Honda Accord
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Exceptional fuel economy and reliability, comfortable ride, strong resale, hybrid model
Below Average: Frustrating infotainment, conservative styling, options limited by trim
Consensus: About the closest you’ll come to finding the perfect family sedan at a good price.
Ford Fusion
What’s for sale near me?
Above Average: Athletic handling, numerous engine options, numerous high-tech assists, European styling
Below Average: resale value, Sync infotainment, thick side pillars
Consensus: One car wearing many hats, from basic economy car to powerful touring sedan to eco-friendly plug-in hybrid.
On paper, the Ford Fusion seems to run circles around the Honda Accord, offering more engine choices, available all-wheel drive and a number of high-tech options unique to the Ford brand. But, in the real world the Accord’s excellent resale values, trusted reliability and owner loyalty tip the scales in Honda’s favor by a wide margin. Both cars have fussy infotainment systems, but Ford’s early Sync units were particularly trouble prone. Both offer the same factory and CPO warranty coverage, but due to weak resale, a used Fusion will likely cost significantly less than a similarly equipped Accord. The Fusion offers more front seat legroom than the Accord, but all other interior dimensions are roughly the same. Unlike the Fusion, however, the Accord offers the option of a manual transmission, a V6 engine and sporty coupe.
Honda Accord Advantages
Strong resale and reliability, V6 engine option, quiet cabin, available manual transmission, coupe and sedan body styles
Ford Fusion Advantage
Turbocharged engines, available all-wheel drive, high tech goodies like parallel park assist and a configurable instrument cluster, plug-in hybrid
Similarities
Both the Fusion and Accord offer plenty of room for passengers and cargo, numerous amenities and excellent driving dynamics. Later model cars offer high tech driver assists, as well as cutting-edge infotainment features like Apple CarPlay.
Final Recommendation
The Accord is the clear choice for anyone seeking high value, uncomplicated controls and minimal worry. However, the Fusion offers so much more in the way of powertrain options, drivetrain options and high tech, its lower price might prove irresistible.
OK, so what’s next?
I’m ready for one of these cars, and I’d like to trade in my current car while I’m at it.
