The Accord's double-wishbone suspension, front and rear, has been engineered to reduce fore and aft body motions under acceleration and deceleration, and to provide flat cornering. It's also been tuned to deliver a sporty, European feel.

ABS is standard on all models with four-wheel-disc brakes with EBD (electronic brake distribution) standard on all but the DX and LX. (ABS helps the driver maintain steering control under hard braking by preventing skidding; EBD distributes braking force to the tires with the best grip, improving stopping performance.) The V6 coupe stops nicely, and the pedal feel is firm and sensitive. The brakes faded on us after driving hard on a twisty section, however. (Fade occurs when brakes get hot and results in diminished braking performance.)

Summary

The Honda Accord delivers high levels of quality and performance and ranks at the top of class among mid-size, medium-priced cars.

The four-cylinder models deliver everything that has made the Accord the best-selling car of the last decade, while raising the level of what it means to be a modern four-cylinder sedan. Accord V6 models deliver sporty performance. The new Accord Hybird combines the sporty V6 engine with the fuel efficiency of an electric motor.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Larry Edsall reported on the Accord Hybrid from San Diego, with Sam Moses reporting from Hollywood and Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Honda Accord DX Sedan ($16,195); LX Sedan ($19,675); EX Sedan ($22,100); LX Sedan V6 ($23,8); EX Sedan V6 ($26,700); Hybrid sedan; LX Coupe ($19,775); EX Coupe ($23,000); LX Coupe V6 ($23,900); EX Coupe V6 ($26,800)

Engines:2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 3.0-liter sohc 12-valve V6; 3.0-liter sohc 12-valve V6 with Integrated Motor Assist (Hybrid)

Transmissions:five-speed manual; five-speed automatic; six-speed manual

Safety equipment (standard):front, side-impact and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes

Safety equipment (optional):electronic brake-force distribution; traction control

Basic warranty:3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled in:Marysville, Ohio; Sayama, Tokyo, Japan; El Salto, Mexico