Honda Accord

Impressions: Surfing the extensive model lineup of the Honda Accord, you arrive at just one conclusion: it's no wonder it's one of the best-selling cars in North America. From fuel efficiency, to value, to reliability, to variety, to technology, the Accord is just one of those vehicles that many competing manufacturers spend all their time chasing. Last year, the Accord was treated to updated front and rear styling and both the base four-cylinder and optional V6 motors increased their horsepower (to 166, up six, and 244, up four, respectively). A diverse model lineup remains an Accord staple for 2007. There are coupe and sedan body styles, numerous trim levels of each including a four-cylinder value-priced (VP) sedan that's intended to be the poster child of Accord fiscal responsibility, even though it has air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control and tilt-and-telescoping steering. The hot ticket these days, in light of high gas prices, is the Accord Hybrid that combines the V6 and and a helper electric motor for a combined 255 horsepower, more than a non-hybrid V6 Accord. The beauty of the system is that it also includes technology that cuts power to three of gas engine's six cylinders. The result is better in-town economy (thanks to the the electric motor/hybrid system) and better highway cruising (thanks to cylinder deactivation). New for this season is a Special Edition V6-powered sedan, which becomes the entry point for V6-sedan ownership, that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, rear-disc brakes and a six-disc CD changer with alarm. All Accord models, whether coupe or sedan, come with side impact and side-curtain airbags. The hot talk is that the Accord will be redesigned for 2008. Base price: $18,600 Type: Two-door coupe; four-door sedan Base engine (hp): 2.4-liter DOHC I4 (166) Optional engine (hp): 3.0-liter SOHC V6 (244); Hybrid drive system (255) Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; five-speed automatic (opt.); six-speed manual (opt. on V6) Mileage (city/hwy): 26/34 (2.4, MT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; traction control (opt.); anti-lock brakes Weight (lb.): 3,050 Basic warranty: 3/36,000 Roadside assistance: Optional Web: www.honda.com