[CDR Benson]

It's new car-buying time for me, and I've had my eye on the 2018 Honda Accord EX-L 2.0T with navigation. I've never owned a Honda before, so I've been performing my due diligence, researching everything about the car that I can find. Despite my intense efforts, though, there's one definitive answer that's been eluding me. So it occurred to me to do what the old Packard advertisement recommended: "Ask the man who owns one."

I'm six-foot-three, legs and torso in proportion (so no short legs, long torso, or vice versa), and large build (250 lbs.). Will I fit comfortably in a 2018 Accord? Particularly with reference to headroom.

I've looked at various sites which list the driver's headroom specs and they vary between 37.5 in. and 39.5 in, and never does that tell me if that's with the seat in the normal position, or lowered to its lowest point. Legroom specs have been consistent at 42 in. I've been driving a 2014 Nissan Altima for years---it has a 45-in. legroom and I don't have to move my seat all the way back---so I don't know if 42 in. is good for me or not. I've read one professional reviewer of the car (6'5") and one consumer reviewer (about a 6'2" passenger) remark that their knees scraped the underside of the dashboards. That set off an alarm bell.

There are three dealerships which has this trim of the Accord in the colour I want, but none of them are close to me. I don't mind driving seventy or ninety miles to buy a car, but I don't want to make the trip just to find I cannot sit in it comfortably.

Everything else about this car is attractive; in fact, it's at the top of my short list. But I really need to know how it fits on me.

Much obliged to any of you who can help with some information!

 

[Fired00d]

I'm 6'2/3" (think I'm getting shorter as I get older :smile, have the seat all the way back and low as it will go and find that to be comfortable for me. One thing that may be a concern for you is some have mentioned that they find a lack of cushion in the seat (with a weight of 250lbs that may be an issue)… my weight is 205/210 and I don't find it uncomfortable at this time. Headroom is no issue for me, matter fact I was quite surprised at the amount of headroom.

 

[CDR Benson]

Many thanks for your reply. That's just the kind of direct knowledge I need to know.

For what it's worth, we're all getting shorter. I used to top out at about an eighth of an inch under 6'4", now I'm only 6'3" in the mornings. I'm glad to know that you've got plenty of headroom clearance. And since you didn't mention it, I presume you have no problems with your knees banging the underside of the dash.

I've really been impressed with this 2018 Accord EX-L 2.0T---with the navigation, of course. I'm a bells-and-whistles kind of guy. But I also believe in bang for my buck, and this Accord trim gives me everything I want for a better price than the luxury makes.

I hadn't thought about the seat cushioning, but I will now, though, when I finally test drive the car. Thanks for the head's-up!

 

[Fired00d]

Many thanks for your reply. That's just the kind of direct knowledge I need to know.

For what it's worth, we're all getting shorter. I used to top out at about an eighth of an inch under 6'4", now I'm only 6'3" in the mornings. I'm glad to know that you've got plenty of headroom clearance. And since you didn't mention it, I presume you have no problems with your knees banging the underside of the dash.

I've really been impressed with this 2018 Accord EX-L 2.0T---with the navigation, of course. I'm a bells-and-whistles kind of guy. But I also believe in bang for my buck, and this Accord trim gives me everything I want for a better price than the luxury makes.

I hadn't thought about the seat cushioning, but I will now, though, when I finally test drive the car. Thanks for the head's-up!

I haven't noticed any banging pf my knees on the underside of the dash... my left foot rests on the dead pedal/foot rest and my leg/knee rest on the door, my right leg rests on the center console... I'd add that my inseam is 34".

 

[Ghawkins]

I am 6’3”, 216 lbs, and 78 years. 34” inseem. I also keep the seat as far back as possible and all the way down with tilt to the rear. Very comfortable but would not want any less legroom. My right knee does hit the juncture of the console/lower dash, but it doesn’t bother me. The suite of driver aids is great except the Advanced Cruise Control. It leaves too much distance from the vehicle ahead for the reality of today’s traffic. Also not smooth enough when transitioning from following on the driving lane to passing. I just set it on conventional cruise. I live in a small town/rural area and really appreciate the auto high beams. The “BRAKE” alert and automatic emergency braking work as designed. The Lane Keeping Assist is helpful as well after I adapted to the auto steering effect. Rear cross traffic alert helps at the mall.

