2004 Honda Accord Review

The Japanese Honda Accord has been one of the top-selling cars for so many years it almost seems as if it's an American model.

The front-drive Accord is offered as a coupe or sedan, but it's a family oriented auto so the sedan easily outsells the coupe.

The seventh-generation Accord was revamped for 2003, becoming longer, taller, wider, heavier and more powerful. There consequently are few changes for the new model year.

For instance, side curtain air bags are standard in the higher-line 2004 Accord EX four-cylinder sedan models with a leather interior and optional on EX sedan models with a cloth interior.

All four- and six-cylinder sedan EX models with a leather interior now have XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service as standard equipment.

With more competition from Toyota and Nissan, prices for the Honda sedan line are up an average of only 1.3 percent, or $358.

Base sedan prices range from $15,900 for a DX four-cylinder model with a five-speed manual gearbox to $28,400 for the top-line EX V-6 version with a five-speed automatic transmission, leather interior and navigation system. In between are LX models.

I tested the $28,400 Accord EX V-6. That 3-liter, 240-horsepower engine is considerably stronger than the 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower four-cylinder engine ordered by most Accord buyers

The top-selling Accord is the $20,100 LX four-cylinder sedan with an automatic transmission. More V-6 Accord sedans might be bought, but their base prices begin at $23,300. In fact, the top-selling V-6 Accord sedan is the $23,300 LX version with an automatic transmission.

Few people would let a U.S. automaker get away with a base four-cylinder engine, so all versions of the rival Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Intrepid and Ford Taurus have a standard V-6. They cost several thousand dollars less than an Accord V-6 sedan, but the Accord outdoes them in total annual sales.

Honda thinks its sophisticated four-cylinder engine is more than adequate for most American driving, although the V-6 makes the Accord significantly faster during maneuvers such as merging or passing on highways.

Honda spokesman Andy Boyd said an increasing number of Accord customers are ordering the V-6 and buying higher-line Accords with either the four-cylinder or V-6. That's in line with the general move to upscale models.

Still, no Accord sedan is equipped like a bargain-basement model. Even the entry models have such items as anti-lock brakes, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, AM/FM/CD sound system and power windows.

Top-line EX models add features such as larger (16-inch) wheels, power sunroof and power driver's seat. The EX V-6 models have side-curtain air bags, a traction control system and leather seats. And EX models with a leather interior can be had with a satellite-linked navigation system.

Accord V-6 sedans come only with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission. It costs extra for four-cylinder versions, which come with a standard five-speed manual gearbox. The best performance from four-cylinder models is with the slick manual transmission -- if a driver can proficiently shift gears.

As for miles per gallon, an Accord four-cylinder sedan provides in the mid-20s in the city and in the low 30s on highways with either transmission. The V-6 versions provide an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 on highways.

The redesigned 2003 Accord became more "Americanized,'' whereas earlier models had a harder-edged European feel. Still, the current-generation Accord has quick, nicely weighted (not too light, not too heavy) steering.

Accords have a tight turning radius and nimble handling, although larger tires on V-6 models provide a handling advantage. While taut, the ride is supple and comfortable. My test car's brake pedal had a firm, positive action. The Accord is no sports sedan, but is on your side during spirited driving.

Big door handles allow easy entry to the quiet interior, which has high quality materials and easily accommodates four tall adults. There's decent room for a slim third occupant in the roomy rear seat on short trips.

The driver's supportive seat is a nice place to spend driving time. A big windshield provides a clear view of where you're going, and gauges can be read quickly. Sound system controls are large, while climate controls are smaller but clearly marked.

Power window controls are conveniently placed on the driver's door. They easily allow the "one-touch'' windows to be stopped in various positions after they begin zipping up or down -- something that's not possible in some other cars.

There's a large console covered storage bin, and doors have storage pockets and bottle holders. Dual cupholders are positioned on the console to avoid spills, and my test car's center rear armrest also contained sturdy cupholders.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening for easy, fast unloading at airline terminals, but the lid has manual hinges that eat into cargo space.

The sedan's folding rear seat has a key lock that's awkward to use. And the sedan's one-piece folding back rest isn't as versatile as a split rear seatback. The pass-through area between the trunk and rear seats is only modestly sized.

The hood smoothly slides up on twin hydraulic struts to reveal a surgically neat engine compartment with easily reached fluid filler areas.

The Accord sedan once was just a fairly plain and simple family car. But my highly refined test EX model with its V-6 and leather interior could be considered a near-luxury model.

2004 HONDA ACCORD SEDAN

Prices:
$15,900-$28,400

Likes:
Slick styling. Refined. Strong V-6. Roomy. Nice ride and handling.

Dislikes:
Awkward folding backrest. Manual trunk hinges. No standard V-6.