Happy Hondaing

Sometimes we face points in our lives when we have to make large decisions -- quickly. No one likes to do that, but sometimes it's inevitable. Such an unfortunate occurrence was bestowed upon me when a minor traffic accident forced me to let go of my 1993 Toyota Corolla (see that review which is still relevant) in search of something - well a little nicer.

And thank goodness there are cars like the Honda Accord out there. It's pretty much a no brainier. It pleases all without being totally boring like a Camry or Taurus for example. Yes, the Accord is the mid-size sedan I can drive and make no apologies for. There's a model of Accord for everyone, and they're all great cars. From the frugal DX in the mid 16k range to the top line EX V6 Hybrid for near 30k, everyone should find something to like here.

My personal selection was an EX-L, 5-speed manual model. Having driven a stick my whole life thus far, I knew I needed another. And that eliminated me from the V6 all together, which is auto only (unless I took mine less 2 doors). Really a blessing in disguise, since I found the 4-cylinder in the Accord is quite peppy, especially in the 3000-4000 RPM range. It's all that most people - save those who keep traffic police employed - will need.

Comfort & Convenience:

My father has a 1999 Accord - and there's no comparison in the two cars. His is frumpy, dated, loud and uncomfortable, while the newer (2003 and later) model is anything but. The seats are amazing in my leather-equipped model. Even the steering wheel buttons are lit! The leather package on the EX includes not just leather, but an 8-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, XM Satellite Radio, and brushed steel accents (or wood if you've selected the oak interior) It really transforms the car into a luxury car or sorts, I feel like I'm driving something that costs more like $30,000 and not the near $24,000 I paid with tax/tags.

In addition to the luxury features noted above, there are several other noteworthy features of the Accord that make driving it a joy -- and they're present on near all trim levels. The audio system, something very important to me, is very, very good. I'm a die-hard audio buff, and I always appreciate a good listening environment in a car, where one spends so much time. Honda seems to have used good quality speakers, and put them in the right places this time around. In addition, the keyless entry is built right into the key -- like on many Volkswagens -- only this key is one piece, so it probably will no break. Another great feature is the "hold the key fob on unlock and all 4 windows roll down feature." Previously only present in 30k cars, this is going to be a great feature come summer.

I was also impressed with the seat comfort in this car. The seats adjust perfectly for me; I am a shorter person, and I still find that some seats on other cars don't adjust properly and I feel like I'm falling out of the thing. Not the case with the accord. The seats are large, with plenty (but not too much) side support and in just the right firmness.

Other features that seem to work very well are the cruise control, which has a resume feature that will speed the car back up after you've hit "cancel," to slow down, for example. There are also a ton of hidden compartments, and when I say hidden, I mean they all have nice little doors on them. I don't like (a) potential thieves to see what I have in the car, and (b) I don't really like to look at it either. The center armrest is amazing, so perfectly located for resting a weary elbow.

Gripes about the interior are few and far between. I don't like how the climate control forces you to always run the A/C compressor, even if it's 40 degrees out. You have to manually turn it off, but then you loose the full automatic climate control feature and are relegated to semi-auto. Full auto does work great, and I'd imagine in the summer when I know I want A/C, it'll be a great choice. It regulates temperature, fresh air, and air movement. If you're really not a fan of the climate control, don't get the leather package, though it really cleans up and integrates the dash -- a small price to pay if you ask me.

Driving, Performance, Economy:

The shifter is precise in its movements, clutch is near perfect, and the ride/handling compromise is dead on. You feel the road, without feeling like you're riding on it. Fuel economy is excellent. The Accord is a big car - and I consistently run about 29-33 in mixed driving on regular unleaded. The car is still new, and it's winter now, so those numbers can suffer. By spring I'd expect to be up near 37 on the highway, since it's EPA rated for 35. It'd be nice to see a V6 manual on the sedan to compete with Nissan, but that would also compete with Honda's own Acura TL and TSX, something they probably have thought about a lot more than I. If you want a mid to upper 20k V6 manual in a Japanese car, get an Altima. Just be prepared for an interior nowhere near as nice as the Accord's.

Overall, the car is great. I've only had it for near 3 months, but I already have 3500 miles on it with no regrets whatsoever. The same can be said for a friend of mine with a 2003 EX-L coupe. Not one problem or complaint. Just happy driving. Be aware there is a recall on select 2004 and 2005 Accords that affects the driver's air bag. Of course, Honda will take care of it.

UPDATE AFTER 1 year & 3 MONTHS:

I have about 19,000 miles on the Accord now, and it's been enjoyable for the most part. There were some odd noises coming from the disc brakes a few days, but they went away and the dealer checked everything out. Also, the rattles from the doors could drive a sain person nuts. Much worse in the cold though -- of course, dealer said "no problem found..." After snooping around on the Honda forums, I realized that some other owners were having similar problems, and let my dealer know that the noises were coming from the window frame. After 2 more trips, they replace the door gaskets and problem solved! It was a pain, but the dealer was great and always easy to work with.

I've really fallen in love with the climate control, though I use it in "semi-auto" mode so I can keep the A/C compressor off unless I actually want A/C. In the winter, the heat is hot from the vents until the interior gets to your setpoint temp. and then the climate control maintains that temp. No more temperature swings!

Gas milage is also very good -- I'm averaging 28-32 in mixed driving with about 50% use of the A/C. Not bad for a car this big. Even if I drive hard, I still get at least 28.

For 2006, the EX is available with the V6 and a 6-speed manual, what I really wanted when I bought my '05. It was only available in a coupe at the time. With gas prices as instable as they are, I'm happy I bought the 4-cylinder. It's plenty peppy and a smooth highway cruiser. Unless you live in the mountains or consistantly drive with a full load in the trunk and car, the V6 isn't worth it. Future updates to continue!