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[[Image:2006Accord.jpg|frame|'''2006 Honda Accord Sedan''']]
[[Image:2006Accord.jpg|right|300px]]
Chosen by some reviewers as the #1 midsized sedan, the 2006 Honda Accord is consistently rated one of the very best.  The four cylinder Accord is considered a great value.
Chosen by some reviewers as the #1 midsized sedan, the Honda Accord is consistently rated one of the very best.  The four cylinder Accord is considered a great value.


Autos.com rates the 2006 Accord [http://www.autos.com/autos/passenger_cars/midsize_cars/reviews| 3rd best] of 20 midsized cars.    
A summary of all reviewers on Autos.com rates the 2007 Accord 3rd best of 20 mid-sized cars [http://www.autos.com/autos/passenger_cars/midsize_cars/reviews].  The only siginificant critique mentioned by some reviewers is that the Accord lacks a bit of excitement and crispness in handling.


The LX and EX sedans offer comfort and convenience features that make them great for daily commutes. With an optional leather interior, the EX becomes an affordable luxury sedan.  Combine the Coupe with a V6 to create a sporty two-door that's great for commuting.  The Accord Hybrid is tuned for power.
On the other hand, the Accord LX and EX sedans offer comfort and convenience features that make them great for daily commutes. With an optional leather interior, the EX dresses up to become an affordable luxury sedan.  Alternatively, combine the Coupe with a [[V6|V6]] to create a sporty two-door that is also ideal for commuting.   


See fact sheet on the 2006 [[Honda Accord]].
See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 '''[[Honda Accord]]''' and '''[[Honda Accord Hybrid]]'''.


==High Points==
==High Points==
*  Acceleration
*  Acceleration
*  Handling
*  Handling  
*  Roomy interior
*  Among most comfortable and supportive driver seat as in any vehicle.
*  Safety
*  Reliability
*  Reliability
*  Best V-6 in the business
*  High Quality Tires
*  Build Quality
*  Design appeal
*  High resale value; see typical used Honda Accord prices by year[http://www.carsdirect.com/research/generations?make=HO&modelid=108].


==Low Points==
==Low Points==
*  Slight road noise
*  Small trunk.  The Accord's trunk measures 14 cubic feet (11 for the [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]] version because of its extra computer and battery pack), compared with the 2006 [[Toyota Camry]] at 17 cubic feet and the 2006 [[Nissan Altima]] at 16.
*  Small trunk.  The Accord's trunk measures 14 cubic feet (11 for the Hybrid version because of its extra computer and battery pack), compared with the 2006 [[Toyota Camry]] at 17 cubic feet and the 2006 [[Nissan Altima]]at 16.
*  Rear seat entry for the coupe.
*  Small interior space for tall or large people.
*  Vinyl-like quality leather seats.
*  Back seat is uninhabitable by anyone but the smallest of children.
*  4 cylinder engine is coarse at low rpms and makes the car feel underpowered.
*  Low quality interior/dash (hard and hollow plastics).
*  Poor at-the-limit handling due to skinny tires.


==Performance and Handling==
==Performance and Handling==
The 2.4 liter twin-cam four-cylinder Accord is powerful, with 166 [[HP]].  The engine is very smooth and responsive-- never whiney.  The 3.0-liter V6 is light and very powerful, with 244 [[HP]].  The V6 Accord is amongst the fastest in the class.
The 2.4 liter twin-cam four-cylinder Accord is powerful, with 166 [[HP]].  The engine is very smooth and responsive-- never whiney.  The 3.0-liter [[V6|V6]] is light and very powerful, with 244 [[HP]].  The [[V6|V6]] Accord is amongst the fastest in the class.


