Honda Accord redesign respects heritage

Honda showed the first pictures of its 2013 Accord last week and the ninth generation of the venerable Accord looks a lot like the old Accord. The Japanese automaker didn't intend to shock family-sedan buyers who have kept the Accord a top-seller for decades but calls the 2013 model "the most sculpted Accord ever." The first Accord hit U.S. shores in 1976. The 2013 model will offer new engines and a continuously variable transmission. As usual, Honda engineers focused on finding more interior space for drivers, passengers and cargo while doing nothing radical to the exterior styling -- a formula that has worked well for mid-size rivals Camry and Altima. The new Accord reaches showrooms this fall.