Gas mileage is great my 2.0T 10 speed auto...32 mpg overall. It’s hard to imagine the 1.5T CVT doing much better. Absolutely no issues in 10,000 miles so far. I use the standard driving mode 98% of the time. Never use the ECO mode. The response is too slow.

 

[PGT]

/\ where in VA? Your pic looks familiar.

I'm 6'1" and I tried a LOT of sedans for headroom and the Accord is the best there is under $40K. I've got broad shoulders too so that's always been a challenge. I fit great in this car. That said, everybody is different and you won't know until you sit in it. I was all ready to buy a new Avalon until I sat in it (same for the Camry). Specs alone don't tell the story.

 

[BuickNut]

I am 6'4" 298. Even with a sunroof I have head room. The legroom is as Ghawkins says. The bottom seat cushion leaves a lot to be desired for long trips. It is very firm.

 

[CDR Benson]

Thanks for your input, fellows. It's just what I wanted to know. Of course, as PGT said, everybody's different, and I'll have to see how I fit into the Accord EX-L. But what you've told me about your own experiences informs me that there's an excellent chance that it will fit me just fine---as opposed to "don't even bother getting in."

I'm still in preliminary negotiations with the three dealerships, but as soon as I get behind the wheel of an Accord EX-L, I'll report back here. And I'll definitely check in if I buy one.

Thanks, again!

 

[PhotoByFriend]

I fit great and I am 6'3 and 365. So you have plenty of room to grow.

 

[BuickNut]

I just moved my seat up tonight. It is a little more comfortable for my feet at pedals. The only other car I've driven with the seat not all the way back is my '84 CRX, I loved that car.

 

[Bigborgel]

I'm 6'-2/3" and 285 lbs, inseam is 32". I fit fine with the seat all the way back. 2 complaints, seat bottomis hard, and my butt hurts after a few hours of driving. Secondly, I feel the brake pedal is too high, my right shoe sole catches on bottomside of the pedal.

 

[Fired00d]

@CDR Benson have you had the chance to check out the car yet?... just wondering what you thought.

 

[CDR Benson]

@CDR Benson have you had the chance to check out the car yet?... just wondering what you thought.

I'm waiting for the 2019 Accords to hit the street. I assume that will result in price drops for the 2018 Accord EX-L 2.0T. Frankly, I've pretty much identified how low a dealership will go on that trim and it prices easily within my budget. I could make a pretty good deal on one now, I suspect. But I think it will be easier after the 2019 Accords hit and the end of the calendar year gets closer.

As far as my on-line research, everything I see recommends the vehicle highly. Not perfect, but then, no car ever is. But it's at the top of my short list.

I am eager to actually get in to the car and start the purchase process, but I keep reminding myself that waiting is the best tack right now. There's a "sweet spot" when it's time to walk into the dealership to talk business. I don't think we're quite there, yet.

 

[Fired00d]

I'm waiting for the 2019 Accords to hit the street. I assume that will result in price drops for the 2018 Accord EX-L 2.0T. Frankly, I've pretty much identified how low a dealership will go on that trim and it prices easily within my budget. I could make a pretty good deal on one now, I suspect. But I think it will be easier after the 2019 Accords hit and the end of the calendar year gets closer.

As far as my on-line research, everything I see recommends the vehicle highly. Not perfect, but then, no car ever is. But it's at the top of my short list.

I am eager to actually get in to the car and start the purchase process, but I keep reminding myself that waiting is the best tack right now. There's a "sweet spot" when it's time to walk into the dealership to talk business. I don't think we're quite there, yet.

Gotcha... good luck in your quest.

 

[CDR Benson]

Gotcha... good luck in your quest.

Aye, and thank you. You fellows helped me considerably, so I'll be sure to check back after I've got one in my garage.

 

[CDR Benson]

Bought It!

Yes, gang, I bought the EX-L 2.0T with navigation yesterday, and it underwent a veritable baptism of fire driving home. I'll explain that in my entry in the Accord Owners Registry and Check-In section. But my thanks to all of you for your information. With the experience of driving it for several hours now, all of the information you fellows provided was spot-on.

Much obliged!

 

[Fired00d]

Yes, gang, I bought the EX-L 2.0T with navigation yesterday, and it underwent a veritable baptism of fire driving home. I'll explain that in my entry in the Accord Owners Registry and Check-In section. But my thanks to all of you for your information. With the experience of driving it for several hours now, all of the information you fellows provided was spot-on.

Much obliged!

Congrats, glad it worked out for you.