Overview

The Honda Accord may be the best midsize car sold in America today. That's in spite of fierce competition and the introduction of several all-new models for 2005. The Accord simply does everything well. It may not be best in class in every single area, but we can't think of anything it does poorly. It's available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe. Each offers a choice of four-cylinder or V6 engine and there's a range of interior trim levels. All those choices make the Accord suitable for many different types of drivers. For these reasons and others, the Honda Accord continues to be one of the best-selling cars in the U.S.

Honda redesigned and re-engineered the Accord for 2003. The big news for 2005 is the introduction of the Accord Hybrid, which achieves excellent fuel economy and generates almost no emissions. Even more impressive, the Hybrid delivers improved performance as well, thanks to its hybrid gas-electric powertrain. And, no, you don't have to plug it in.

The Accord sedans combine high technology and high quality with everyday economy of operation and keen attention to detail. The popular LX and EX models are terrific cars with comfort and convenience features that make for great daily drivers. Order the leather interior, and the EX becomes an affordable luxury sedan. The four-cylinder VTEC engine is powerful and responsive, delivering strong acceleration performance for passing. The Accord is also available with a powerful V6 engine, which adds another level of sports appeal.

A gorgeous coupe is available, featuring sporty styling that's unique from the sedan. The LX Coupe starts at less than $20,000 and makes for a quick, no-hassle, high-quality, sporty, two-door coupe that's great for commuting. Add the V6 and leather and it's an executive expressmobile for fast trackers. For enthusiast drivers, there's the Accord Coupe EX V-6 MT, equipped with the V6 and a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox that will blow your preconceived notions about the Accord right off the road. If that isn't enough, a Factory Performance Package is available for the V6 Coupe.

Safety has been enhanced for 2005: All Accords are equipped with side-impact and curtain airbags. Otherwise the Accord lineup is relatively unchanged for 2005.

Model Lineup

The Honda Accord comes in nearly three dozen combinations when all the engines, body styles, transmissions and trim levels are taken into account. Choosing one is easier than it may sound. The first choice is to decide whether you want a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. The second choice is whether you want a V6 or four-cylinder engine and whether you want a manual or automatic transmission. The third choice is whether you want cloth or leather upholstery.

Sedans are available in DX, LX, and EX trim. The DX ($16,195) comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Buyers can choose the standard five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission ($16,995). The LX ($19,675) and EX ($22,100) sedans add a higher level of standard equipment. The EX is available with leather upholstery, a DVD navigation system, and XM Satellite Radio at extra cost. The LX V-6 ($23,800) and EX V-6 ($26,700) sedans come standard with the V6, automatic and more luxury equipment. Leather is standard on the EX V-6.

New for 2005 is the Accord Hybrid sedan. The Hybrid combines a V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor to provide significantly more power: 255 horsepower vs. 240 for the gasoline-only V6. It also gets substantially better fuel economy: 30/37 miles per gallon City/Highway vs. 21/30 for the standard V6.

Coupes are available in LX ($19,775) and EX ($23,000) trim and come standard with the four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission is available. The LX V-6 coupe ($23,900) comes with the V6 and automatic. The EX V-6 coupe ($26,800) is a performance-oriented model, and comes with either the five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission as a no-cost option; it also has leather seating surfaces.

Six-speed coupes also come with a cross-brace between the front shock towers. The new Factory Performance Package for the EX Coupe V6 combines a lowered suspension with an aero body kit and a chrome exhaust extension, all dealer-installed. For automatic models, the package includes the same 17-inch wheels and tires that are standard with the six-speed manual.

Safety: Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Accord models. EX V6 models come with traction control. As mentioned, side-impact and curtain airbags are standard on all 2005 Accords, in addition to the required dual front airbags.

Walkaround

The Accord is bigger than the pre-2003 models, yet it looks lower, thanks in part to its sleeker, raked-back windshield. The sharpened noses of the Accord sedan and coupe are reminiscent of an Acura RSX. The corners and sides of both bodies are carefully sculpted with a combination of concave and convex surfaces, in an attempt to achieve a muscular and agile look, with subtle and unique three-dimensional window glass, also intended to reduce wind noise. The aerodynamically efficient side-view mirrors are one of the results of wind tunnel testing. The sedan's drag coefficient (a measure of how easily it moves through the air) is 0.30, which is quite slippery. The Accord Hybrid sedan is even more aerodynamic, with a 0.29 Cd, thanks to its rear spoiler and angled antenna.