The first pics are out; here's how critics view redone Accord

Honda released the first photos of the redesigned 2013 Accord sedan and coupe last week, setting off the usual flurry of opinions by style critics. A sampling of the early reaction:

• Car and Driver: "You probably howled the same thing we did when you saw them: "They look the same!" ... At least the new Accord eschews most of the current model's clumsier detailing, including the sedan's bustle tail and bulging lamps."

• Road & Track: "We see hints of ... Infiniti in the sedan and maybe a hint of Audi in the coupe. It is definitely sleeker looking than its arch-rival, the Toyota Camry."

• Los Angeles Times: "It follows the curvaceous sculpted cues of some rivals ... including the 2013 editions of Nissan's Altima and Ford's Fusion."

• Motor Trend: "A more muscular look, while the previous model's bulbous rear end has been smoothed out."

• New York Times: "Does not appear to differ greatly from the previous model, but up front, the grille and air-intake treatments are cleaner and, like some of its contemporaries, notably the 2013 Fusion, its mouth opens wider."

• Automotive News' Mark Rechtin: "The side flanking and rear-window kink at the C-pillar resemble ... BMW's 3 series. But the front and rear fascias clearly signal a Honda product."