2004 Honda Accord EX-L Road Test

Disappointing Exterior Design Conceals Inner Beauty

The wonderfully popular Honda Accord was completely redesigned in the 2003 model year. For 2004 and 2005 the relatively untouched

The 2004 Honda Accord sedan isn't winning people over with its cutting-edge style or eye-grabbing good looks, because in my opinion it exhibits neither. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Accord continues to win the hearts of its owners and the respect of its competitors. Why you ask? Well I doubt it's due to cutting-edge style or eye-grabbing good looks, because in my opinion the 4-door Accord exhibits neither. I don't mean to convey that it's hideous, far from it actually; I just feel disappointed by its anemic, boxy wedge-shape styling. I should, however, make it clear that my bemoaning doesn't apply to the 2-door Accord coupe, which wears its form-fitting, sleek outer skin very seductively. It's just too bad none of that rakish attitude is stamped into the sheet metal of its 4-door sibling.

With my exterior design complaint laid to rest, it's time to focus the microscope on the other aspects of the midsize sedan, which are for the most part extremely well executed. In the genre of medium-size, mid-price 4-doors, the competition is stronger than in any other automotive segment, whether domestically created or from lands far away. The front-drive

While the exterior styling is far from exciting, the assembly of the Accord's outer shell is flawless. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Honda Accord fits both definitions due to its final assembly in Marysville, Ohio, USA. Since commencing production in November of 1982, more than ten million Accords have passed through the doors of the Marysville plant. That milestone was reached on April 28th this year. Manufacturing such a high volume of vehicles over such a lengthy duration has enabled Honda to perfect the highly revered Accord.

Although the exterior styling disappoints, the assembly of the Accord's outer shell is flawless. The "Jenny Craig," panel-gapping margins are about as slim and accurate as they come; and all four doors open and close with precision, needing only a light tug or push and then sealing tightly with a soft "whump."