The Ultimate 2025 Buyer's Guide: 7 Reasons The Grey 2016 Honda Accord Is Still A Smart Investment
As of late 2025, the 2016 Honda Accord is not just a reliable used car; it represents a sweet spot of value, technology, and longevity in the fiercely competitive midsize sedan segment. Specifically, the grey variants—most commonly the sleek Lunar Silver Metallic and the deeper Modern Steel Metallic—offer a timeless aesthetic that has aged remarkably well. This model year is critical because it received a significant mid-cycle refresh, making it dramatically more appealing than its 2013-2015 predecessors, with must-have tech and safety features that keep it competitive even today. This guide provides the most current analysis for buyers looking at this enduring classic.
The 2016 Accord’s enduring appeal is rooted in its reputation for bulletproof reliability and low cost of ownership. With many examples still on the road well over the 100,000-mile mark, current market data and owner reviews confirm its status as a top-tier pre-owned vehicle, often outranking newer competitors in owner satisfaction and long-term durability. Understanding the subtle differences in its trim levels and the importance of the refresh features is key to securing the best deal today.
The Grey Difference: Color Codes and Mid-Cycle Refresh Essentials
When searching for a "grey" 2016 Honda Accord, you are primarily looking at two distinct, highly popular color options that define the car's aesthetic. These metallic finishes are excellent at masking dirt and small blemishes, contributing to the car's low-maintenance ownership profile.
- Lunar Silver Metallic (Color Code NH788M): This is the lighter, brighter of the two grey options. It is a classic silver that reflects light well, giving the car a crisp, clean look. It was one of the most popular colors for the 9th generation Accord.
- Modern Steel Metallic (Color Code NH797M): A darker, richer grey with a deep metallic flake. This color provides a more premium, almost charcoal-like appearance, often preferred on the higher trims like the EX-L and Touring.
Key Features of the 2016 Mid-Cycle Refresh
The 2016 model year is highly sought after because of the substantial upgrades Honda implemented. These enhancements are what separate it from earlier models in the 9th generation (2013–2015) and are crucial to its continued relevance:
- Exterior Styling: The sedan received a significantly sportier front fascia, featuring a more sculpted hood, a revised grille, and new taillight designs. Crucially, higher trims gained LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and LED fog lights.
- Chassis and Handling: Honda implemented revised suspension tuning, including high-performance dampers and more rigid rear stabilizer bars, which improved both ride comfort and handling sharpness.
- Technology Integration: This is the most important update. EX-L and Touring trims gained support for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, integrating modern smartphone functionality directly into the 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system.
- Safety: The full suite of Honda Sensing™ safety technologies became available on all trims (except the base LX and Sport), including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
Performance and Powertrain: Choosing Your Engine
The 2016 Accord offers two highly reliable engine options, each paired with its own transmission, catering to different driving intentions. Your choice depends heavily on whether you prioritize fuel economy or outright performance.
The Efficient 2.4L i-VTEC 4-Cylinder
This is the standard and most common engine, found in the LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L trims. It produces 185 horsepower (189 hp in the Sport trim, thanks to a dual-exhaust system). The vast majority of these are paired with the smooth and efficient Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This combination is the workhorse of the lineup, offering excellent fuel economy—typically in the high 20s to low 30s MPG combined—and is known for its incredible longevity, often exceeding 200,000 miles with basic maintenance.
The Powerful 3.5L V6 Option
Available on the EX-L V-6 and the top-tier Touring trim, the 3.5L V6 engine delivers a robust 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. This engine is exclusively paired with a traditional 6-speed Automatic Transmission, which many enthusiasts prefer over the CVT for its responsiveness. While offering thrilling acceleration, buyers should be aware of the Vehicle Cylinder Management (VCM) system, designed to save fuel by running on three cylinders. While generally reliable, some owners opt for VCM deactivation devices to prevent potential long-term issues, although this is a minority concern.
2025 Market Value, Reliability, and Common Issues
The 2016 Accord’s reputation for reliability has kept its resale value strong, but current market conditions in 2025 still offer excellent opportunities for buyers. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB) data, a well-maintained 2016 Accord EX-L Sedan has a current resale value around the $12,771 mark, depending on mileage and condition, showing a manageable depreciation rate.
Reliability and Longevity
The 2016 model holds a high Reliability Rating of 4.5 out of 5.0, ranking it 1st among midsize cars. This high score is a testament to the vehicle's engineering. With consistent, timely maintenance—especially oil changes and transmission fluid services—it is common for these cars to reach or exceed 200,000 miles.
Minor Common Issues to Be Aware Of
While the overall mechanical reliability is stellar, a few minor issues have been noted by owners, particularly related to the technology that was new with the refresh:
- Infotainment Glitches: Early-production models sometimes had minor issues with the Voice Recognition and Bluetooth system, which could occasionally be unresponsive or difficult to pair. These issues were often resolved with a software update.
- Brake Wear: Owners of the popular Sport Trim, which features larger wheels and a slightly more aggressive setup, sometimes report faster-than-average wear on brake pads and rotors.
- VCM Hesitation (V6 Models): A slight hesitation can sometimes be felt when the VCM system activates or deactivates, though this is a characteristic of the system rather than a fault.
The Best Trims for the Grey Accord Buyer
The 2016 Accord Sedan was offered in six primary trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, EX-L V-6, and Touring.
- The Value Pick: The EX Trim. This trim is arguably the best balance of features and price. It includes the crucial 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen, Honda LaneWatch™, a power driver’s seat, and a sunroof. It is the lowest trim level to offer the option of the Honda Sensing™ safety suite.
- The Enthusiast Pick: The Sport Trim. The grey Sport Trim is highly popular. It features 19-inch alloy wheels, a decklid spoiler, and the aforementioned 189 hp engine, giving it a more aggressive stance that pairs perfectly with the Modern Steel Metallic paint.
- The Premium Pick: The Touring Trim. The top-of-the-line option bundles every available feature, including standard Honda Sensing™, full LED headlights, heated rear seats, and a navigation system. If you want the full luxury experience in a used Accord, the Touring is the one to seek out, often finished in the sophisticated Lunar Silver Metallic.
In conclusion, the grey 2016 Honda Accord, whether in Lunar Silver Metallic or Modern Steel Metallic, represents a high point in the model’s history. Its successful mid-cycle refresh ensured it has the modern technology and safety features (Apple CarPlay, Honda Sensing) that buyers demand in 2025, all wrapped in a package renowned for its exceptional reliability and low long-term ownership costs.
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