The Accord Hybrid, with 253 [[HP]], is faster than the regular V6 sedan from 0 to 60 miles per hour and gets much better gas mileage. When cruising, the engine operates on just three of six cylinders, though you do not notice the transition. The engine shuts off at stoplights, restarting instantly when the driver releases the brake pedal. A separate compressor keeps air conditioning blowing cold even while the engine is in its temporary off mode.  
The [[Honda Accord Hybrid]], with 253 [[HP]], is faster than the regular [[V6|V6]] sedan from 0 to 60 miles per hour and gets much better gas mileage. When cruising, the engine operates on just three of [[V6|six cylinders]], though you do not notice the transition. The engine shuts off at stoplights, restarting instantly when the driver releases the brake pedal. A separate compressor keeps air conditioning blowing when the engine is in its temporary off mode.  
   
   
All of the Accords strike a nice balance between ride and handling.  The suspension is smooth, but not mushy.  When driven hard, the Accord is crisp and stable.   
All of the Accords strike a nice balance between ride and handling.  The suspension is smooth, but not mushy.  When driven hard, the Accord is very stable.  A few reviewers note that handling is more sporty on the Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and perhaps the Volkswagen Jetta.   


The five-speed automatic transmission is remarkably smooth. The drive-by-wire throttle has perfect timing.  
The five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission is remarkably smooth. The [[drive-by-wire throttle]] has perfect timing.  


The five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and fun to drive as is the Accord EX V-6 with six-speed manual transmission.
The five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and fun to drive as is the Accord EX [[V6|V-6]] with six-speed manual transmission.


==Safety==
Though an admirable performer in its class, critics seem to ding the Accord for its boring driving characteristics. Car and Driver notes, "[The] EX four-door was exactly as passionate as Lt. Commander Data running a routine systems check on the bridge of the Enterprise."  That may be true relative to a European sportscar, but the Accord has great zip compared to most other mid-sized sedans.
All Accord models achieved five-star safety ratings for driver and front-seat passenger in the federal government's frontal crash test.  


[[ABS]] is standard on all models. Luxury models are equipped with [[Electronic Brake-force Distribution]]. ABS helps prevent skidding; EBD distributes braking force to the tires with the best grip.
The Accord seems to do well in most weather conditions. One driver notes, "It handles securely in ice and snow and gives an excellent feel for clean roads without imparting fatigue."


==Reliability and Maintenance==
==Gas Mileage: 1st Place==
The Accord is low maintenance. There's no scheduled maintenance for at least 105,000 miles, except for oil changes, and even those are required only every 10,000 miles. In terms of emissions, the Accord is a clean car, and both egines run on regular gas.
According to EPA estimates summarized on Autos.com, the 4 cylinder Honda Accord ranks 1st of 20 mid-sized cars [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=passenger_cars&segment=midsize_cars&rank=mpg&year=0]in fuel economy:
*  4 Cylinder: 24/34
*  6 Cylinder: 20/29
*  [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]]:    25/34
It's worth noting, though, that the gas mileage of the top vehicles in this class varies only slighty-- by a few miles per gallon.


==Interior Comfort==
==Safety: 5 Stars (out of 5)==
All Accord models achieved five-star safety ratings for driver and front-seat passenger in the federal government's frontal crash test. See the Honda Accord NHSTA crash test results[http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/3654.html].


[[ABS]] is standard on all models. Luxury models are equipped with [[Electronic Brake-Force Distribution]]. [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|ABS]] helps prevent skidding; [[Electronic Brake-Force Distribution|EBD]] distributes braking force to the tires with the best grip.


==Model Lineup==
All Accords have side-impact and curtain airbags, in addition to the required dual front airbags. All [[V6|V6]] models come with [[Electronic Stability Control|Vehicle Stability Assist]] (VSA) and Brake Assist. EX [[V6|V6]] models are also equipped with traction control.


The Honda Accord comes in nearly three dozen combinations when all the engines, body styles, transmissions and trim levels are all tallied up. But choosing one is easier than it may sound. Your first choice is to decide whether you want a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. Next decide whether you want a V6 or four-cylinder engine, and whether you want a manual or automatic transmission. Then decide whether you want cloth or leather upholstery.  
See also the Accord safety info page[http://automobiles.honda.com/models/safety_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Coupee] at Honda's corporate site.


