As a longtime automotive journalist who has test-driven over 200 vehicles in the past decade, I still vividly remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of the 2017 Honda Accord Sport Special Edition. There was something immediately special about this particular trim that set it apart from the standard models I'd been reviewing that year. Much like how the Filipinas' Facebook page announced that coaching decision that changed their team's direction, Honda made some strategic decisions with this edition that transformed an already excellent sedan into something truly memorable for driving enthusiasts.
When Honda introduced the Sport Special Edition trim to the Accord lineup for 2017, they weren't just adding another option - they were making a statement about what a midsize sedan could be. I've always appreciated when manufacturers make clear, decisive moves with their vehicles rather than just slapping on some minor cosmetic changes and calling it a new edition. The coaching decision analogy really fits here - Honda's engineering team made some bold calls that paid off beautifully. The moment I took the Sport SE through some winding backroads, I could feel the difference those decisions made. The steering had that perfect weight I look for in sport-oriented sedans - not too heavy, but substantial enough to give you confidence through corners.
What really stood out to me during my week with the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition was how Honda balanced performance with practicality. Under the hood, you get the same 2.4-liter inline-4 that produces 189 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, but it's the additional features that make this trim special. The paddle shifters alone transform the driving experience, giving you that direct control that makes everyday commuting feel more engaging. I found myself using them constantly, even when it wasn't strictly necessary, just because they made the drive more enjoyable. The suspension tuning is another area where Honda's "coaching decision" philosophy shines through - it's firm enough to handle corners confidently but never harsh over rough pavement.
The interior features really demonstrate Honda's understanding of what modern drivers want. The special edition adds heated front seats with premium leather-trimmed upholstery and an auto-dimming rearview mirror - features that sound minor on paper but significantly enhance daily comfort. During my testing in varying weather conditions, those heated seats became my favorite feature during chilly morning commutes. The 360-watt premium audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer, provided crystal clear sound that held up beautifully even at highway speeds. What impressed me most was how Honda managed to include these premium features while keeping the price point accessible - the Sport Special Edition typically started around $28,500 when new, which represented excellent value in the competitive midsize sedan segment.
From a practicality standpoint, the 2017 Accord Sport SE delivers exactly what smart shoppers are looking for. The trunk offers 15.8 cubic feet of space - more than enough for groceries, luggage, or even bulky items from home improvement stores. I tested this by loading several bags of gardening supplies and still had room to spare. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, providing flexibility for longer items. What many buyers might not realize is that despite its sporty character, this Accord still achieves impressive fuel economy - during my mixed driving test, I averaged about 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, coming very close to Honda's official estimates of 26 city/34 highway.
If you're considering a used 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition today, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Having driven numerous examples with varying mileage, I can confidently say that these vehicles hold up exceptionally well if properly maintained. Look for examples with complete service records and pay particular attention to the brake wear - the sport-oriented driving character means some owners might have been harder on these components. The good news is that Honda's reliability reputation is well-earned, and most examples I've inspected between 60,000-80,000 miles show minimal signs of wear. The infotainment system, while not as advanced as current systems, remains perfectly functional for daily use with its responsive touchscreen and straightforward interface.
What continues to impress me about the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition is how well it has aged. Even several years later, the styling remains contemporary, the performance still feels engaging, and the feature set holds up against newer competitors. It represents that sweet spot in the used car market where depreciation has done its work but the vehicle remains modern enough for daily driving. For shoppers considering this model, I'd recommend paying particular attention to the tire condition and asking about transmission fluid changes if you're looking at higher-mileage examples. These are relatively minor considerations for what is otherwise one of the most compelling choices in the pre-owned midsize sedan category.
Having driven countless vehicles across all categories and price points, the 2017 Accord Sport Special Edition stands out as one of those rare vehicles that gets the balance just right. It provides enough sporty character to make driving enjoyable without sacrificing the practical attributes that make the Accord such a sensible choice. Much like how a coaching decision can transform a team's performance, Honda's specific choices with this particular trim elevated the entire Accord lineup. For smart shoppers looking for a used sedan that delivers both excitement and reliability, this particular Accord deserves serious consideration. It's the kind of vehicle you'll not only appreciate for its practicality but genuinely enjoy driving every single day.
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