Technical

The first engine on Honda's spec sheet is the 2.4L inline 4 cylinder. This gem of an engine develops 160 hp at 5 500 rpm and 161 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. The second is the powerful 3.0L V6 that puts out 240 hp at 6 250 rpm and 212 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. The 4 banger gets a 5-speed manual transmission as standard fare and an optional 5-speed automatic. The V6 can only be delivered with the autobox. The DX and LX-G versions are delivered with a front disc/rear drum brake setup; one of the few cars in this category still offered this way. The other models, EX-L, LX and EX V6 get 4-wheel disc brakes.

On the road

Honda's 2.4L engine is the most refined and best behaved of all 4 cylinders available on the market at the moment. Only a small vibration occurs when the car is at a full stop and in gear. Otherwise, it is quiet, smooth and all the way to 6 500 rpm. The 5-speed automatic transmission is swift and smooth when working through the cogs. The V6 is also very much civilised. Its 240 hp are served effortlessly and without fuss. The Altima 3.5SE's V6 power causes torque-steer and is almost violent under hard acceleration in comparison. Both engines provide more than adequate power. Considering how good the 4-cylinder is though, it is difficult to properly justify the $3,000 extra required to get the V6. Fuel consumption is another pro at only 10L per 100 km.

I briefly tested an EX-V6 coupe equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission last year. I must say that I was very disenchanted with the car's drivability in general. The shifter lacked precision and the clutch was difficult to smoothly engage, very unusual for a Honda. Also, a massive amount of torque steer would tug on the steering wheel in mild to strong acceleration.

On more than one morning as the temperature hovered just below zero degrees Celsius, the Accord had a difficult time getting started. Honda is not really known for having electrical problems so I will assume that this is an isolated incident.

Brakes are impressive. Initial bite is instantaneous and pedal travel is kept to a minimum. Like the Civic, the Accord's suspension is a perfect marriage between road handling and comfort. Even with the Bridgestone winter tires, the Accord corners with aplomb and remains stable and planted at highway speeds.

Safety

The car has standard dual front and side air bags, side curtain air bags for both front and rear passengers, ABS brakes, available electronic brake force distribution, and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for both passengers in a frontal impact. The Accord has no yet been evaluated in the event of a lateral impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.