Honda Accord

   The Honda Accord was produced between 2003 and 2007. It is available as a sedan or estate. It is also sold as a coupe in the USA and Canada. Unfortunately Honda do not offers a Hatchback version of the Accord.

   It comes with tree petrol engines and one turbodiesel. The petrol engines are smooth and potent. The 2.4-liter particularly has a strong mid-range pull. The refined 2.2-liter turbodiesel gives a strong performance as well. Probably the diesel is the star-choice for the Accord. The 2.0-liter petrol is coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.4-liter comes with a 6-speed as standard. A five-speed automatic gearbox is optional on both. Unfortunately Honda's engines cannot match the BMW not in terms of fuel economy or acceleration speed. The Honda Accord with a hybrid engine is also available.

   The Honda Accord has an excellent grip and body balance going through corners. Unfortunately it's steering could give more feedback to the driver.

   Accord's engines run impressively quiet, even with the automatic gearbox. Furthermore all of them are smooth. Road and wind noises are kept away from the cabin as well.

   The new Accord is more expensive then the previous model, because Honda is trying to sell is as an executive car instead of a large family. However it's fuel economy and servicing costs are only average compared to the rivals. Resale values are only average as well. On the good side is Honda's assembly quality. There should be no concerns about this car's mechanical reliability.

   Interior is very refined. Fabrics and materials inside look expensive, but it cannot match the German executive cars.

   Driver's position is comfortable as there is two way steering wheel's and seat's adjustments. The cabin is very spacious, but the view out is restricted by the high sides. Angled wind screen pillars also limit visibility.

    The new Honda Accord is larger than the previous models. There is plenty of space for the rear passengers. There is enough space for three persons at the back, but only two adults can get themselves comfortable. There is also a descent size boot.

    Every model comes with six airbags and an anti-lock brakes. An Executive model and the Type-S gain stability control. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard.

   Cruise control, climate control, front and rear electric windows, CD player and alloy wheels are standard on all Accords. Executive model adds leather trim, electric seat adjustments and a CD multichanger. Since 2006 the face-lifted models received an optional Lane Keep Assist system, automatically preventing the car from drifting out of it's lane.

   Production of the Honda Accord still continues. In 2005-2006 it received a facelift with a reviser rear styling, taillights and wheel designs.

   Advantages: Unfailing reliability and excellent build quality are coupled to a good drive and a spacious cabin.

   Disadvantages: Some will find a ride too firm at low speeds and there is plenty of road noise.

   Verdict: No hatchback, but classy and well built. 

   Also consider: Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis.