Driving Impressions

From the base Civic to the Acura NSX, Honda products have always offered a superior driving experience, and the Accord is no exception. It's a wonderful driving car, offering nifty handling and maneuverability, excellent steering feel, a good ride and a light, yet precise, touch to the controls. The 4-cylinder engine is crisp and responsive, but the optional V6 really transforms the Accord's performance into a quick, lively sedan that's able to dart through traffic with athletic ease. Seldom do you find such a willing engine in a sedan, and the characteristic Honda silky smoothness of this powerplant is an added sweet benefit. The transmission fitted to the V6 is also a model of seamless operation. Its Grade Logic programming will be appreciated by those who drive through hilly terrain because it acts like a skilled driver. It works by sensing the driving conditions and automatically selecting - and holding - the most appropriate gear for the task. This means it may, for example, stay in third gear while driving up and down hills, and it won't hunt between gears on long, gentle upgrades. The Accord EX's front and rear suspension consists of double wishbone arms, coil springs and stabilizer bars. This is one of the most sophisticated layouts to be found on any midrange sedan. The Accord matches an even, well-controlled ride with crisp steering response and a nimbleness to the handling that is almost sports carlike. Of all sedans in this price and size range, the Accord definitely offers one of the best driving experiences. Another driving benefit is the seating position and large window area resulting from the low beltline, a Honda trademark that gives exceptional outward vision. Even shorter drivers can see well out of the Accord. This lends a feeling of security because you're able to place the car on the road when you're in tight spots.

Final Word

What's not to like about the Honda Accord? Through several versions over the years, the Accord has developed a strong, loyal following - and for good reason. It's simply an excellent product, near faultless in many ways. The overall layout is intelligent, efficient and thoughtful. From the neat packaging to the ease of operation to the nice touches such as chrome inside-door handles and the soft tick of the turn signal flasher, you can tell the Honda people have tried very hard not to have anything on the car that would be in the slightest way annoying. And they've succeeded. The addition of the V6 only makes it sweeter. The EPA fuel economy numbers for the V6 are not yet available, and it will probably use a little more gas than the 4-cylinder versions. We think that's a small price to pay for such a pleasant driving experience in such a well-packaged, finely executed 4-door sedan. As you can gather, we really like the Accord. And we also like V6 power. If you feel the same way we do, you'll gladly buy a little extra gas to gain the performance, response and smoothness of a V6 engine in the Accord.