2005 Honda Accord: Road Test
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2005 Honda Accord LX Manual
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- MSRP: $16,295 -$32,140
- Invoice: $14,673 -$28,912
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Our road test for the 2005 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Honda Accord from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Honda Accord, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Honda Accord help you decide if a 2005 Honda Accord is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Four-cyl models peppy enough with slick-shifting manual transmission; test EX coupe did 7.9 sec 0-60 mph. Four-cyl models with automatic labor in passing and climbing steep grades; test EX-L coupe took 8.6 sec 0-60. Automatic transmission lacks manual shift gate, but is smooth, responsive despite occasional hesitation to downshift. Nonhybrid V6 lively, satisfying. Test automatic coupe did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph; feels markedly quicker with manual. Hybrid faster off the line than regular V6, feels strong thereafter. On one test Hybrid, some testers note an exaggerated decrease in momentum during low-speed coasting as well as a pronounced shudder as engine shuts off and restarts--complaints also registered against Civic Hybrid. Extended-use Accord Hybrid has not exhibited these traits. No Accord Hybrid delivers power as smoothly as nonhybrid V6, however.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 5.2 |
In tests of 4-cyl coupes, manual-transmission EXs averaged 22.7-30.6 mpg, an automatic-transmission EX-L 25.2 mpg. EX-L 4-cyl sedan averaged 26.1 mpg over 19,215 mi. in extended-use test; another returned 22.4 in a separate test with more city driving. Automatic-transmission V6 EX sedans averaged 22.4 mpg in city/highway mix, 26.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test EX V6 coupe averaged 24.3 mpg with automatic transmission, 22.3 with manual. Extended-use Hybrid averaging 28.1 mpg over its first 2230 miles. Honda recommends regular-grade fuel for all Accords.
RIDE QUALITY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Generally absorbent on bumps and ruts, but all Accords have a decidedly taut ride. Compared with DX, VP, and LX models, versions with 16-inch tires thump on rough roads, though it's seldom irksome. Hybrids exhibit more shudder over bumps than other models. Manual V6 coupe is sports-coupe stiff.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Poised and predictable on twisty roads, with a sportier feel than most class rivals. Steering quick, informative; tight turning radius eases low-speed maneuvering. Gas V6 models are more athletic than other Accords, which come on narrower, less-grippy all-season tires. Hybrids heavier than other V6 models, feel less agile. V6 manual coupe suffers significant unwanted torque steer (pulling to the side) in quick acceleration, and tested example drifted annoyingly with the crown of the road. Torque steer noted in test Hybrid, though not to level of V6 coupe. Simulated panic stops with ABS test models were stable and progressive.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Close to archrival Toyota Camry for noise isolation. A bit thumpy on sharp bumps and washboard pavement, but little coarse-surface tire drone. Wind rush generally modest. Some 4-cyl idle shake, but both engines otherwise smooth and unobtrusive even at high rpm. Despite antinoise system, Hybrid not noticeably quieter than regular V6s.
CONTROLS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 6.6 |
Clear and legible gauges, simple and handy minor controls. Available navigation system easy enough to learn. Its voice activation is an upscale, user-friendly touch, but requires precise wording and a clear voice. Overall workmanship to Honda's usual standard, but a few test models had unexpected creaks, minor trim gaps, and/or slightly misaligned dashtop panels.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Ample space on comfortable, well-shaped seats. Standard tilt/telescope steering column, plus height-adjustable driver seat except on DX and VP. Headrests, tall rear deck, rear-pillar shape impede visibility aft and over the shoulder, especially in coupes. Windshield reflections a problem with some interior colors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 4.7 |
Sedan not quite wide enough for three adults, but two are comfortably uncrowded. Cushion's outboard ends surprisingly squishy, though, and some may find backrest too reclined. Head room is 6-footer adequate. Leg and toe space good to generous, depending on front-seat positioning. Coupe space significantly tighter in all dimensions. No-strain entry/exit in sedans, but doors could open wider.
CARGO ROOM
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 |
Spacious flat-floor trunks have low liftover but not much height under rear parcel shelf, and sickle-shaped trunklid hinges intrude. Note that Hybrid has 2.8 cu ft less cargo space than other sedans and no folding rear seat. Ample small-item cabin storage, plus bottle-holding door map pockets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Accord is a Best Buy blend of confident road manners, precision engineering, and enviable refinement. Add in Honda's sterling record for reliability and resale value, and it's no wonder Accord is so popular--and so seldom discounted. At $30,140 to start, the Hybrid is pricey vs. its potential fuel savings, but it also adds performance. A combination of short supply and rising gas prices mean this appealing new model will likely command well over sticker for some time to come.
Total Score
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 70 | 68 | 62 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 68
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