About the 2003-2006 Honda Accord:

The Honda Accord was introduced in 1976 as a larger alternative to the Honda Civic. By 2003, the Accord had already evolved from seven generations. Available in both sedan and coupe bodies, the 7th generation (beginning in 2003) Accord is powered by a very refined and powerful 2.4 i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (K-series for you Honda gurus) that makes 166 hp and 160 ft. lbs. of torque beginning in 2006 (which is up from 160 hp in the 2003-2005 models) Optional, however, is the muscular 3.0 liter V6 that pumps out 240 hp and 212 ft. lbs. of torque. Mated with the available 6-speed manual, the V6 Accord can rocket from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds! For 2006, the Accord has also received a makeover to it's front and rear fascia. The tail lamps are now LED, which give the Accord a more upscale appearance. For the sedan, this is a significant improvement over the previous models. The interior also gets a few nice touches, such as different wood trim and satin chrome finishing. Also new for 2006, is the 6-speed manual option for the sedan! Automatic equipped Accords are 5-speeds with grade logic control. Overall, the 7th generation Accord is Honda's best yet. It's refined, solid and surprisingly luxurious for the class. In the family sedan/coupe class segment, I feel that the Accord is the most polished and well-rounded.
My review today will focus mostly on the sedan.

Why I purchased this vehicle:

I just recently purchased my 2006 Honda Accord EX-L sedan, which replaces my 1996 Honda Accord EX (which I have also reviewed here on Epinions) that I happily drove for several years and well over 100,000 trouble-free miles. I was truly impressed with the reliability and quality of the car, but it lacked the refinement and sophistication of the newer Accords. The 2006 Honda Accord features a very luxurious and comfortable interior and has a well deserved reputation for quality and reliability.

Reliability:

Although I have only owned this vehicle for a short time, I am confident that this new Accord will prove to be as reliable as the previous generations. I tend to prefer the 4-cylinders, as these are the engines in which Honda built their reputation. My review will focus more on Accords equipped with this engine, as my own 2006 is powered by the 4-cylinder. The new K-series I4 engines also serve duty in the Honda Element, CR-V, Acura TSX, and RSX, which all received high ratings for reliability in various automotive publications such as Consumer Reports.

Performance:

All Accords are equipped with either a 166 hp DOHC (Dual Over Head Cam) 2.4 I4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) or a 240 hp SOHC (Single Over Head Cam) 3.0 liter V6 engine. Obviously, the V6 equipped Accords are the fastest of the bunch, but the 4-cylinder models more than hold their own. 0-60 mph takes approx. 8.0 seconds with the 2.4 and 5-speed automatic while manual versions clock in at about 7.5 seconds. These are relatively quick acceleration times, and are very similar to those of the V6 Accords of the previous (1998-2002) generation! This engine, however, has a lot more good traits than just 0-60 sprints. Low end performance is much improved over Honda's previous 4-cylinder engines, and the torque is spread more evenly across the power band to enhance midrange passing power. The engine pulls hard all the way up to it's peak torque range of 4500 RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute)making a pass on a two lane road a breeze. Smooth, quiet and refined operation further enhance the overall qualities of Honda's new K24. Even when pushed hard, the engine remains composed and only emits a pleasant growl rather than become 'buzzy' so typical of other 4-cylinder engines. Mated to either the silky smooth 5-speed automatic transmission, or the precise Honda manual, the car is likely to impress.

Handling:

Here is where Honda Accords have always topped their class. Although the 7th generation Accords are a bit on the porky side compared to their predecessors, they are still among the most nimble in this class segment. Driver involvement has been an Accord trademark, and with Honda's own wishbone suspension...this is a surprisingly fun car to drive. The Toyota Camry (which is the Accord's closest competitor) feels numb in comparison. The Camry, However, offers a smoother and quieter driving experience.

Ride Quality:

Although the Accord rides fairly smooth over newly paved highways, driving on less than perfect roads can become quite bouncy. Although the structure of the new Accord is much more rigid than previous generations (which had a tendency to twitch in distaste over abrasive surfaces) which better helps the car keep it's composure, you still feel every imperfection in the road. Only the worst road conditions cause the Accord's structure to shake, however. Road noise is also more intruding than I feel it should be. Wind noise, however, is kept to a minimum. Some will argue that the stiff and bouncy ride as well as the road noise are what make the Accord a driver's car. This may be true to an extent, I still feel as though the suspension and sound insulation could use a bit more refinement.

