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The Toyota Camry is a perennial favorite among American
car-buyers, but the Accord tends to be preferred by auto critics. Despite
its price, it has always impressed with smooth and peppy powertrains,
surprisingly competent handling, and comfortable and high-quality interiors.
But too often reviewers overlook the family sedan virtues found in the
more-popular Camry when talking about the car they prefer for themselves:
ride comfort, refinement, and interior space. The Accord’s firm ride is very
well-controlled, but not as absorbent as many of the others in this group.
Road noise is pronounced. And the low rear seat, while reasonably
comfortable, is not as commodious as many competitors’. It’s a very
well-designed car, but consumers just shopping the Honda name should be
warned that there may be a better car for their own priorities, and that it
may be quite a bit less money.
As noted, the Accord has
a reasonably comfortable and well-controlled ride, but it does not shelter
occupants from road imperfections nearly as well as some competitors. The
firm suspension tuning helps its handling as well as ride control. It is not
a sports sedan, but it has well-controlled body roll, a nimble feel, and
responsive, accurate steering, making it more fun-to-drive than most
competitors. The standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder provides brisk acceleration
for a 4-cylinder, while still achieving excellent gas mileage. The engine
remains smooth and quiet even under acceleration, but wind noise is audible
even before highway speeds.
Inside, the Accord’s
firm, comfortable front seats are mounted high enough, and are quite roomy
and well-shaped. The rear isn’t as high or as spacious as some competitors’,
but it is well-shaped.
 The
interior is solidly constructed from high-quality materials. The gauges are
large and clear, and the large, well-placed instruments are very easy to
use. Entry/exit would be easier with wider door openings, but the
well-shaped roofline facilitates getting in and out. Drivers sit very
comfortable, and have good visibility. The trunk is quite small, and the
Accord oddly lacks a split-folding rear seat.
The Accord reviewed here
came in at $19,946, which is reasonable compared to the car’s sticker price
(Honda’s typically sell near their MSRPs) but not low for this group. At
that price, it comes with alloy wheels and a 6-disc CD changer, but traction
and stability control are only available on V6 versions beyond this group’s
price point.
Overall, the Accord is a
very impressive car. It’s well-constructed, comfortable, quick,
fuel-efficient, and fun-to-drive. But it’s not the group’s roomiest or
smoothest-riding car, and it isn’t cheap. Family sedan shoppers should
definitely consider it, but should also give a long look to the competition.
A redesigned model will arrive later this year, which will no doubt cost
more but may offer more interior space and a more absorbent ride.
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