Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition. This car isn't just your run-of-the-mill sedan; it's a blend of style, performance, and some unique features that set it apart. If you're in the market for a reliable and sporty ride, or just a car enthusiast, stick around as we dissect what makes this Accord special.

Overview of the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition

The 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition builds upon the already popular Accord Sport trim, adding extra goodies that enhance both its appearance and comfort. Think of it as the Accord Sport but with a cherry on top. It's designed for those who want a bit more flair and features without jumping to the higher, more expensive trims. The Special Edition includes features like leather seats with red stitching, heated front seats, and special edition badging, giving it a distinctive edge. The Accord has always been known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, and the Sport Special Edition amplifies these qualities with a touch of sporty sophistication. Honda aimed to provide a vehicle that appeals to a broader audience, especially those who appreciate a blend of everyday usability and a dash of visual appeal. Compared to the base Sport model, the Special Edition offers enhanced comfort and a more premium feel, making it a compelling option in the mid-size sedan segment. It’s a car that feels equally at home on a daily commute or a weekend road trip, offering a balanced driving experience that’s hard to beat. The changes aren’t just cosmetic; they also contribute to a more enjoyable and comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. With its combination of sporty styling, added features, and Honda’s reputation for reliability, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition stands out as a smart choice for those seeking a well-rounded and stylish sedan.

Key Features and Specs

Let's break down the key features and specs that make the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition stand out. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing around 189 horsepower. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and respectable fuel economy. You usually get a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which helps in maximizing fuel efficiency, but some might prefer the option of a manual transmission for a sportier feel. The fuel economy is pretty impressive, often hovering around 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, making it a great choice for daily commutes and long drives alike.

Inside, the Special Edition boasts leather-trimmed seats with red stitching, adding a touch of premium flair to the cabin. Heated front seats are also standard, a welcome addition for those chilly mornings. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch display, offering access to features like Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety features are abundant, with standard equipment including antilock brakes, stability control, multiple airbags, and Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system. The exterior features unique badging, a rear decklid spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty appearance. Overall, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition offers a well-rounded package of performance, comfort, and technology, making it a standout choice in the mid-size sedan market. Its blend of practical features and sporty enhancements makes it appealing to a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to interior and comfort, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition really shines. Stepping inside, you’re greeted with leather-trimmed seats that feature eye-catching red stitching. This not only adds a sporty aesthetic but also elevates the overall feel of the cabin. The seats are well-bolstered, providing ample support during spirited driving, and the added lumbar support ensures comfort on longer journeys. Heated front seats are a standard feature, offering warmth and coziness during colder months. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position with ease. The cabin design is clean and functional, with intuitively placed controls that are easy to reach and operate. The materials used throughout the interior are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas, enhancing the sense of refinement. Rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable space for adults to ride in. The Accord's reputation for spaciousness is well-maintained in the Special Edition, ensuring that everyone on board can enjoy the ride. Sound insulation is also commendable, minimizing road and wind noise to create a quieter and more relaxing environment. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition is a well-thought-out space that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and style. It's a place where you can enjoy both the daily commute and longer road trips with equal ease. The attention to detail and the inclusion of premium features make it a standout in its class, providing a driving experience that is both enjoyable and comfortable.

Performance and Handling

The performance and handling of the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition strike a nice balance between sportiness and everyday usability. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, offering smooth acceleration and responsive performance. With around 189 horsepower, it provides enough grunt for confident highway merging and passing. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is well-tuned, offering seamless gear changes and contributing to the car's impressive fuel economy. While some enthusiasts might miss the engagement of a traditional manual transmission, the CVT does a commendable job of maximizing efficiency without sacrificing too much in terms of driving enjoyment. The Accord's handling is precise and predictable, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and enjoyable on winding roads. The steering is well-weighted, providing good feedback and a sense of connection to the road. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing too much in terms of handling prowess. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, while still maintaining composure in corners. The Sport trim features a slightly stiffer suspension compared to the base model, contributing to a more engaging driving experience. Overall, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition offers a well-rounded performance package that is both practical and enjoyable. It's not a sports car, but it provides enough pep to keep things interesting, while still delivering the comfort and refinement that Accord owners have come to expect. The combination of a responsive engine, smooth transmission, and balanced handling makes it a standout choice in the mid-size sedan segment.

Technology and Safety

In terms of technology and safety, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition is well-equipped to meet the needs of modern drivers. The infotainment system features a 7-inch display that offers access to various functions, including Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, navigation, and music on the go. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier and safer. Honda's LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system is also standard, using a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to display a live video feed of the blind spot on the infotainment screen when the right turn signal is activated. This helps to improve visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, multiple airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Accord has also earned high marks in government and independent crash tests, providing peace of mind for you and your passengers. Overall, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition offers a comprehensive suite of technology and safety features that enhance both convenience and protection. From its user-friendly infotainment system to its advanced safety technologies, it's a car that is designed to keep you connected, informed, and safe on the road.

Pros and Cons

Let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros:

• Sporty Styling: The Special Edition adds unique styling elements, such as leather seats with red stitching, special edition badging, and a rear decklid spoiler, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Comfortable Interior: The leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats provide a comfortable and refined driving experience.
• Fuel Efficiency: The 2.4-liter engine and CVT transmission deliver impressive fuel economy, making it a great choice for daily commutes.
• Technology Features: The infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with the LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring system, adds convenience and safety.
• Honda Reliability: The Accord has a long-standing reputation for reliability and durability, providing peace of mind for owners.

Cons:

• CVT Transmission: While the CVT transmission is efficient, some drivers may miss the engagement of a traditional manual transmission.
• Limited Availability: Being a Special Edition, it may be harder to find compared to the regular Accord Sport.
• Base Engine Only: The Special Edition is only available with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, lacking the option of a more powerful V6.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping things up, the 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition is a solid choice if you're looking for a mid-size sedan that blends sporty styling with everyday practicality. It takes the already appealing Accord Sport and adds a touch of premium flair with its leather interior, heated seats, and unique badging. While it might not be a high-performance machine, it offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and a suite of technology features that make it a well-rounded package. The CVT transmission might not be for everyone, but it does contribute to the car's efficiency. Overall, if you value reliability, comfort, and a bit of sporty style, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition is definitely worth considering. It's a car that's built to last and provide years of dependable service, making it a smart choice for those who want a car that can do it all.