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The Accord has been
frequently considered to be the best family sedan, winning praise from auto
enthusiasts, consumer-oriented publications, and midsize sedan buyers
themselves. (The Toyota Camry continues to post higher sales numbers, but it tends
to win less editorial acclaim.) There are good reasons for that. It posts
strong safety ratings, drives quite well, has a comfortable and high-quality
interior, and returns an impressive mix of capable acceleration and excellent
gas mileage. But in this value-oriented section of the family sedan
marketplace, low prices are key to success. And while the Accord has its
excellence, its pricing suggests that Honda recognizes this fully.
The Accord has a very
comfortable ride, well-controlled and firm, though a bit less absorbent than
other class leaders. As a result, it also handles very well. It is not a
sports sedan, but it has well-controlled body roll, a nimble feel, and
responsive, accurate steering, making it more fun-to-drive than most
competitors. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder provides brisk acceleration for
a 4-cylinder, better even than some 6-cylinders in this group, while still
tying for the best fuel economy among the twenty-five cars here. The engine
remains smooth and quiet even under acceleration, but wind noise is audible
even before highway speeds.
Inside, the Accord’s
firm, comfortable front seats are mounted high enough, and are quite roomy and
well-shaped. The rear isn’t as high or as spacious as some competitors’, but
it is well-shaped to make the best of that, and is still quite comfortable
overall. The interior is solidly constructed from high-quality materials. The
gauges are large and clear, and the large, well-placed instruments are very
easy to use. Entry/exit would be easier with wider door openings, but the
well-shaped roofline facilitates getting in and out. Drivers sit very
comfortable, and have good visibility. The trunk is quite small, and the
Accord oddly lacks a split-folding rear seat.
The Accord did very well
in crash testing. It earned five stars for both the driver and for the front
passenger in the NHTSA frontal crash test, and four stars for both the driver
and for the rear passenger in the NHTSA side crash test. It was rated Best
Pick in the IIHS offset crash test, and Good in the IIHS side crash test. Its
head restraints were rated Poor, however.
The Accord reviewed here
came in at $20,375. It is not particularly well-equipped at that price, coming
only with its standard equipment. That does include the basic power
accessories (no power seats) and such safety features as antilock brakes,
torso-protecting side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Traction and
stability control are only offered on the more-expensive V6 models, as are
virtually every other accessory except the basics in comfort and safety.
Overall, the Accord is a
very impressive car. But in the $20,000 price range, value is key, and it is
an area at which the Accord does not excel, coming with no more than the basic
accessories without a price advantage. And it is not so much better than its
competitors that the significant price difference can’t be overlooked, with a
less-absorbent ride and less rear-seat space than some key competitors and
less trunk space than virtually all. It is an excellent family car, and is
definitely worth a look from midsize sedan shoppers, but the competition has
caught up and can sell most of the same benefits for a much lower price.
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