2009 Honda Accord Review | Buyer Guide
Latest Accord Hits The Mark
The Honda Accord has been one of the best selling cars in America for well over a decade. In fact, only the Toyota Camry has done better in recent years. But the last generation Accord didn’t keep pace with the Camry. Some thought it might have been too bland. So, when it came time to pen the new Accord, the designers at Honda wanted to add more character to the styling. One look at the car tells you that they certainly succeeded.
The new Accord has a more chiseled profile and a more aggressive nose. Large multi-lens headlights, and a forward thrusting grille highlight the front facia. A sweeping character line on each side of the body, along with well-defined fender flares, add to the macho look. Chrome trim around the side windows and grille provides a touch of polish.
Additionally, the Accord is bigger than before. The body is three inches longer, and the width and height have increased by about an inch each. This new model also rides on a longer (110.2-inch) wheelbase, which translates into more legroom for backseat passengers. The EPA now classifies the Accord as a “large” sedan.
Inside, the cabin features a two-tier dash, with clearly marked controls for the audio and air conditioning in the large center panel. A screen for digital readouts, and the optional navigation system, is stationed above it. Easy to read speedometer and tachometer gauges sit squarely in front of the driver. Seats are large and comfy, and there’s room for a lot of vacation gear in the spacious, 14 cu-ft. trunk.
Honda equips the Accord with impressive safety features. Side-impact airbags, as well as side air curtains, are standard. So are anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system. The Accord also boasts of an improved body structure, called Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), which enhances the frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes.
As before, Honda offers the Accord with 4-cylinder and V-6 power. The base engine is a 2.4-liter four that delivers 177 horsepower. It’s offered in LX and LX-P models. A190 hp version of the same engine comes in the LX-S, EX and EX-L. (An Accord I drove last year with this engine provided plenty of punch and delivered 21-31 mpg.) A five-speed manual or automatic transmission drives the front wheels.
For those seeking more gusto, a 3.5-liter, 271-hp, V-6 is optional on EX models. My test car was equipped this way, and teamed with the five-speed automatic, could hit 60 in six seconds. This engine has an interesting feature. It runs on three and four cylinders, when the load is light, to save on gas. It’s rated at 19-28 mpg.
Out on the road, the word that springs to mind about the driving dynamics of the Accord is “competent.” It is not a car that will stir your juices, but it does everything well. The steering is quick and the turning radius of 37.7 ft is short, which makes the Accord maneuverable in traffic, as well as parking lots. The Accord handles well, and only runs a bit wide when pressed into a tight turn. The ride is well controlled on rough surfaces and very smooth on freeways.
Pricing for the Accord sedan starts at $21,575 for the base four-cylinder. My top-of-the-line EX, with V-6, navigation system and leather seats, had a MSRP of $31,575.
Snapshot Review
Sharp Styling
Roomy Cabin
Impressive Safety Features
Competent Handling and Ride