Sedans are available in VP, LX, and EX trim.  
==Reliability and Maintenance: 5 Stars==
The Accord is low maintenance. There's no scheduled maintenance for at least 105,000 miles, except for oil changes, and even those are required only every 10,000 miles. Both engines run on regular gas.


The VP is new for 2006 and replaces last year's DX. It's better equipped, and comes standard with air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lamps, power locks and keyless entry. The VP comes with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission ($17,995).  
Consumer Reports and others rate reliability 5 stars (out of 5).


LX ($19,775) and EX ($22,200) sedans add higher levels of standard equipment. The new LX Special Edition adds 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel-disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), in-dash six-CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, body-color side sills and carbon fiber interior accents. The EX is available with leather upholstery, a DVD navigation system, and XM Satellite Radio.  
==Interior and Comforts==
[[Image:06-accord-interior.jpg|right|300px]]
Front seats are wide and tall; legroom is generous. A tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is standard. Seats are lower in the coupe and the side bolsters are more snug.  


LX V-6 ($23,950) and EX V-6 ($26,850) add not only a 3.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission, but 17-inch wheels and tires and more luxury equipment as well, including a power glass sunroof and heated side mirrors. All V6 models now come with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and brake assist. Leather is standard on the EX V6. A six-speed manual transmission is now available in EX V6 sedans as well as coupes.  
Rear seat legroom is standard for the class.


Accord Hybrid ($30,140), combines a V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor to provide significantly more power: 253 horsepower vs. 244 for the gasoline-only V6. It also gets substantially better fuel economy: 30/37 miles per gallon City/Highway vs. 21/30 for the standard V6. It also comes with more standard equipment for '06, including a power glass sunroof, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and VSA stability control.  
Interior space is used efficiently, with a good-sized glovebox, a big center console, and a bin under the audio system that holds 12 CDs. The Accord offers coinholders, cellphone cord hooks, grab handles over every door, console lights, power outlets, and sunglasses holders.  Up to eight cupholders are provided.


Coupes are available in LX ($19,875) and EX ($22,300) trim only and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available. The LX V-6 coupe ($23,900) comes with the V6 and automatic. The EX V-6 coupe ($26,950) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seating surfaces.
The EX's leather seats are of what may be considered sturdy, but not of the soft glove-like leather furniture quality found in many other vehicles. Heavily dimpled, feels like a high quality vinyl, or a cheap leather jacket or shoes.


==Walkaround==
Honda and Acura's [[Navigation System|navigation]] systems are among the best. The navigation system uses voice technology. By pressing a button, you can use your voice to enter commands, change temperature, or change songs on a CD.
Both the Honda Accord sedan and coupe have been face-lifted for 2006, with a new grille and front bumper, and a new rear bumper, deck lid, and tail lights. Wheels and exhaust finishers have also been restyled.  


The sharpened noses of the 2006 Accord sedan and coupe are reminiscent of an Acura RSX. The corners and sides of both bodies are carefully sculpted with a combination of concave and convex surfaces, in an attempt to achieve a muscular and agile look, with subtle and unique three-dimensional window glass, also intended to reduce wind noise. The aerodynamically efficient side-view mirrors are one of the results of wind tunnel testing. The sedan's drag coefficient, or Cd (a measure of how easily it moves through the air), is 0.30, which is quite slippery. The Accord Hybrid sedan is even more aerodynamic, with a Cd of 0.29, thanks to its rear spoiler and angled antenna.  
Honda's intelligent dual climate control, packaged with the [[Navigation System|navigation system]], attempts to maintain the perfect temperature for driver and passengers.


Those in the know can spot the Hybrid by its unique front and rear spoilers and (new for '06) distinctive tail lights.  
==Exterior==
Both the Honda Accord sedan and coupe were face-lifted for 2006, with a a sharper snout, and a new grille, bumpers, and tail lights employing LEDs which light up faster and provide longer life.


