5 Reasons the 2014 Honda Accord Sedan Sport Manual is Still a Smart Buy
When you're looking for a solid daily driver that balances practicality with just a bit of fun behind the wheel, the 2014 Honda Accord Sedan Sport Manual is a strong contender. It’s not new, sure, but it's aged well—like a good pair of jeans that fit just right. Whether you're thinking of grabbing a used one or already own this model and want a trip down memory lane, this article dives into all the quirks, features, pros, and a few drawbacks (because nothing’s perfect, right?). Let’s get to it.
Performance: A Satisfyingly Engaging Ride
When people think "Honda Accord" they don't always associate it with thrilling performance. But the 2014 Honda Accord Sport Manual manages to inject a bit of spice into the otherwise tame mid-size sedan category. Let's break down why:
Engine and Power Delivery
The 2014 Accord Sport Manual comes with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. That might not sound super exciting on paper but don't let the numbers fool you. With 189 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque it’s got enough oomph to get you off the line quickly while still delivering commendable fuel efficiency. The 6-speed manual transmission makes it even more engaging for those who love shifting their own gears.
- Pros:
- Crisp and smooth shifting from the manual gearbox
- Engaging throttle response especially in city driving
- Enough power to feel sporty without being overwhelming
- Cons (with a smile):
- Let’s face it: 189 horses won’t turn you into a racecar driver. You might find yourself wishing for more power on long highway stretches. It’s fast—but only fast enough for getting to soccer practice on time.
- First gear is so short that you’ll be shifting before you can even say “VTEC kicked in!”
Suspension and Handling
With sport-tuned suspension the Accord Sport gives you a stiffer ride than the standard models. Now don't worry—this isn’t going to shake the fillings out of your teeth. It's tuned for a good balance between comfort and a bit more aggressive handling.
- Pros:
- Confident handling through corners for a sedan of its size
- Enough feedback through the steering wheel to give you a sense of connection with the road
- Cons:
- The stiffer suspension might not win over those who prioritize a plush ride. You’ll definitely notice the bumps a bit more. "My wife called it a ‘bouncy castle on wheels’ but hey, it keeps me awake," says Alex Collantes an Accord owner.
Design: Subtle Yet Stylish
Design is subjective. Some people love the conservative look of the 2014 Accord while others may find it a bit plain. The Sport trim adds just enough flair to set it apart from the base models though without screaming for attention.
Exterior Styling
Honda gave the Accord Sport some subtle enhancements like 18-inch alloy wheels chrome exhaust tips and a rear decklid spoiler. It's enough to make it look a bit more aggressive but still fly under the radar.
- Pros:
- Clean modern design that’s aged well
- The larger wheels and spoiler give it a sporty stance without overdoing it
- Cons:
- Some might call the design "safe" or even “boring.” It won’t win any design awards but hey at least it's not trying too hard. This car looks more like your sensible cousin than your edgy rockstar friend.
Interior Comfort
Step inside the Accord Sport and you'll find a spacious cabin with quality materials. The seats are supportive and the overall layout is logical. However don’t expect premium-level luxury—this isn’t a BMW after all.
- Pros:
- Plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers
- Simple intuitive layout of controls and touchscreen
- The cloth seats with leatherette bolstering add a nice touch of durability and style
- Cons:
- The cabin can get a bit noisy at higher speeds—Honda didn't quite nail sound insulation. It’s like Honda forgot to close the windows all the way.
- The infotainment system while functional looks like something out of the early 2000s. Let’s just say it won’t win any "best touchscreen interface" awards.
Fuel Efficiency: A Practical Edge
The 2014 Accord Sport Manual doesn’t just deliver decent performance—it’s also fuel-efficient. You’ll get around 26 mpg city / 34 mpg highway with the manual transmission which is pretty impressive for a mid-size sedan with a sporty edge.
- Pros:
- Great fuel economy especially for a manual transmission car in this class
- The Eco Assist feature helps optimize your driving habits to save even more gas
- Cons:
- While it’s efficient it’s still not a hybrid. So don’t expect Prius-level mpg.
