The real battles for your car-buying dollars are fought in the midsize sedan category. Whatever you call these vehicles - bread and butter or meat and potatoes - midrange sedans remain the heart and soul of the auto industry.
One of the all-time favorites is the Honda Accord. From the very start, Honda has set the standard in innovative products that feature benchmark user-friendliness and thoughtful details.
Hondas are not like other cars, and their many unique aspects have earned them a strong following of loyal, satisfied owners.
For 1995, Honda has added the availability of a V6 engine to the ever-popular Accord. This will make it even more competitive with models such as the Toyota Camry and the new Ford Contour and Chrysler Cirrus. Needless to say, we like the new V6 Accord - a lot.
The Honda Accord was completely redone from stem to stern for the 1994 model year. As a result, it remains pretty much unchanged for 1995, and a good thing, too - it's a wonderful sedan.
Honda leads the world in thoughtful innovation, and the Accord is so driver-friendly that the first-timer is often amazed by the sheer thoroughness of all the little details and nice touches that make the driving task - and the ownership experience - something special.
One thing that always strikes us about the Accord is its jewel-like fit-and-finish. Everything about the Accord is finely crafted and carefully fitted like a true work of art, from its elegant body lines to its smooth powertrain.
The Accord is available in three body styles: 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe and 4-door wagon. The sedan comes in three trim levels: DX, LX and EX.
The V6 engine is offered only in the sedan and only in the LX and EX trim levels. The EX V6 is a high-line vehicle with standard equipment that includes 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking - perhaps the most significant safety feature from an accident-avoidance standpoint; automatic transmission; air conditioning; an AM/FM cassette stereo system; power windows, door locks and mirrors; and other convenience features.
In addition, the EX receives a leather-trimmed interior, an 8-way power driver's seat, power moonroof, 6-speaker sound system and alloy wheels.
The Accord's base powerplant is a 2.2-liter in-line 4-cylinder, with 130 hp in the DX and LX trim levels and 145 hp in the EX. The base transmission is a 5-speed manual, and a 4-speed automatic is available as an option.
The V6 is a 2.7-liter, based on the original Acura Legend engine, rated at 170 hp and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. It's mated with a new 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, with lock-up torque converter and Grade Logic programming, which allows the transmission to select and hold the gear ratio that best suits the ongoing driving situation.
One thing that hurts the Accord is that its interior volume is slightly smaller than the interiors of some of its competitors. The roomier Toyota Camry, for example, is rated by the EPA as a midsize car, but the Accord is a compact. Still, the Accord is on the upper end of the compact range, and it does make efficient use of its space - however limited.
It will seat five reasonably sized adults just fine, and the front seats are supportive and comfortable. With two in the rear there's plenty of room. However, three across in back may be a little tight, especially if the riders are on the larger size. On the bright side, there should be plenty of headroom for most folks.
As is typical of Honda, the instrument panel is arranged for near-ideal operation of the car and its functions. Every instrument, knob, switch and button is easy to see, reach and twist, flick or push.
There's lots of storage, including a coin tray to the left of the steering wheel and dual cupholders in the center console. And even with the passenger airbag, there's still a good-sized glove box.
The trunk is larger than it looks, measuring 13.0 cu. ft. A clever over-center mechanism that allows the trunk lid to open past vertical, as well as a low liftover height, aids in loading luggage or groceries.
In addition, the trunk stretches a good distance under the rear window. And for even more added versatility, the rear seat folds down to expand storage space.
Standard safety features include dual airbags and 3-point seat belts in the four outboard positions. The Accord also meets the 1997 federal side-impact standards.
From the base Civic to the Acura NSX, Honda products have always offered a superior driving experience, and the Accord is no exception. It's a wonderful driving car, offering nifty handling and maneuverability, excellent steering feel, a good ride and a light, yet precise, touch to the controls.
The 4-cylinder engine is crisp and responsive, but the optional V6 really transforms the Accord's performance into a quick, lively sedan that's able to dart through traffic with athletic ease. Seldom do you find such a willing engine in a sedan, and the characteristic Honda silky smoothness of this powerplant is an added sweet benefit.
The transmission fitted to the V6 is also a model of seamless operation. Its Grade Logic programming will be appreciated by those who drive through hilly terrain because it acts like a skilled driver. It works by sensing the driving conditions and automatically selecting - and holding - the most appropriate gear for the task.
This means it may, for example, stay in third gear while driving up and down hills, and it won't hunt between gears on long, gentle upgrades.
The Accord EX's front and rear suspension consists of double wishbone arms, coil springs and stabilizer bars.
This is one of the most sophisticated layouts to be found on any midrange sedan. The Accord matches an even, well-controlled ride with crisp steering response and a nimbleness to the handling that is almost sports carlike. Of all sedans in this price and size range, the Accord definitely offers one of the best driving experiences.
Another driving benefit is the seating position and large window area resulting from the low beltline, a Honda trademark that gives exceptional outward vision. Even shorter drivers can see well out of the Accord. This lends a feeling of security because you're able to place the car on the road when you're in tight spots.
What's not to like about the Honda Accord? Through several versions over the years, the Accord has developed a strong, loyal following - and for good reason. It's simply an excellent product, near faultless in many ways.
The overall layout is intelligent, efficient and thoughtful. From the neat packaging to the ease of operation to the nice touches such as chrome inside-door handles and the soft tick of the turn signal flasher, you can tell the Honda people have tried very hard not to have anything on the car that would be in the slightest way annoying. And they've succeeded.
The addition of the V6 only makes it sweeter. The EPA fuel economy numbers for the V6 are not yet available, and it will probably use a little more gas than the 4-cylinder versions. We think that's a small price to pay for such a pleasant driving experience in such a well-packaged, finely executed 4-door sedan.
As you can gather, we really like the Accord. And we also like V6 power. If you feel the same way we do, you'll gladly buy a little extra gas to gain the performance, response and smoothness of a V6 engine in the Accord.