2004 Honda Accord EX-L Road Test

Rather than providing prospective purchasers with a shopping list of options to personalize their Accords, Honda builds

Honda has managed to distill the best of many automotive genres into a single vehicle. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

its bread and butter sedan in three basic trim levels: DX which is equipped only with the I-4 engine, plus LX and EX, both of which entitle the owner to either the I-4 or V6 powerplant. The LX and EX variants are well stocked with comfort and convenience equipment, with the EX spoiling its occupants with the premium luxury trappings. Purchasers wishing to further personalize their cars may do so from a long list of Accord accessories.

But regardless of one's penchant for individualism, the Honda Accord is a tremendously solid, well engineered car that has a knack of distilling the best of many automotive genres into a single vehicle - excluding good looks, but that of course is a personal thing. I view the Accord as a brilliant diamond placed in an unattractive setting. The Accord's sheet metal just doesn't do justice to all of the goodness it conceals. Few cars in the mid-price range can measure up to Honda's entry when it comes to build quality, refinement and reliability. With the addition in 2005 of a 255 horsepower hybrid, gas-electric powered V6 Accord, frugality is sure to become another Accord attribute that will be hard to match, never mind beat. Honda predicts the powerful sedan will only require 7.8 liters of fuel to run 100 kilometers about town and 6.3 liters of fuel for the same distance on the highway, giving the diamond even greater cut, clarity and carat. Could a mid-priced sedan sparkle any brighter?

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $24,300 - $33,600 less accessories
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 160 hp, 161 lb-ft, 2.4-L, 16-valve, i-VTEC, DOHC I-4
• Optional Engine: 240 hp, 212 lb-ft, 3.0-L, 24-valve, VTEC, SOHC V6
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 5-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS with EBD (opt rear discs)
• Curb Weight (min - max): 1,370 - 1,536 kg (3,020 - 3,379 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Capacity (trunk): 399 L (14.0 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 11.2 / 7.8 L/100 km (V6 w/auto)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring / 300, Ford Taurus / Five Hundred, Hyundai Sonata / XG 350, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Pontiac G6 / Grand Prix, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry / Avalon, Volkswagen Jetta / Passat
• Web Site: www.honda.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.