2006 Honda Accord

Our EX coupe test car had the six/six powertrain combination, the sportiest of the Accord family. The V-6 engine makes 244 hp @ 6,250 rpm (up 4 over last year) and 211 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The motor has a silken feel, and is quiet at all engine speeds. Stirred with the 6-speed stick, it's capable of a 6-second 0-60 run, and cruises effortlessly at highway speeds. The shifter has a pleasingly short throw, which motivates more than the engine. This powertrain mix pulls you in, practically egging you on to rally about.

Performance

One EX sedan tester had the popular pairing of the Honda four with 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4-liter inline four also picks up a couple of ponies this year (6), now rated at 166 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 160 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Four cylinder models are now controlled with drive-by-wire, rather than a traditional throttle cable. A four with the manual is about two seconds slower from 0-60 than a six with a stick. The four feels peppy, with a nice blending of drivability and economy. The only reason for going V-6 is because you want to, but you don't need to. By the numbers, EPA says that a six/stick combination should get 21 mpg in the city, 30 on the highway. The inline four with automatic weighs in at 24/34.


Suspension for Accord is Honda's 4-wheel independent, double wishbone setup. Handling for the 4-cylinder feels solid and stable, with well weighted steering. V-6 models get slightly meatier tread (215/50R17 vs. 205/60R16) and revised suspension bushings and damper rates. As a result, V-6 models are a skosh more nimble in cornering, though serious performance hounds may want to consider a switch to a more aggressive tire. As is, both Accords are easy to drive, and easy to live with. Quiet over the road (more sound deadening was added this year), handling is assured and road ride is quite comfortable.


Coupe or sedan, four or six cylinder, Accord shows the polish of a nameplate with 30 years experience behind it. Budget shoppers should pay particular attention to the new Value Package sedan line. VP replaces the former DX as the entry level Accord, yet boasts newly standard features like air conditioning, keyless entry, power door locks and cruise control. With Honda genetics and a delivered price of $18,775, it's a lot of car for the money. Stepping up to the six/six combination, factoring in a healthy dose of performance, nets an even sweeter deal. (www.automobiles.honda.com)