WHY HONDA ACCORD?
Honda evokes thoughts and impressions of fun to drive and reliability, which is rightly deserved. Case in point, ... my 1993 Accord LX 5-speed MT sedan (purchased new) is presently @ 156,000+ miles and it's still rides & runs great! My '93 had no major problems and only the basic general maintenance were performed when required: i.e. ... Timing belt, air-condition re-charged, radiator, tires and brakes.

After 11 years though (we believe in long-term car ownership), we did have it repainted (146,000 miles) to the near original "Seattle Silver Metallic" color. My daughter will buy it before she attends Cal Poly this fall.

So, ... after over 12 years of PROBLEM FREE OWNERSHIP, ... the only car I seriously considered to replace my 1993 Accord LX 5-speed MT sedan was, ... another Honda ACCORD! But it doesn't hurt to do some research first.

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VEHICLE RESEARCH: (Prerequisite for all vehicles)
Price, trim, options, car specifications and driving reviews like Car & Driver choosing the 2005 Honda Accord 10Best "Best Family Sedan" just confirmed why another Accord is a given. Car & Driver said it best ...

[QUOTE ... by Car&Driver]
"... the Accord persists on the 10Best honor roll for traditional Accord virtues: rigid chassis, outstanding road manners, excellent powertrains, straightforward ergonomics, bulletproof construction, and a high fun-to-drive quotient by mid-size-sedan standards"
[UnQUOTE]

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MODEL CHOICE:
Choosing the 2005 Honda Accord EXL 4 cyl. 160 hp PZEV** i-VTEC engine w/5-sp Automatic EXL AT Sedan (EPA 24 City / 34 Highway MPG) was relatively easy vs. choosing the color / interior.

**PZEV from "Cal/EPA - Air Resources Board 2005 ZERO EMISSION AND PZEV CREDIT VEHICLES"

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/ccvl/2005sulevpzevlist.htm?PF=Y

"The following vehicles are certified to the "Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle Standard (SULEV)" and are 90% cleaner than the average new 2005 offered for sale in California. In addition these vehicle also receive credit as "Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV)" or as "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (AT-PZEV)". Vehicles receiving the PZEV credit have near-zero evaporative emissions and their emission control equipment has a 15-year/150,000 mile warranty. Vehicles receiving the AT-PZEV credit also make use of "ZEV-enabling" clean technologies such as alternative fuel, electric drives, or other advanced technology systems."

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COLOR:
Eventually we choose "Desert Mist Metallic" (originally looked @ "Eternal Blue Pearl") and I haven't looked back! The color is impressive and blends in very nicely with the Ivory Leather interior and w/burled wood trim accent.

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PRICE:
NOTE: Looked up INVOICE $$$ @ Edmunds.com and Kelly's Blue Book website.

2005 Honda Accord EXL 4 cyl. PZEV** AT EXL Sedan - MSRP: $25,265 (w/$515 Destination)

Dealer's INV.. $22,271
DEST............. $515
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Total......... $22,786.00** + CA tax, DMV, Tire & Doc fee.

**NOTE: All California Honda 4 cyl. = PZEV certified - Invoice costs above from Edmunds.com

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WHOLE PURCHASING PROCESS:
1) Sunday May 1st - "Get Dealer Quotes" Edmunds.com option (received 6 Dealer QUOTES)
.... a)Quotes ranged between $600 to $1,700 below INV w/Dest.

2) Monday May 2nd - Worked an email/phone deal with Anderson Honda
.... a) Verified they will Beat my lowest Dealer Quote by $100 - which made it $20,986 + fees
.... b) Anderson emailed me OTD estimate, ... which was a little more than what I finally paid (see below)

3) Wednesday May 4th - Made an appointment w/Anderson Honda to test drive & choose a color from the coming three 4 cyl. EXL Sedans
.... a) They sold all their remaining NEW 4 cyl. EXL Sedans last Sunday May 1st - the last 2 were Graphite Pearl.

