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2005 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 Road Test

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Rob Rothwell
Oft Overlooked and Underappreciated
Oft Overlooked and Underappreciated

If I was in the market for a two-door sports coupe, there's a very strong possibility that a Honda EX V6 Coupe would find its way into my garage. Although I admire the sleek profile and solid build quality of Honda's mid-size, mid-priced pavement scorcher, it's the punch of its
If I was in the market for a two-door sports coupe, there's a very strong possibility that a Honda EX V6 Coupe would find its way into my garage. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
syrupy-smooth V6 paired with a precise-shifting 6-speed manual gearbox that would coax the greenbacks from my monthly pay packet. And here's the sweetest part of all: In my opinion, to meet or beat the Accord Coupe's level of refined performance, many more greenbacks (or perhaps Euros) would be required from my meager monthly pay.

Little has changed with the Accord Coupe for 2005, save for increased airbag protection as standard equipment and newly illuminated steering wheel controls. The current generation of Accord was introduced in 2003 and the next major revision isn't planned until 2008, so buying this taut-handling coupe in 2005 is unlikely to result in the disappointment of seeing its styling become dated and value immediately plummet by the onset of a new model, although some minor facelift alterations can be expected for next year. Nevertheless, the Accord
The Accord Coupe remains fresh in its appearance thanks to its low profile and mixture of sharp angles and rounded surfaces, combined with a long nose and short trunk. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)
Coupe remains fresh in its appearance thanks to its low profile and mixture of sharp angles and rounded surfaces, combined with a long nose and short trunk.

What may be more important to Honda loyalists is the fact that this wind-cheating coupe is accurately assembled. Closing the doors produces that much-desired "whump" of quality, historically viewed as more European'ish than Japanese. Speaking of European likeness, if I was seated blind-folded in the Accord Coupe EX and could only rely upon my sense of smell to identify the car's make I would, with all the confidence and cockiness of an overpaid lawyer, declare it a Jaguar. The smell of the Accord's tanned hides is just that convincing. With the blindfold removed, there would be little doubt about Honda branding, which begins with the Accord's distinctively styled centre stack and information/navigation screen.
Rob Rothwell
Rob Rothwell
Automotive expert
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