Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2020 Honda Accord
Our scoring places the 2020 Honda Accord at 8.3/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.2/10, while Performance at 7.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 9.2/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.7/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $26,056–$33,156, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Honda Accord sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.5/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Honda Accord is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2020 Honda Accord ranks #31 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 98% of the segment. Its 8.3/10 overall score is 0.8 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $26,056 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 6%.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Accord Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Honda Accord scores 8.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 8.3 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2020 Honda Accord (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / Body control module / Software 10/12/2020 · 20V771000
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, and 2019-2020 Insight vehicles. A software error may cause intermittent or continuous disruptions in communication between the Body Control Module (BCM) and other…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2020 Honda Accord that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2020 Honda Accord
Is the 2020 Honda Accord reliable?
We rate the 2020 Honda Accord's reliability 9.2/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2020 Honda Accord have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Honda Accord worth buying?
It scores 8.3/10 overall, ranking #31 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 98% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2020 Honda Accord cost?
The 2020 Honda Accord starts at $26,056 and ranges up to $33,156 across trims (MSRP when new). At 28 MPG, expect roughly $1,875/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Accord years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Accord years we've rated are 2016 (8.0/10), 2015 (8.0/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.5/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2020 Honda Accord have?
The documented issues for the 2020 Honda Accord are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Fuel system, gasoline, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Honda Accord
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
More Honda Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Honda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
2020 model shown