2006 Honda Accord: Road Test
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2006 Honda Accord LX Manual
2006 Honda Accord ▼
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- MSRP: $18,225 -$32,290
- Invoice: $16,413 -$29,681
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Our road test for the 2006 Honda Accord includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Honda Accord from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Honda Accord, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Honda Accord help you decide if a 2006 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 | 5.6 |
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 transmission labor in passing maneuvers and climbing steep grades; test EX-L coupe took 8.6 sec 0-60. Conventional V6 lively, satisfying. Test automatic coupe did 7.0 sec 0-60 mph; feels markedly quicker with manual. Accord's automatic lacks manual shift gate, but is smooth, responsive despite occasional hesitation to downshift. No opportunity yet to time Hybrid, but it's faster off the line than conventional V6, feels strong thereafter, though not as linear. As with Civic Hybrid, some testers note exaggerated decrease in momentum, as well as periodic driveline shudder, when slowing to a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 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. Extended-use-test EX-L 4-cyl sedan averaged 26.1 mpg over 19,321 miles. Another averaged 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, 23.6 with manual. Extended-use-test Hybrid averaged 27.5 mpg over 17,559 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. LX V6 and EX versions have 17-inch tires, and thump more on rough roads than other Accords, though it's seldom irksome. Hybrid seems slightly less composed overall than other sedans. V6 coupe feels sporty-car 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. V6 models are more athletic than other Accords, which come on narrower, less-grippy all-season tires. Hybrid's steering less direct feeling than other Accords. V6 manual coupe suffers significant unwanted torque steer (pulling to the side) in quick acceleration, and test example drifted annoyingly with the crown of the road. Simulated panic stops with ABS test models were stable, progressive, but not super short.
QUIETNESS
| LX sdn, auto. | EX V6 sdn w/nav. sys., auto. | Hybrid | EX V6 cpe, 6-sp. man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
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 | 6.8 |
Exemplary. Clear, legible gauges. Simple, 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. Cabin materials sturdy, tasteful, with overall workmanship to Honda's usual standard, but a few test models had unexpected creaks, minor trim gaps, 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 | 6.6 |
Ample space on comfortable, well-shaped seats, though some testers complain padding too firm for long-distance comfort. All models have tilt/telescope steering column; all but VP have height-adjustable driver seat. Headrests, tall rear deck, rear-pillar shape impede visibility aft and over the shoulder, especially in coupes. Windshield reflections a problem with lighter 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 | 5 |
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 six-footer adequate. Leg and toe space good to generous, depending on front-seat positioning. No-strain entry/exit in sedans, but doors could open wider. Coupes, as usual, demand a crouch and crawl past long doors, which can be awkward in tight parking spots.
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 seatback, which is otherwise standard. 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 | 8 | 7 | 6.1 |
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 about $31,000 to start, the Hybrid is pricey vs. its potential fuel savings, but it is thrifty considering it's also the most powerful Accord. It also benefits from federal tax incentives for buyers of gas/electric vehicles.
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 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 68
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