Why 2018 Honda Accord is not selling as well as predicted

Historically, Honda Accord is the best selling retail-only 4-door sedan in North America. I, along with my fellow automotive press journalist, applaud 2018 Honda Accord as the most tech-advanced, and best overall drive and ride experience available in today’s sub-premium midsize sedan segment. It’s affordable, fuel efficient, and easy to look at.

From the base model 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder Accord, to the top-of-the-mark 2018 Honda Accord Touring, there’s a nicely appointed, active safety equipped, and comfortable, Honda Accord for almost any budget. So, what’s keeping Honda Accord from selling at record numbers? I believe there are a couple of factors here that go beyond price-point and dealership availability.

To much, too soon, with a delayed 2.0 turbo Accord Touring offering

According to Automotive News, Honda Accord dealership inventory sits at an unprecedented 103 days -- unheard of in the world of Honda. According to several sources, Accords arch nemesis Toyota Camry, is outselling Honda’s family transportation staple due to Toyota’s exceptional consumer purchase incentives and attractive lease rates -- could be. Me, I wouldn't dump my preferred auto brand for a few dollars a month. But then again, that’s just me.

I believe Honda Accord sales are suffering due to consumer turbo engine concerns

It’s that lingering belief that a turbocharged engine is less reliable than a normally aspirated one. In the latest generation of cars and light trucks, Honda’s opted to eliminate one, if not the best V6 engines available to the auto industry from the Honda Accord lineup. Also gone, is the mechanically bulletproof i-VTEC 4 cylinder fuel injected 4-cylinder gasoline mainstay; replaced by a rather good lineup of Earth Dreams VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder marvels.

Toyota Camry, although redesigned from the tires up, is not turbocharged. And, is available with a 3.5 Liter V6. Also, on closer inspection, Camry appears to have the superior finance terms, and a purchase inclusive 2-year free service binder -- the higher rated Honda Accord does not.

Or, new Honda buyers may simply be opting for Civic, HR-V and CR-V

With a larger and more powerful Honda Civic comes a viable, less expensive, option for many would-be-Accord buyers. Civic in it’s several 4-door variants, comfortably seats 5 adults. Why buy an Accord? Also, when we look to monthly Honda sales, we note a month over month uptick in Honda HR-V, CR-V and most recently with increased production, Honda Pilot. Honda currently offers an expanded lineup of several award winning cars and light trucks. Perhaps the greatest competition for Honda Accord comes from within.