Acceleration

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
4	5	7	8	5.4

With the automatic transmission, 177-hp Accords move adequately from a stop, but passing and merging require patience. EX and LX-S 4-cylinder models, with their 190-hp engine, are stronger in all situations. Several 4-cylinder models tested have suffered from a rough idle and pronounced vibrations felt through the body and steering wheel. V6 models with the automatic are stronger still, with plenty of reserve muscle for easy passing. All manual-transmission Accords are faster than their automatic counterparts, with smooth clutch engagement and a precise feeling shifter.

Fuel Economy

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
7	6	5	5	5.7

In Consumer Guide testing, an Accord LX-P with automatic transmission averaged 22.2 mpg in city/highway driving and 25.8 with more highway use. Our extended-use automatic EX 4-cylinder sedan is averaging 24.7 mpg over its first 11,150 miles. V6 versions with the automatic averaged 19.5 mpg. All Accords use regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	5	6

All Accords feel refined and solid. Large bumps bring out some unexpected harshness in most models, but it's never bothersome. V6 coupes have larger wheels and tires. The result for coupes is a firmer ride and notably more impact feel.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.9

Accords remain on the sporty side of the midsize class, with light but direct steering and well-controlled lean in corners. Coupes feel somewhat sharper but not enough to justify reduced ride comfort.

Quietness

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
5	6	6	6	5.9

Across the board, road noise is fairly pronounced, with less sound isolation from traffic din than might be expected. The coupes' larger wheels and tires contribute to a small amount of additional road noise. The LX and LX-P models disappoint for their crude-sounding engine. The 190-hp 4-cylinder is slightly more pleasant. The V6 is the most refined of the bunch.

Controls

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.3

Accord's interior will feel familiar to repeat buyers, and that's a good thing. Some of our testers, however, bemoan the large number of individual controls. Big dials and gauges are easy to read. Most major controls are logically placed and have a substantial, quality feel, though a few climate functions are just out of easy reach for some drivers. The navigation screen is generally easy to read, though it's recessed deeply in its housing, obscuring sight lines. Despite its recess, the display can wash out in certain light conditions.

Details

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
6	7	7	7	5.6

Continues in the Accord tradition of offering good quality materials and solid assembly. Cabin impressions vary widely based on interior color palette. Depending on color, EX and EX-L sedans are available with woodgrain accents that go a long way toward creating a warm, upscale ambiance. Some testers find models without woodgrain trim lack character. Coupes have unique interior accents that impart a sportier feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
8	8	8	7	6.6

Accord sedan and coupe seats are comfortable and supportive. There's ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults. Larger door openings and a higher roof make entering and exiting Accord easy. Visibility is good all around in all models, but coupes have a more rakish roofline that obscures the view to the rear corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	3	5.2

Sedans have good headroom, vast legroom, and comfortable seats. Again, large door openings and a high roof contribute to easy entry and exit. Coupes offer more space this year as well, though seating is still best left to children.

Cargo Room

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
4	4	4	3	4.3

Sedans have a large, deep, usefully shaped trunk, though a smallish opening may prevent loading of bulkier items. Intrusive hinges force cautious loading of crushable items. Note that the folding rear seatback is one piece, rather than split like on most cars. Coupes have a smaller trunk with a somewhat smaller opening. Sedan and coupe interior storage includes roomy center console with handy divided compartments, 12-volt power outlet, and MP3 port.

Value within Class

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
7	9	9	7	6.3

Though Accord is no longer leaps and bounds ahead of competitors, its rewarding balance of price, performance, and passenger accommodations make it a Best Buy for shoppers in this class.

Total Score

LX-P sedan, automatic	EX 4-cylinder sedan, automatic	EX-L V6 sedan, automatic	EX V6 coupe, manual	Class Average
69	73	74	66	63.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74