Car Review: 2010 Honda Accord

By G.R. Whale of New Car Test Drive

The Honda Accord comes in sedan and coupe versions. Either way, the Accord is big on efficiency, be it getting the most power and range from a gallon of gas with the least emissions, making the largest interior available given the exterior space it takes up, or providing the smoothest, quietest ride possible with the lightest weight. Whether moving four people comfortably or enjoying the long way home, the Accord is up to the task.

The Accord was completely redesigned for 2008, when it grew in exterior dimensions and interior roominess, safety, and value. The two model years since have brought little change.

For 2010, all Accord models with leather interiors come with a Bluetooth hands-free phone link. Sedans with EX trim and above add rear seat ventilation ducts, and climate controls on all models have new colors and graphics for easier identification.

The stylish, two-door Coupe is available with a six-speed manual and V6, the only Accord with that combination, and it comes with larger anti-roll bars and low-profile 18-inch tires and wheels.

Accord LX sedans are equipped with a 177-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Accord EX Sedan, EX Coupe and LX-S Coupe get a higher-revving, 190-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The EX Sedan is also available with a 271 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.

Safety equipment is standard, with six airbags, including two-stage front airbags, dual-chamber front side airbags, side curtain airbags; active front head restraints, electronic stability control, antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, and tire pressure monitors.

The Honda Accord features contemporary yet conservative design highlighted by a strong character line that slopes down and forward like that of the Acura TL. Last redesigned for 2008, the current Accord features narrow windshield pillars and a low cowl for good forward visibility, Honda hallmarks. The rear door pillars share the kink popularized decades ago by BMW and becoming ever more frequent.

The current Accord sedan is larger than any before, and although it competes in the mid-size market segment it is by EPA interpretation a large car. It is about five inches longer than primary competitor Camry, and more than three inches longer that the Nissan Altima and Maxima.

The Coupe, on the other hand, won’t be confused with a large car. Virtually every exterior dimension save width is 2-4 inches smaller than that of the sedan. The Coupe is sleeker yet still fits the Accord mold. All Coupes use projector headlights, body-color rocker panels and add a passenger side easy-entry feature for rear seat access.

The Honda Accord is easy to operate, well-engineered and well-mannered. It’s a great midsize sedan and it’s also available as a stylish, trouble-free coupe.