The two-door coupe is a different beast from the four-door sedan, sharing a family resemblance in its face but no actual sheet metal. Its flanks and rear deck are more shapely, flowing naturally and gracefully from the roofline. It yields an aerodynamic Cd of 0.29, which is quite slippery.  
The two-door coupe is very different from the four-door sedan in styling, sharing a family resemblance, but little more.


The Accord's doors are built using a unique method that makes them light and strong. You can clearly hear the quality in the sound when you close them. You feel quality, also, in the light touch required to open the trunk.  
The Accord's build quality is very high-- you hear the quality when you close the doors.


All Accord models achieved five-star safety ratings for driver and front-seat passenger in the federal government's frontal crash test. Additionally, the coupe earned a five-star rating for front- and rear-seat passengers in the side-impact test.  
A common critique is the bland styling of the vehicle, but owners seem to quickly overlook this because of all its other strong attributes. One driver says, "It's not an ugly car, but it's not striking...Once you sit in the car, though, you'll forget about what the outside looks like."


All Accord coupes and most of the sedans are assembled in Marysville, Ohio. Some sedans are assembled in Japan and Mexico.
==Styles and Options==


 
The major decisions with the Honda Accord are:
==Interior Features==
*  Coupe or Sedan
The seats are great, generously wide and tall in the sedan, with springs and urethane padding designed to reduce vibration. The driver's seat provides a one-with-the-car feel thanks to good side support. It features a manual height adjustment (power on premium models) that jacks up plenty high for even the shortest drivers, and yet drops low enough to provide good headroom for taller folks. Front legroom is generous. A tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is standard.
*  4 cylinder or [[V6|V6]]
*  Cloth or leather upholstery
*  Trim


The seats in the coupe seem a bit different and feel even better than those in the sedan. You sit lower in the coupe. The side bolsters are more aggressive, providing a more secure fit at the torso. The leather is nicer than the cloth.
Sedans are available in VP, LX, and EX trims:


The sedan's rear bench seat is roomy and comfortable, especially for two people with the center armrest flipped out. It offers decent support, though it's fairly flat. Rear-seat legroom is slightly better than in the Nissan Altima, but the Toyota Camry provides an inch more.  
The VP is new for 2006, replacing the DX. The VP is better equipped and comes standard with air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lamps, power locks and keyless entry. The VP has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission (MSRP of $17,995).  


The Accord's trunk is smaller than that of other mid-size sedans, but the flat trunk floor makes loading easy. The Accord's trunk measures 14 cubic feet (11.2 for the Hybrid version because of its extra computer and battery pack), compared with the 2006 Camry's nearly 17 cubic feet and the 2006 Altima's 15.6. The Accord coupe's trunk is slightly smaller than the sedan's, holding less than 13 cubic feet.  
LX ($19,775) and EX ($22,200) sedans add more. The new LX Special Edition has 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel-[[4-wheel disc brakes|disc brakes]] with Electronic Brake-force Distribution ([[Electronic Brake-Force Distribution|EBD]]), in-dash six-CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, body-color side sills and carbon fiber interior accents. The EX is available with leather upholstery, a DVD [[Navigation System|navigation system]], and XM Satellite Radio.  


The instrumentation is excellent, comprising large, clear analog faces with LED illumination, the latter a feature associated with higher-priced luxury cars. A big speedometer in the center dominates the instrument panel. The switchgear, primarily three big dials located in the center of the dash, is simple, if not particularly attractive. Automatic dual-zone climate control is available on EX models.  
LX [[V6|V-6]] ($23,950) and EX [[V6|V-6]] ($26,850) add not only a 3.0-liter [[V6|V6]] and [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission, but 17-inch wheels and tires and more luxury equipment as well, including a power glass sunroof and heated side mirrors. All [[V6|V6]] models now come with [[Electronic Stability Control|Vehicle Stability Assist]](VSA) and brake assist. Leather is standard on the EX [[V6|V6]]. A six-speed manual transmission is now available in EX [[V6|V6]] sedans as well as coupes.  
Coupes are available in LX ($19,875) and EX ($22,300) only and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission is available. The LX [[V6|V-6]] coupe ($23,900) comes with the [[V6|V6]] and [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]. The EX [[V6|V-6]] coupe ($26,950) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seats.