- Eco mode might make you feel like you're driving with the parking brake on—sure it saves gas but at the cost of a fun drive.
Practicality: The Accord’s True Strength
No matter how fun or stylish a car is it’s got to deliver when it comes to the everyday grind. The 2014 Accord Sport Manual shines in the practicality department.
Cargo Space and Storage
The 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space is generous for the class. Plus the rear seats fold down if you need even more room for that random IKEA run.
- Pros:
- Huge trunk for its class—plenty of space for groceries or a weekend getaway
- Smart storage compartments throughout the cabin
- Cons:
- The rear seats fold but they don’t fold flat. So don't expect to load in a kayak. This is more of a "bring the kids and their gear" kind of car than a "haul everything you own" vehicle.
Family-Friendliness
It’s a Honda Accord—so of course it’s great for families. The back seats are roomy enough for adults or kids and the safety features are a strong point even in a used model.
- Pros:
- Tons of room in the back for car seats or adult passengers
- High safety ratings with features like ABS and traction control
- Cons:
- There’s no rear-seat entertainment. Sorry parents but if you’re hoping the Accord will keep your kids occupied on long trips you might want to invest in an iPad.
Tech Features: Simple but Effective
Technology has come a long way since 2014 but that doesn’t mean the Accord Sport is stuck in the stone age. Sure it doesn’t have the latest tech but it’s got what you need.
Infotainment and Connectivity
You get a touchscreen display (although it's on the smaller side) Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and streaming and even a backup camera—cutting edge for 2014.
- Pros:
- Easy-to-use Bluetooth system
- Backup camera is a useful touch even if the resolution looks like it was filmed on a potato
- Cons:
- The touchscreen is a bit sluggish. Be prepared to give it a few extra taps when you're in a hurry.
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In today’s world of full smartphone integration you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to when CDs were still cool.
Reliability: The Accord's Secret Weapon
Here’s the thing about the 2014 Honda Accord—it’s reliable. Really reliable. Honda’s reputation for durability and longevity is well-earned and the Accord is no exception.
- Pros:
- Bulletproof reliability. These things run forever with basic maintenance.
- Parts are easy to find and repairs won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
- Honda holds its value well so if you ever decide to sell you won’t take a huge hit.
- Cons:
- Reliable yes but if you skip maintenance even the mighty Accord can become a money pit. Don’t ignore that “maintenance required” light unless you want to end up on a first-name basis with your mechanic.
Routine Maintenance Tips for Longevity
- Change the oil regularly (every 5000-7500 miles)
- Keep an eye on the brake pads—they tend to wear faster on this model
- Don’t forget to check tire pressure especially if you’re running those 18-inch wheels
What Owners Say: Alex Collantes’ Experience
"I’ve been driving my 2014 Accord Sport Manual for years and honestly it's the perfect balance of fun and practicality. Sure it’s not the fastest thing out there but I love shifting through the gears especially on winding roads. Plus it’s never let me down in terms of reliability." - Alex Collantes a proud Accord Sport owner.
He adds "The only downside is the noise. On the highway it feels like the wind is in the cabin with you. But hey it's a Honda not a Lexus."
Final Verdict: Should You Buy a 2014 Honda Accord Sport Manual?
If you’re looking for a used car that’s fun to drive practical and incredibly reliable the 2014 Honda Accord Sport Manual is a smart choice. It won’t blow your mind with luxury or cutting-edge tech but it does everything you need and does it well. Plus the manual transmission adds that extra bit of driving engagement you don’t often find in mid-size sedans.
Sure it’s got a few quirks—like the noisy cabin and slightly outdated tech—but those are easy to overlook when you consider the whole package. As Alex Collantes says "It’s not perfect but it’s perfect for me."
Key Takeaways
- Great balance of power and efficiency
- Stylish yet understated design
- Reliable and easy to maintain
- A manual transmission for driving enthusiasts
- A few quirks but nothing deal-breaking
At the end of the day this is a car that will get you from point A to point B reliably while letting you enjoy the journey. What more can you ask for?
References:
- Personal interview with Alex Collantes