Interior:

The interior of the 7th generation Accord is by far the car's best feature. Very contemporary in it's design, luxurious in it's detail and very well crafted with tasteful materials. Ergonomics are flawless while fit and finish is top drawer. When equipped with leather, the Accord becomes an entry-level luxury automobile on the inside. Heated seats, heated mirrors, 6-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, Auto down/up on driver's side power window, XM satellite radio, satellite linked navigation system and much more are all available on the Honda Accord (and most are standard on the EX with leather) The Lexus-like LED gages are also an elegant touch to the fabulous interior. Reading lamps, coin tray, power outlets, sliding center arm rest, cup holders with adjustable arms to grip both small and larger cups, steering wheel mounted controls, satin chrome details, It's all there! The seats are large and are among the most comfortable I've ever sat in. I sit IN these seats, rather than on top of them. Side bolstering is terrific. All of the controls are user friendly and (finally!) the steering wheel controls and door panel switches light up at night!
Most of the plastics are of good quality and are better than what most other manufacturers palm off in this price range, although Honda did cut some corners (albeit very minor ones) in certain areas to cut down on production costs. Back-seat legroom is plentiful, as is headroom...which is a significant improvement over previous generations. Three can fit back there, but the middle seating position isn't exactly a soft place to sit. Front leg room is also good, while hip and head room are exceptional. Although Honda's typical low cowl design is not apparent in this latest generation of Accord, visibility is still excellent in the front...although rear visibility can use some improvement. EX models with leather are equipped with an 8-way power driver's seat, while lesser trim models get a height adjuster only...which may be beneficial for short drivers. The overall seating position in the Accord is still relatively high, however, even at the lowest setting. The back seat folds down, although it is a bit tricky to master and may require two people. More convenient is the small center pass through door that allows access into the trunk from the back-seat. It comes in handy when you need to haul items such as a roll of carpet or a pair of skis. Although a few inches shorter than the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, the Accord's trunk space is generous... I always have enough room for everyone's luggage and various other items (such as mom's scooter) though 2006 models have a smaller trunk opening, making for more difficult loading and unloading.

Exterior:

Not too much to speak of here. The 2006 Honda Accord looks handsome and mature. It's vanilla styling will likely offend no one... but it certainly won't turn heads. This is a straight to the point vehicle that doesn't try to be something that it isn't. The 7th generation does look a bit more edgy than previous generations, however.

Fuel Efficiency:

My best averages have been 32 miles per gallon on the highway, and roughly 24-25 in the city. The 17 gallon fuel tank allows between 400-450 miles between fill-ups on the highway. I find that the fuel gauge is not completely accurate, although I believe this was done on purpose. When the gauge indicates Empty, there is roughly 3-4 gallons of fuel remaining in the tank. If I felt confident enough to push the envelope...500 miles could be achieved on a full tank of gas. 5-spd. manual versions are even more fuel efficient. This makes traveling easier and more cost efficient.

Safety:

Fortunately, I have not been involved in a collision while in this vehicle (knock on wood) but according to the NHTSA crash test ratings, the 2006 Accord protects it's occupants exceptionally well. Driver side impact gets a 5 star rating while the passenger side also gets 5 stars. Dual side air bags are standard, as are side curtain airbags. New for 2006, are daytime running lights (DRLs) although not new technology, as GM also used DRLs in the mid 1990s. EX models get a factory alarm, while all Accords get a theft deterrent system. The factory ignition keys are equipped with a chip inside that activates the ignition switch. Without this chip, the car cannot be started...even if the key is duplicated. Although a nice thing to have, if you ever need to replace the factory key.. you'll need $175. If you happen to be out of town and away from your local dealer, you'll also need a bar code tab that is given to you by the dealer at the time of purchase. DO NOT leave this in the vehicle as a thief can use it to duplicate your key with the chip! Furthermore, the factory stereo is equipped with it's own safety device. If the stereo is disconnected and removed from the vehicle, it automatically becomes inoperable. In order to reactive the stereo, you'll need the 5-digit code that will also be given to you by the dealer. Without this code, the stereo is as good as junk... so don't lose it! But also don't leave it in the vehicle where the thief can find it. To further enhance safety, the dealership also offers window etching which etches a security code into every window.

The Verdict:

The Honda Accord is one of the best rated cars in it's class, and for good reason. It can play several different rolls, all very well. It's attractive styling, comfortable and luxurious interior, good handling, performance, refinement and excellent craftsmanship all come together in one affordable package. I predict that a lot of shoppers who consider the other cars in it's class, will likely decide on the Honda Accord.