Interior space is used efficiently, with the audio, climate and optional navigation system controls integrated into a single unit. This frees up space for exceptional cabin storage, including a good-sized glovebox, a big center console, a bin under the audio system that will hold 12 CDs, and door pockets deep and wide enough for a purse.  
Coupes are available in LX ($19,875) and EX ($22,300) only and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] transmission is available. The LX [[V6|V-6]] coupe ($23,900) comes with the [[V6|V6]] and [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]. The EX [[V6|V-6]] coupe ($26,950) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]] or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seats.


Honda's interior fit and finish is good. Attention to detail is seen everywhere: coinholders, cellphone cord hooks, grab handles over every door, console lights, power outlets, sunglasses holders, adjustable armrests, convenient and versatile access to the trunk from the rear seat. By holding down the Unlock or Lock buttons, all four windows on LX and EX models can be raised or lowered. Up to eight cupholders are provided; a couple of them are big enough to hold a liter-sized water bottle yet feature spring-loaded prongs that can grip a paper coffee cup. If you wanted to distill this attention to detail down to one example, it might be the solid, pleasurable sound of the turn-signal click.  
[[Honda Accord Hybrid]] ($30,140), combines a [[V6|V6]] gasoline engine and an electric motor to provide more power: 253 vs. 244 for the gasoline-only [[V6|V6]]. The Accord [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]] gets substantially better fuel economy: 30/37 miles per gallon City/Highway vs. 21/30 for the standard [[V6|V6]]. It comes standard with a power glass sunroof, heated side mirrors, and VSA.


Three sound systems are available for the Accord. LX V-6 models and above come with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a 180-watt amplifier, and four twin-neodymium speakers with polypropylene cone woofers and soft dome tweeters. But here's the real-world test: We took the V-6 coupe six-speed on a flat-out blast through the Malibu hills, engine revving to redline, windows wide open, CD celebrating Bob Marley, and even with all that exterior noise, max volume on the sound system wasn't necessary for the full effect.
==Main Competitors==
* [[Toyota Camry]]: [http://www.carsdirect.com/research/compare/honda/accord/toyota/camry side-by-side comparison]


The available XM Satellite Radio is a great feature to have when traveling, because the stations don't change as you drive across the country. You still get ads, but fewer and less obnoxious ads than you would hear on FM. XM Satellite Radio is nice to have around town, also, for listening to the 24-hour news and sports broadcasts, or for staying tuned into your favorite types of music (classical, jazz, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s).
* [[Nissan Maxima]]


Honda and Acura's navigation systems are among the best. The system is programmed with 8 million destinations. The Accord's system offers a voice-activation feature. Say, "Find nearest Japanese food" to the dashboard, and it will guide you there. If you know the phone number of a business establishment you're trying to reach, it will take you there. Of course, you can press the buttons and avoid one-way conversations with your car.
* [[Mazda Mazda6]]


Honda's intelligent dual climate control, packaged with the navigation system, factors date, time, latitude, longitude, and vehicle direction into its calculations in an attempt to maintain the perfect temperature for driver and passengers.
* [[Volkswagen Passat]]
 
==External Links==
WikiCars Contributor Favorites
*[http://www.allaboutauto.us Daily reviews]
Honda Manufacturer Sites
*[http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Sedan Honda Accord Sedan - Official Site]
*[http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Coupe Honda Accord Coupe - Official Site]
*[http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Hybrid Honda Accord [[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]] - Official Site]
*[http://www.world.honda.com/ACCORD/ A full history of the Honda Accord]
 
Community Sites
*[http://www.steelcitysfinest.com/HondaAccordAd.htm Famous Honda Accord - The Cog - TV Advert]
*[http://www.carsdirect.com/research/honda/accord/2006/24_vp/reviews Honda Accord Review Summaries]
*[http://www.honda-acura.net Top Honda and Acura web board]
*[http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/FAQ/637 Honda Accord FAQ (best for maintenance tips)]
 
[[Category:Model Reviews]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 16 May 2009

2006Accord.jpg

Chosen by some reviewers as the #1 midsized sedan, the Honda Accord is consistently rated one of the very best. The four cylinder Accord is considered a great value.

