
The eighth-and-a-half generation Accord was produced in 2013, and this model has now been discontinued. The Accord is a mid-size sedan under Honda's brand. The 2013 Accord was equipped with two engines: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, coded as R20A3, delivers a maximum power of 115 kW and a maximum torque of 189 Nm. The 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, coded as K24Z2, delivers a maximum power of 132 kW and a maximum torque of 225 Nm. The development and design philosophy of the eighth-and-a-half generation Accord was "Advanced & Powerful," signifying the fusion of "forward-looking technology and exhilarating power." Based on this concept, Honda R&D integrated new technologies to develop a brand-new technical platform, which reflects the interpretation of Honda's global DNA in various aspects such as space design, safety, power performance, handling, and environmental friendliness.

I've studied the generational history of the Accord. The so-called '8.5 generation' is actually an unofficial term used by car enthusiasts to refer to the mid-cycle facelift of the eighth generation. Its production period is clearly defined: from early 2011 to late 2012. At that time, Guangqi Honda made adjustments to transition to the ninth generation, modifying the chrome grille trim, changing the fog lights to a square shape, and updating the taillight clusters to a more slender design on the standard eighth-gen model. These vehicles also feature different steering wheel button layouts and wheel designs. The most accurate way to identify your model is by checking the 10th digit of the VIN - 'B' indicates the 2011 model, while 'C' denotes the 2012 model. Currently, there are many of these 8.5-gen models in the used car market, priced slightly higher than pure eighth-gen models but cheaper than ninth-gen ones, making them a cost-effective choice.

As a long-time Honda owner, I got my 8.5th generation model in October 2011. This generation actually had a production cycle of only about two years, mainly manufactured in 2011 and 2012. The most obvious way to identify it is by looking at the front grille: the regular 8th generation has five thick chrome bars, while the 8.5th generation has three thin chrome bars. I chose it because the facelift introduced electric power steering, making low-speed steering much lighter. However, production stopped in early 2013 to make way for the 9th generation. If you're looking for a used one now, be aware that some registered in 2012 might still be the standard 8th generation.

The term '8.5 Generation' specifically refers to the facelifted Accord models produced between 2011-2012. Officially, it's considered a mid-cycle refresh of the 2011 model year in the manufacturer's system, primarily featuring redesigned front/rear bumpers and lighting clusters. When helping a friend inspect a used car that year, I encountered one - units manufactured after July 2011 were most likely this 8.5 Gen version. The key fob also gained folding functionality compared to the older version, and the interior woodgrain trim was replaced with matte-finish materials. Many owners specifically seek this generation because it resolved the early 8th-gen steering rack noise issues and improved fuel efficiency by approximately 0.5L.


