No matter which engine, the 4-speed automatic transmission shifts without hesitation or commotion. It simply gets the job done behind the scenes, the way an automatic should. An easy to shift 5-speed manual comes standard. To keep acceleration under check during inclement weather, the Accord can be equipped with optional traction control.
Speaking of holding the road, this car is no slouch in the handling department. While optional 16" wheels and tires assist during cornering, the true source of its virtues lies in a stiff overall structure and general vehicle dynamics. Hondas have long been lauded for their "European" manageability on twisty roads and the Accord doesn't break from tradition.
Braking is equally impressive. While I found it odd that rear drum brakes come standard in such an advanced car, the optional four-wheel discs with ABS are effective in slowing the Accord from 60 km/h to a stop in about 39m (128 feet). This is an above average score in a specific attribute that I personally wouldn't want my car to be below average in. The Accord is above average in crash worthiness as well, consistently scoring high marks in both direct frontal and offset accidents.
So what's wrong? This might be personal but I feel the styling is a bit bland. While mid-size car buyers have traditionally opted for understated styling, a more identifiable brand might be beneficial to Honda and appreciated by its customers. The Accord just doesn't get the heart racing while it's standing still like the 1984 through 1988 model did. On the positive side, its current conservative suit might be appreciated while speeding unnoticed past an unexpected police car.