2000 Honda Accord: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The addition of front side airbags to some versions of the 2000 Accord is the big news for Honda's top-selling car line. Accord offers with coupe and sedan body styles in LX and upscale EX trim with 4-cylinder or V6 power, along with 4-cylinder DX and SE sedans. The 2.3-liter 4-cylinder makes 135 horsepower in the DX and 150 in LX, SE, and EX models. Accord's 3.0-liter V6 develops 200 hp.

Four-cylinder models come with manual or extra-cost automatic transmission, the V6 comes only with automatic. Antilock brakes are standard on V6 models, on the SE, and on 4-cylinder EXs; ABS is optional for the automatic 4-cylinder LX sedan. Leather upholstery is included on EX V6s and available for 4-cylinder EXs.

The new front side airbags are standard on V6 models and on leather-equipped 4-cylinder EXs. All Accords gain a dual-stage passenger-side dashboard airbag for 2000. Its deployment force is governed by seat-mounted sensors that monitor the size and position of the passenger. Honda says the system can also deactivate the airbag if the sensors determine the passenger is too small or out of position.

COMPETITION

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both come in coupe and sedan form, offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced.

Recommended models include the smooth Buick Century, the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, the sporty Nissan Maxima, surprising Olds Intrigue, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles.

If you are looking for something a touch bigger without spending a whole lot more we suggest the Budget Buy Chevy Impala. It's the largest car in this class, has a powerful V6, and doesn't cost any more than the others.