The midsize sedan market is fiercely competitive, yet the Honda Accord has consistently stood out as a benchmark for reliability, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. Among its many iterations, the 2017 Honda Accord Sport trim holds a particular appeal for those seeking a blend of practicality and a touch of athletic flair without breaking the bank. But with several years now passed since its release, the question remains: Is the 2017 Honda Accord Sport still worth it in today's used car market? This comprehensive guide will delve into what makes this particular model a compelling choice, examine its performance, reliability, features, and ultimately help you decide if it’s the right used car for your needs.

Understanding the 2017 Honda Accord Sport

The 2017 Honda Accord was part of the ninth generation (2013-2017), which received a significant refresh in 2016. This update brought a stiffened chassis, subtle front and rear design changes, and enhanced feature availability. The Sport trim, specifically, was designed to offer a more engaging driving experience and a sportier aesthetic compared to the base LX model, making it a popular choice for those who desired a bit more zest from their daily driver.

What Sets the Sport Trim Apart?

The 2017 Honda Accord Sport builds upon the LX features, adding distinct elements that enhance its appeal. Key upgrades include:

• Engine Performance: While the LX, EX, and EX-L trims feature a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, the Sport trim (along with the Sport Special Edition) gets a slight bump in power. Thanks to a high-flow, dual-exhaust system, the 2.4L engine in the Sport model delivers 189 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. This extra power, though modest, contributes to a more responsive feel.
• Wheels and Tires: The Sport trim comes equipped with larger and more aggressive 19-inch alloy wheels, a notable upgrade from the 16-inch wheels on the LX. These larger wheels, paired with low-profile tires, give the car a more assertive stance and contribute to better handling.
• Exterior Styling: Visually, the Sport trim stands out with body-colored side sills, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights, a body-colored decklid spoiler, and dual chrome exhaust finishers. These details give the Accord Sport a more dynamic and premium look.
• Interior Enhancements: Inside, the Sport model offers premium cloth seating with synthetic leather bolsters, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, aluminum pedals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For those opting for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), paddle shifters are included, allowing for a more engaging driving experience. The Sport Special Edition, a new addition for 2017, further added heated front seats and leather seats with red accent stitching.

Performance and Driving Experience

The 2017 Honda Accord Sport offers a balanced driving experience that appeals to a wide audience. Its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 189 horsepower, provides sufficient power for daily commuting and highway merging. While it's not a high-performance sports car, it offers a lively and engaging ride for a midsize sedan.

Transmission Options

The 2017 Accord Sport was available with two transmission choices:

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission (6MT): For driving purists who appreciate direct control, the 6-speed manual offers crisp, easy shifts and a more connected feel to the road.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): The available CVT on the Sport models is known for its smooth operation and efficiency. Honda's CVT is generally regarded as one of the better ones in the market, avoiding the "rubber-band" feel often associated with older CVT designs. It also includes a Sport Mode and paddle shifters for a more dynamic feel.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Accord’s chassis, stiffened in the 2016 refresh, contributes to responsive handling and a composed ride. The Sport trim's 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires enhance its athletic handling, making it feel more engaging than some competitors. However, it's worth noting that the low-profile tires can mean you'll feel more road imperfections, so a test drive is crucial to assess your comfort level. Overall, the 2017 Accord Sport strikes a commendable balance between comfort and agility, making it a pleasure to drive in various conditions.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is a strong suit for the 2017 Honda Accord Sport. With the CVT, it achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and 29 MPG combined. Models with the 6-speed manual transmission have an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city, 32 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined. These figures are competitive for the midsize sedan segment and contribute to lower running costs over time.

Reliability and Longevity: A Honda Hallmark

Honda has a long-standing reputation for building reliable and durable vehicles, and the 2017 Accord Sport largely upholds this legacy. Consumer reviews frequently praise its dependability and quality.

Common Praises and Minor Concerns

• Overall Reliability: The 2017 Honda Accord is generally considered to have excellent reliability, with a high rating from various sources. Many owners report driving long distances without significant issues.
• Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, a 2017 Honda Accord can last around 200,000 miles or more, potentially providing over two decades of use for average drivers.
• Known Minor Issues: While largely reliable, a few minor issues have been reported for the 2016-2017 Accord models:
  • Daytime Running Light (DRL) LED Failure: Some owners have reported the LED DRL strips burning out prematurely. Honda has addressed this with a service bulletin (19-042) and extended the warranty on these LEDs to 10 years with unlimited mileage.
  • Infotainment System Glitches: Complaints about the infotainment system, including the touchscreen (on EX trims and higher), have been noted, with some lacking redundant physical buttons for easier navigation. Software updates or, in some cases, unit replacement, have resolved these for some owners. The Sport trim, notably, does not typically include the touchscreen found in higher trims, which might be a benefit for some users who prefer simpler controls.
  • Battery Issues: Some 4-cylinder Accord models, including the Sport, have an undersized battery that may not last as long as a regular-sized battery, potentially leading to electrical issues.
  • CVT Judder: Early models of the 9th generation Accord with the CVT experienced some judder issues, which were often resolved with a software update (TSB). Newer CVTs from Honda are generally considered very reliable.
  • 19-inch Wheels and Ride Comfort: While the 19-inch wheels look great, their low-profile tires can make the ride feel firmer and more susceptible to damage from road imperfections. This is a trade-off for the sportier handling.

Resale Value

Honda Accords are known for their strong resale value, and the 2017 model is no exception. This means that if you decide to sell or trade in your 2017 Accord Sport down the line, you can expect it to retain a good portion of its original value, making it a smart financial choice.

Interior and Technology

The 2017 Honda Accord Sport offers a spacious and comfortable interior for five passengers. The cabin is well-appointed, with quality materials throughout, especially considering it's a mid-tier trim.

Comfort and Space

• Seating: The Sport trim's cloth seating with imitation-leather bolsters and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat provide good comfort and support, even on longer drives. Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample legroom, making it one of the largest backseats in its class.
• Cargo Capacity: The sedan offers a generous cargo capacity of 15.8 cubic feet. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback enhances versatility for carrying larger items.

Infotainment and Connectivity

While higher trims like the EX and EX-L feature a 7-inch electrostatic touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the 2017 Accord Sport typically comes with Honda's Intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a more traditional audio system. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a USB audio interface. Some owners appreciate the simpler controls of the Sport trim, avoiding the potentially fussy touchscreen system found in higher trims.

Safety Features

The 2017 Accord Sport includes essential safety features