A tilt-and-slide glass sunroof adds light. This is not your father's Saab 9-3 Viggen. We should also add that the Accord manages to deliver the engine's substantial output to the drive wheels with only the barest hint of torque steer. The changes were not massive, but they do result in improved steering response, from the shorter tire sidewalls, and an incremental improvement in suspension control. Peak horsepower, 244, is at 6250 rpm, and being a Honda engine, it's quite happy revving.
With the manual, the driver can keep the engine spinning for power, or improve fuel economy by short-shifting. As much as we respect them, we can't say that about the other members of the latest Accord family. Details make the difference, and details like interior door panels scooped to further improve elbow room are welcome. But we also value passion. Which brings us to the Accord coupe.
All doors have storage pockets with bottle holders. Proven technology by this point, the Accord is Honda's most popular model in the U. The automatic is more likely to shift at lower engine speeds, missing the bulk of the power. If life circumstances dictate a mid-size sedan, life as the enthusiast knows it is not necessarily over. It works well, combining a comfortable ride with good cornering ability for a fun-to-drive character that is missing from most popular mid-size sedans. That was the de facto standard displacement for the class for many years, and while competitors' engines have gotten larger, the Honda, with 244 horsepower, can hold its own against them quite well, thank you - and the stick allows the driver to take advantage of that power in the best way.
Shift at higher revs for the best performance, or shift lower for maximum fuel efficiency. The grille and front bumper also had seemingly minor revisions that gave a further improvement to the Accord's looks. It may not eliminate our mourning for the old Prelude. And, for the emotional side, for people to whom driving is a pleasurable activity, not merely a chore, the Accord is the only major player in the family sedan class with a V6 model available with a manual transmission, and a six-speed at that. For the first time in the Accord's long history, V-6 and manual transmission are not mutually exclusive concepts, and the six-speed's precise engagements and short shift throws enhance the pleasure of piloting this rig by a bunch.
Fortunately, the interface is simple and intuitive interface, and has voice control. All V6 models have standard Vehicle Stability Assist. It's solidly built, spacious, comfortable, frugal on fuel, and a good value, all very logical attributes. Although the coupe did weigh 140 pounds less than the sedan, that's still a pretty strong testimonial for the efficiencies of a standard transmission. In no way could it be considered stiff, as comfort is still important, but it is a more European than American suspension tuning. Commander Data running a routine systems check on the bridge of the Enterprise.
Shift action is quick and smooth, adding enjoyment. Either way, the Accord's engine is willing and responsive. The Accord has a five-star frontal impact rating from the U. The rear seat has plenty of room for real humans, and the trunk is huge, with a locking ski pass though. The six-speed two-door hit 60 in 5. But it does stimulate the driver-gratification glands. The key elements of this character shift-tires and transmission-aren't very mysterious, but they combine to make this particular Accord unique among its stablemates.
With the navigation system, audio and all climate system controls except temperature are controlled through the touch screen at the top of the center stack. Unlike most more expensive sports sedans, the Accord V6 feeds on regular unleaded gasoline, not premium. The Pilots are also an all-season design, but bigger footprints and shorter sidewalls produce better grip-0. The 6-Speed has different 17-inch alloy wheels than the other V6 models. It's an enviable track record, and no other car comes close.
Bright, back-lit instruments are easy to see in all light, and heated, power-adjustable seats and a steering wheel manually-adjustable for both tilt and reach allow all drivers to find a perfect driving position. These are not particularly impressive numbers for a sports coupe-an Acura 3. . You could shift for yourself in previous Accords-but only if you were willing to limit yourself to four cylinders. V-6 versions were available only with automatics. Quicker on its feet, quicker straight ahead, quicker to provoke smiles at the helm. Accords have earned first-place points in four of six comparison tests since 1997, and they've made our 10Best list in 17 of the 21 years we've been giving the award.
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