As far as I'm aware, the Honda Accord is the best selling car in the USA. Selling in massive numbers is usually the sign of a very unexceptional and frankly boring car (see the Toyota Corolla for the perfect example). Although the new Accord isn't exactly radical looking in its design, it is in its own way quite distinguished and indeed far more sporty looking than the VW Passat or the Nissan Primera. The Accord may eclipsed in terms of sales by the spectacularly ordinary Opel/Vauxhall Vectra and the terrible Ford Mondeo but at least it's a fresher face when we see one.
Hondas are always much more popular with their owners than with the anti-Asian British press (I mean in terms of cars, not race). They are solid, reliable, not unattractive and have excellent engines. The Accord adheres to this way of thinking to the letter and builds upon it. It is definitely attractive on the outside, with the BMW lookalike horizontal lines that run the length of the car on either side. The bolder grille also adds to its appeal, but if you are going for any extras, the Sport model has an aggressive look with a nice little spoiler on the back.
Inside the car it is well behind the VW Passat in terms of the finish of the dash, but the VW is far and away the class leader. The ergonomics of the Honda are faultless and it is solidly, if not particularly attractively built. It is far superior to the Mondeo, Renault Laguna, Nissan Primera et al in this sector. The interior space, especially in the back is a little behind the VW but still comfortable enough for 4 adults if you really need the space.
As I have already noted, a Honda engine is a strong, reliable one. The 2.0 SE car I drove was an excellent performer, stronger than the VW 1.8 20v and the Primera 2.0 litre also. The manual gearbox is superior to the VWs also (although that would not be too hard), with a long third gear for acceleration. The car accelerates quickly with a sporty growl, but never losing its composure.
Honda's innovative VTEC engines offer good performance and economy with similar variable valve timing technology. Essentially it is a simple concept whereby the valves allow in just the right amount of petrol at a time to the engine chanber.
The Primera handles slightly better on twisty roads, but the Accord cannot be beaten in a straight line and is more than competent on country roads too. The ride is smooth and the wishbone suspension keeps body role to a minimum. On the road this car cannot be beaten by its rivals for over all performance.
The Honda Accord is a driver's car, much better than the its previous incarnation which was essentially another Rover 600 which was as dull as dish water. It excels on the motorway and doesn't let itself down on b-roads, but ultimately I prefer the VW Passat, a nicer looking, better built car. No doubt many will continue to buy the Accord and with its rock-solid residual values, its a great investment both new and used.
More details
Purchase Price
£16,495
Reliability
Excellent
Spaciousness
Good
Customer service
Good
Security
Excellent
Fuel consumption
Good
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