2004 Honda Accord EX-L Road Test

Also, the Accord almost steers itself. The car tracks straight and true regardless of ruts or roughness in the road

The EX-L package on my tester meant that it was shod in 16-inch Michelin rubber. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

surface. Steering feedback is good, but not of performance car standards. Despite low levels of steering resistance, the Accord's steering always centers itself perfectly turn after turn, while making haste through twisty roads. The EX-L package on my tester meant that it was shod in 16-inch Michelin rubber, which provided further cornering benefit over the standard 15-inch wheels. Although the Accord's steering turn-in is athletic, thanks in part to its speed sensitive rack-and-pinion mechanism, it's not sports car fast. But hey, this is a comfortable mid-sizer capable of transporting 5-adults, so let's keep things in perspective.

Rounding out the Accord EX-L's desirable driving characteristics is a very adept, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brake setup augmented with an electronic brake distribution system. The Accord's brake package produced emergency stops that were stable, easily controlled and free of excessive nosedive. The antilock technology on my tester cut-in when expected, ensuring that control was sustained throughout full-force stops. Pedal

Honda has gone the extra step in providing noteworthy occupant protection without the need to check-off a myriad of option boxes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

effort needed to halt the 1,536 kilo (3,379 lb) ride is on the light side, with a progression that is predictable and linear.

Over and above the Accord's competent braking is a host of additional occupant safety and protection features, beginning with a gaggle of standard equipment airbags. These include driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger side-airbags with a passenger's seat occupant position detection system, and side-curtain airbags for all outboard passengers. Add to that front occupant knee bolstering and front passenger pretensioning seatbelts with shoulder height adjustment and it's clear that Honda has gone the extra step in providing noteworthy protection without the need to check-off a myriad of option boxes. Also standard, but only with the V6 powerplant, is a traction control system to prevent overwhelming the front wheels with the engine's substantial horsepower.