Touring trim. That includes LED headlights, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a navigation system and monitoring of vitals like charge status, charging stations and even enabled remote charging controlled by smartphone apps. Honda says a full battery charge on a 120-volt outlet will take three hours, while charging on a 240-volt outlet takes less than one hour.

For now Honda will only sell the Accord Plug-In Hybrid in California and New York, so consider yourself lucky if you're interested in the car and happen to live in one of those states. We've yet to fully test the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In, but check back for a complete evaluation in the coming months.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid comes in one well-equipped trim level.

Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, foglamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, full power accessories, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, special "bio-fabric" upholstery, heated front and rear seats, an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), driver memory settings and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Electronic features include Bluetooth connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, voice recognition, a navigation system and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio, an iPod/USB interface and smartphone app integration (HondaLink). Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and a blind-spot monitor are also standard.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor. Together, they send a total of 196 horsepower to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 6.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack powers the electric motor.

The Accord Plug-In Hybrid offers three driving modes: full electric, gas/electric (switches when battery capacity depletes to a specific threshold) and gasoline (for higher speeds or under high demand for acceleration). Additionally, two sub-modes tailor the Accord Plug-In's hybrid mode. "HV" acts as a conventional hybrid, blending gasoline and electric power for optimum fuel efficiency, while "HV Charge" does the same, while feeding energy back into the battery.

The EPA estimates stand at 47 mpg city/46 mpg highway and 46 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid comes with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems are also standard.

Of note is the LaneWatch blind-spot system, which instantly switches the 8-inch screen's display to a low and expansive view of the passenger side of the car when the right turn signal is engaged. A camera in the right-side mirror dedicated to this function provides a confidence-inspiring view, and acclimating to catching the view in the center-dash display is quick and natural.

Interior Design and Special Features

With a few exceptions, the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid features an elegant and well-constructed cabin trimmed with high-quality materials that you could almost mistake for an Acura. The center stack embraces the spirit of legibility with an effective three-tier layout, capped at the top with an 8-inch display.

Despite the new Accord's slightly smaller exterior dimensions compared to the previous generation, its interior room remains impressive. There is plenty of leg and shoulder space for front occupants, and rear-seat passengers should be quite comfortable and happy. Road and tire noise -- often among Honda's traditional weaknesses -- are noticeably reduced in the 2014 Accord thanks in part to two active noise-cancellation systems plus improved aerodynamics.

We're also fond of the visibility afforded by the Accord cabin, which offers a lower beltline, slimmer roof pillars and a generous amount of glass. Unfortunately, the presence of the plug-in hybrid's battery pack means the rear seat does not fold down, thus limiting the Accord's cargo usefulness. The trunk, at 8.6 cubic feet, is also considerably smaller than the regular Accord's.

Driving Impressions

We've yet to test the 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, so check back for impressions on the car's new plug-in hybrid powertrain and handling capabilities.

Honda Owner Link Has a New Look & Name

Honda launched an entirely redesigned site for customers called Honda Owners at owners.honda.com. Honda Owners puts must-have content—owner's manuals, advanced feature guides and how-to-videos—at your fingertips, all without having to sign in. The Honda Owners site continues to make it easy for customers to:

• Schedule service online with your dealership
• Understand their vehicle's maintenance schedule
• Sign up for service reminders
• Get money saving offers

Explore Honda Owners. We want to tell you, our customers, there is a one-stop destination for everything you need to know about their Honda. Honda also make it convenient for customers on the go to access Honda Owners from their mobile device at m.owners.honda.com.

You will automatically receive an email invitation to register with Honda Owners a few days after your Honda purchase. You can register for a new Honda ID right on the site and the best part is you can use your Honda ID (or Acura ID) and password to access Honda Financial Services and HondaLink apps.

Get the Most Out of Your Accord’s Technology

The Accord has always been a Honda bestseller, but the revamped 2013 Accord has reached an all-new technological high. With some of the latest advancements in automotive technology, your new Honda Accord offers a truly rewarding driving experience. And you may be surprised by how easy it is to make these features work for you. Learn all the right buttons to push with your new 2013 Accord…

Personalized Setting: Your Accord can remember all your favorite positions and more.

• You can customize the overall display and sounds on the audio/information screen;
• You can customize your phone settings
• Customize navigation screen
• Customize the camera display

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®:

• Make and take calls through your Accord’s audio system;
• Your steering wheel includes pick-up, hang-up and talk buttons
• Use voice commands; “dial by number,” then say the phone number
• Store up to 20 speed dial entries
• After pairing your phone, its entire phonebook is automatically imported to the system

Audio Connections: Enjoy many ways to play your favorite music.