A summary of all reviewers on Autos.com rates the 2007 Accord 3rd best of 20 mid-sized cars [1]. The only siginificant critique mentioned by some reviewers is that the Accord lacks a bit of excitement and crispness in handling.

On the other hand, the Accord LX and EX sedans offer comfort and convenience features that make them great for daily commutes. With an optional leather interior, the EX dresses up to become an affordable luxury sedan. Alternatively, combine the Coupe with a V6 to create a sporty two-door that is also ideal for commuting.

See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 Honda Accord and Honda Accord Hybrid.

High Points

  • Acceleration
  • Handling
  • Roomy interior
  • Among most comfortable and supportive driver seat as in any vehicle.
  • Safety
  • Reliability
  • Best V-6 in the business
  • High Quality Tires
  • Build Quality
  • Design appeal
  • High resale value; see typical used Honda Accord prices by year[2].

Low Points

  • Small trunk. The Accord's trunk measures 14 cubic feet (11 for the Hybrid version because of its extra computer and battery pack), compared with the 2006 Toyota Camry at 17 cubic feet and the 2006 Nissan Altima at 16.
  • Rear seat entry for the coupe.
  • Small interior space for tall or large people.
  • Vinyl-like quality leather seats.
  • Back seat is uninhabitable by anyone but the smallest of children.
  • 4 cylinder engine is coarse at low rpms and makes the car feel underpowered.
  • Low quality interior/dash (hard and hollow plastics).
  • Poor at-the-limit handling due to skinny tires.

Performance and Handling

The 2.4 liter twin-cam four-cylinder Accord is powerful, with 166 HP. The engine is very smooth and responsive-- never whiney. The 3.0-liter V6 is light and very powerful, with 244 HP. The V6 Accord is amongst the fastest in the class.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, with 253 HP, is faster than the regular V6 sedan from 0 to 60 miles per hour and gets much better gas mileage. When cruising, the engine operates on just three of six cylinders, though you do not notice the transition. The engine shuts off at stoplights, restarting instantly when the driver releases the brake pedal. A separate compressor keeps air conditioning blowing when the engine is in its temporary off mode.

All of the Accords strike a nice balance between ride and handling. The suspension is smooth, but not mushy. When driven hard, the Accord is very stable. A few reviewers note that handling is more sporty on the Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and perhaps the Volkswagen Jetta.

The five-speed automatic transmission is remarkably smooth. The drive-by-wire throttle has perfect timing.

The five-speed manual gearbox is smooth and fun to drive as is the Accord EX V-6 with six-speed manual transmission.

Though an admirable performer in its class, critics seem to ding the Accord for its boring driving characteristics. Car and Driver notes, "[The] EX four-door was exactly as passionate as Lt. Commander Data running a routine systems check on the bridge of the Enterprise." That may be true relative to a European sportscar, but the Accord has great zip compared to most other mid-sized sedans.

The Accord seems to do well in most weather conditions. One driver notes, "It handles securely in ice and snow and gives an excellent feel for clean roads without imparting fatigue."

Gas Mileage: 1st Place

According to EPA estimates summarized on Autos.com, the 4 cylinder Honda Accord ranks 1st of 20 mid-sized cars [3]in fuel economy:

  • 4 Cylinder: 24/34
  • 6 Cylinder: 20/29
  • Hybrid: 25/34

It's worth noting, though, that the gas mileage of the top vehicles in this class varies only slighty-- by a few miles per gallon.

Safety: 5 Stars (out of 5)

All Accord models achieved five-star safety ratings for driver and front-seat passenger in the federal government's frontal crash test. See the Honda Accord NHSTA crash test results[4].