4) Wednesday May 4th - Choose "Desert Mist Metallic" and put $500 down, later they emailed me the VIN #
.... a) The other 2 colors were "Black" & "Silver" - all 3 cars arriving between May 5th to 9th. :-(

5) Friday May 6th - Took delivery and paid CASH!!!
.... a) My car had 4.5 miles on the odometer.
.... b) We were there about an hour and a half
.... c) No hassle or haggle - all were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly.

Final tally Anderson Honda in Palo Alto:
Price: .........$20,986.00 ($1,800 below INV)
Tire Fee: ...........$8.75
Doc. Fee: ..........$45.00
8.5% tax: .......$1,735.06
DMV (Est): ........$187.00
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TOTAL: .........$22,961.81 OTD 8^D
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ACCESSORIES ADDED: (Not thru dealer - Internet cost less)
1) Splash Guards - Front & Rear ($39.95 + SH - www.handa-accessories.com)
2) Sunshield Windshield Shade ($18.69 + SH - www.handa-accessories.com)
3) Heavy Rubber Beige Floor Mats ($19.84 + tax - Wal-Mart)
4) Convex Mirror for the Driver side mirror ($2.99 + tax - Kragen)
5) Half Bra ($54.00 + SH - www.handa-accessories.com)

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DRIVING IMPRESSION:
After two weeks of ownership and over 350 miles logged, I can write that, ... It's FUN to DRIVE, w/Excellent Engine Power Response on tap, European-like Road Feel, which means Confident Handling & Maneuverability. All-in-all, the uni-body integrity is relatively tight and quiet (XM radio or CD off & the moon roof closed) for its class.

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8-16-05: UPDATE: "The Temple of VTEC" website agrees with my "European-like Road Feel, ..." comment ...

====(Start of partial Quotes)
On the Road - Chassis Dynamics:

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=80004&page_number=4

It's not much of a stretch to say the 4-cylinder Accords exhibit key sporting traits, featuring a relatively taut suspension, responsive steering, well-controlled ride motions, and competent braking.

.... it manages to communicate sufficient details of the road surface being traversed, providing a feel generally associated with European sedans.
====(end of Quotes)

Also, "The Temple of VTEC" website reveals why my comment... "FUN to DRIVE, w/Excellent Engine Power Response on tap, ..." is on target ...

====(Start of partial Quotes)
The K24

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=80004&page_number=2

All things considered, the 2.4L K24 is quite an amazing motor. Rated at 160hp at the crank, we have strong suspicions that it is underrated by a good 10-15hp, and our dyno testing seems to confirm these suspicions (more on that later).

Dyno Testing

http://www.vtec.net/articles/view-article?article_id=80004&page_number=3

Honda underrates a K-series motor - by a lot. Remember, this engine was supposed to produce 160 hp and 161 lbs-ft of torque - at the crank! Judging by these numbers, it's producing closer to 170 lbs-ft and 175 hp. Which explains why it's so darn quick.
====(end of Quotes)

Love my 2005 Accord EX-L!!!

END of my 8-16-05: UPDATE:
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FIT & FINISH IMPRESSION:
The EXTERIOR hood, trunk and body panels, ... all line up (Honda trademark)! The door's have that expensive solid weight and closes with an impressive seal, fit and feel!!!

The INTERIOR also has the usual Honda Excellent fit & finish, ... very appealing, w/above AVG. Leather seats (Front & Back) that is comfortable and the Driver Side has Lumbar & 8-way Power Adjustment Control. The door panels, map pockets, glove box, center console all line up and feels solid. All the controls are located logically, with easy reach and w/expensive solid, responsive tactile feel!

SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS:
1) Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
2) Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
3) Front and Rear Crush Zones
4) Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
5) Side Curtain Airbags
6) Side-Impact Door Beams
7) LATCH and Child-Seat Tether Anchors
8) Wave Key and Immobilizer System

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For more Car and Safety INFO, copy the following Honda link to your browser ...

http://automobiles.honda.com/models/model_overview.asp?ModelName=Accord+Sedan&bhcp=1&BrowserDetected=True

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NOTES:
I can see why Car & Driver 2005 10Best Awards choose the 2005 Accord as the "Best Family Sedan"!!!