• Stream audio from your compatible phone through the audio system
• Play audio files from your iPod or USB flash drive
• Record CDs onto your vehicle’s hard disc drive. Songs are automatically recorded once a CD is inserted into the disc slot!
• Use voice commands to search for and play music
• Access music and entertainment programming, location-based services, and social media sites through the audio system

SMS Text Message; A safer, more convenient way to text.

• Receive and send text messages and e-mails from your linked phone using Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®
• The message is displayed and the system reads it aloud
• Replying is made easy with 6 available pre-set messages

Come in to check out the 2013 Accord for yourself. We promise we’ll let you play with all the buttons! 

Kelley Blue Book Names 2013 Insight in Top Spot

Kelley Blue Book has awarded the 2013 Honda Insight the number one spot for the Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car category for the 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.

Holding onto the title as the most affordable hybrid on the market, the Honda Insight presents an even stronger value proposition with the alluring mix of quality, reliability and fuel efficiency on which the Honda brand has built its reputation.

Come visit our showroom and check out the 2013 Insight for yourself. Your 2013 Honda Insight is waiting for you right here in our inventory. 

ALL NEW 2013 Honda Accord Coupe Earns Highest Safety Ratings in Midsize

Not only did the 2013 Accord Coupe get a super hot makeover this year, it also earned a new title including 5 big stars; Highest Safety Ratings in Midsize Class. The 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score was granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2013 Accord Coupe is the only vehicle in its class to earn a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick & good ratings in all test modes. 

New standard and available safety and visibility technologies in Accord models such as Back-Up Camera, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Watch help increase driver awareness in the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle.

As you may know, Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. But did you know that the company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety? Yup! This commitment to safety is rooted in the longstanding Honda goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline.

If you are interested the 2013 Accord Coupe, we suggest you visit our showroom for a test drive IMMEDIATELY! You’re sure to love everything from its sporty look, the technologically advanced interior to the way it drives. Visit Route 23 Honda for a great deal.

Value, Affordability, Reliability & Drivability

What are the most important features for a young car driver making their first automobile purchase? Graduation is right around the corner and many College and High School students will be deciding which car best suits their lifestyle and wallet as well. 

Value, affordability, reliability, and drivability are the top concerns for any car customer, no less a young driver.

1) Value. While Hondas are not the least expensive cars on the market, they are affordable and offer great value for the money. There are many base models that run under $20,000. Hondas base models include standard features such as power windows and door locks, anti-lock brakes and airbags. These standard safety and comfort features make Honda a value that a lower priced vehicle just cannot compete with.

2) Affordability. Gas prices have soared in recent years. Honda's gas mileage helps young drivers get further on a single tank of gas.

3) Reliability. All new cars are reliable.  But when you factor long term reliability, Hondas beat nearly every other model. If properly maintained, you can expect your Honda to run over a decade, traveling upwards of 200,00 miles or more.  Also repair costs tend to be lower than other models.

4) Drivability. Because of Honda's good handling, quick acceleration, comfort and sporty looks, many Honda owners become lifelong aficionados. Another important aspect to many young car buyers is making sure they are living eco-friendly. Hybrid Options are plentiful. In fact, many of Honda's models come in hybrid versions including the Honda Insight which has a base price of around $18,000.

Stop in for a test drive and check out all Honda has to offer!

The Route 23 Honda family takes pride in the process they conduct to certify their pre-owned vehicles. In this video, General Manager, Mike Murphy will share with you the extensive steps taken to certify all the vehicles on the lot. This is never before seen footage!

The certification starts in Route 23 Honda's Service Drive. Any trade in or lease return vehicle received is seen my Jeremy, as seen in the video, first in the Service Lane. Then, the vehicle is moved to the shop for a multi-point inspection where the technicians check everything from filters, fluids to breaks and tires. After the initial inspection, Jeremy will then conduct a visual inspection to establish any body work that is needed, including everything from ding and dent removal to a fresh new paint job. This requires official paperwork recorded by the technician and Jeremy, which is handed over to the Sales Department for authorization. 

Once the decision is made to keep the vehicle, it returns to the Service Drive and all repairs are made. Once all repairs are made, it goes through a 150-point inspection. This inspection double checks all the repairs, plus any electrical items, such as windows and the radio. All 150 items on the list are checked individually. If there are any imperfections that cannot be certified, the vehicle is shipped to the professional Body Shop, fixing those pesky dings and dents. Once the vehicle is detailed and cleaned, the Sales Management Team goes over everything, tags it and parks it on the lot. Now it is ready to be taken home by YOU!

Check out our Certified Pre Owned Inventory Today!