ABS is standard on all models. Luxury models are equipped with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution. ABS helps prevent skidding; EBD distributes braking force to the tires with the best grip.

All Accords have side-impact and curtain airbags, in addition to the required dual front airbags. All V6 models come with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Brake Assist. EX V6 models are also equipped with traction control.

See also the Accord safety info page[5] at Honda's corporate site.

Reliability and Maintenance: 5 Stars

The Accord is low maintenance. There's no scheduled maintenance for at least 105,000 miles, except for oil changes, and even those are required only every 10,000 miles. Both engines run on regular gas.

Consumer Reports and others rate reliability 5 stars (out of 5).

Interior and Comforts

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Front seats are wide and tall; legroom is generous. A tilt-and-telescope steering wheel is standard. Seats are lower in the coupe and the side bolsters are more snug.

Rear seat legroom is standard for the class.

Interior space is used efficiently, with a good-sized glovebox, a big center console, and a bin under the audio system that holds 12 CDs. The Accord offers coinholders, cellphone cord hooks, grab handles over every door, console lights, power outlets, and sunglasses holders. Up to eight cupholders are provided.

The EX's leather seats are of what may be considered sturdy, but not of the soft glove-like leather furniture quality found in many other vehicles. Heavily dimpled, feels like a high quality vinyl, or a cheap leather jacket or shoes.

Honda and Acura's navigation systems are among the best. The navigation system uses voice technology. By pressing a button, you can use your voice to enter commands, change temperature, or change songs on a CD.

Honda's intelligent dual climate control, packaged with the navigation system, attempts to maintain the perfect temperature for driver and passengers.

Exterior

Both the Honda Accord sedan and coupe were face-lifted for 2006, with a a sharper snout, and a new grille, bumpers, and tail lights employing LEDs which light up faster and provide longer life.

The two-door coupe is very different from the four-door sedan in styling, sharing a family resemblance, but little more.

The Accord's build quality is very high-- you hear the quality when you close the doors.

A common critique is the bland styling of the vehicle, but owners seem to quickly overlook this because of all its other strong attributes. One driver says, "It's not an ugly car, but it's not striking...Once you sit in the car, though, you'll forget about what the outside looks like."

Styles and Options

The major decisions with the Honda Accord are:

  • Coupe or Sedan
  • 4 cylinder or V6
  • Cloth or leather upholstery
  • Trim

Sedans are available in VP, LX, and EX trims:

The VP is new for 2006, replacing the DX. The VP is better equipped and comes standard with air conditioning, cruise control, daytime running lamps, power locks and keyless entry. The VP has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission (MSRP of $17,995).

LX ($19,775) and EX ($22,200) sedans add more. The new LX Special Edition has 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel-disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), in-dash six-CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, body-color side sills and carbon fiber interior accents. The EX is available with leather upholstery, a DVD navigation system, and XM Satellite Radio.

LX V-6 ($23,950) and EX V-6 ($26,850) add not only a 3.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission, but 17-inch wheels and tires and more luxury equipment as well, including a power glass sunroof and heated side mirrors. All V6 models now come with Vehicle Stability Assist(VSA) and brake assist. Leather is standard on the EX V6. A six-speed manual transmission is now available in EX V6 sedans as well as coupes. Coupes are available in LX ($19,875) and EX ($22,300) only and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available. The LX V-6 coupe ($23,900) comes with the V6 and automatic. The EX V-6 coupe ($26,950) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seats.

Coupes are available in LX ($19,875) and EX ($22,300) only and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available. The LX V-6 coupe ($23,900) comes with the V6 and automatic. The EX V-6 coupe ($26,950) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seats.

Honda Accord Hybrid ($30,140), combines a V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor to provide more power: 253 vs. 244 for the gasoline-only V6. The Accord Hybrid gets substantially better fuel economy: 30/37 miles per gallon City/Highway vs. 21/30 for the standard V6. It comes standard with a power glass sunroof, heated side mirrors, and VSA.

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