On top of all that driving fun, it's also good to know that the EXL 4 cyl i-VTEC 5-sp Automatic EPA 24/34 rating means you won't be visiting the gas station all that often.

Well, I filled my new car with its FIRST TANK OF GAS yesterday @ Costco! (Sunnyvale - $2.389 per gal.)

Traveled:... 341 miles (4.5 on odometer when I took delivery 5/6/05)
Filled:..... 13.424 gals. (3.676 gals. remaining - light just turned on)
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MPG:........ 25.4 AVG (break-in miles, mostly city w/some HY going to work = approx. 10.4 miles each way)

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UPDATE: 5-31-05
2nd tank of gas:
Traveled:... 316.5 miles (657 odometer)
Filled:..... 12.34 gals. (4.8 gals. remaining)
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MPG:........ 25.6 AVG (90% City / 10% Highway)

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8-16-05: UPDATE:
After 10 tanks of gas ...
Overall MPG. AVG = 27 MPG (85% City / 15% Highway)

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2005 ACCORD ACCESSORIES HIGHLIGHTS:
1) 6-CD Changer AM / FM Radio - 6 Speaker System
.... a) Excellent balanced stereo sound
........ 1. Clear highs, solid bass impact & above AVG L&R channel separation - NICE!
........ 2. Control settings: Bass = +2 / Treble = +1
........ 3. Speakers:
............ a. Tweeters - one each front corner of Dash - facing up reflecting off the windshield
............ b. 6.5-inch full-range drivers in the front doors
............ c. 6" x 9" on the back deck
.... b) Excellent control feel and layout

2) XM Satellite Radio - 3 month FREE subscription
.... a) Over 150 digital channels - still programming it
.... b) Immeditely found and programmed:
............ a. JAZZ & BLUES - CH. 071 "Watercolors" Contemporary Jazz
............ b. LATIN - CH. 095 "Luna" Latin Jazz
............ c. TALK & ENTERTAINMENT - CH. 164 "Radio Classics" Old Time Radio (like The Green Hornet; The Shadow, etc.)
............ d. COMEDY - CH. 151 "Laugh USA" (Bill Cosby; Johnathan Winters; Jeff Foxworthy; Steve Martin; etc.)

3) Front Heated seats w/two setting options
.... a) Great for cool/cold mornings - like our 2004 Honda Pilot EXL w/NAV

4) Dual (Left/Right) Side Zone Climate Controls
.... a) My wife loves this (wish the Pilot had this option)
........ 1. I can stay cool, ... my wife can stay warm!!!
.... b) Pilot has Front/Rear Climate Controls

5) Outside Temperature Monitor
.... a) Our 2004 Honda Pilot EXL w/NAV has this and we like knowing what's going on outside weather wise.

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OTHER CARS CONSIDERED / RESEARCHED:
2005 Toyota Camry - though I did not test drive this time around.

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FINAL THOUGHTS:
I look forward and look for any excuse to drive my new Accord (break-in IS approx 600 miles - yep!) and based on the last 2-weeks of driving, ... my next new car will be another Honda, ... in 12 years or so!!!

Cars presently owned:
- 1986 Honda Accord LX AT Sedan (my daughter's - to be sold)
- 1993 Accord LX 5-sp MT Sedan
- 2004 Honda Pilot EXL w/NAV SUV (my wife's)

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Highly RECOMMENDED!!!
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FINAL NOTE: If you own any generation Honda Accord, or just bought or you want to research the 7th GENERATION ACCORDS (2003 to present), ... check out the BEST Honda Accord Forum on the INTERNET @ DriveAccord.net where you'll find outstanding, knowledgeable and friendly members ... copy the following link to your browser ...

http://www.driveaccord.net/

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FYI: To see my digital pic's, copy the following link to your browser ...

http://community.webshots.com/album/339979298dzYrpC
Amount Paid (US$): 22,961.81
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: EX-L AT