Honda Accord Coupe 2005: The Weekly Driver Review

Just inside the guard gate, the world renowned 17-Mile Drive in Carmel,
Calif., begins with a primarily downhill and often winding two-lane road
to Pebble Beach Golf Links. The tree-lined route features lavish,
oceanfront homes and a predominately forest-like setting along
California's central coast.

It's a perfect several-mile locale for drivers who like to shift through
gears. And it's not-so-surprisingly pleasant while doing so in the 2005
Honda Accord.

With its V6, six-speed manual transmission offering, the exceedingly
popular model crosses categories. The Accord is listed as a midsize
vehicle and it's often compared to the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima
and Toyota Camry.

But the 24-valve, 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower coupe is just as much sports
car as it is anything else. And it provides one more reason why the
Accord – in its more than 25 varieties – is among the most popular and
most often best-buy categorized vehicles on the road.

During my weeklong test drive, I drove the Accord Coupe round-trip from
Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. The interstate portion of the
journey included about 400 miles. I drove the aforementioned section of
the 17-Mile Drive six times round-trip on clear, blue sky days and in
heavy rain. It made little difference.

In all driving conditions, the Accord Coupe performed with confidence.
Steering and handling is responsive and poised. Lane changes are
smooth. While not as quick as other vehicles categorized as sports cars,
the Accord Coupe accelerates well and finds its ways through gears
more than adequately. Its 17-inch wheels further add to the tight road
feel. The Accord's ride is also adequately quiet.

Like all Hondas, the Accord Coupe's interior is designed in a
straightforward manner. Gauges and all instrumentation are clean and
used simply. The navigation system is likewise efficient and easy to
learn.

Despite its coupe status, front-seat passengers have comfortable leg,
body and head room. Back seat passengers (two fit comfortably) have
easy access. Side rear-view vision is slightly impeded by headrests and
side pillars. The driver's seat, while comfortable for a six-foot, 185-pound
driver, is void of the superior seat cushioning of high-end vehicles.

Standard interior features are plentiful: leather-trimmed seats, AM/FM,
six-disc CD with six speakers, XM satellite radio, heated front seats,
power window and door locks, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, cruise
control, exterior temperature gauge, sunglass holder and well-
positioned armrests and storage compartments.

Finding fault with the Accord is difficult, but cargo room could be better,
and average city mileage numbers aren't special. Yet, the Honda Accord
has built its reputation through the years for good reasons. It does
everything well, and offers reliability and great resale value.

Whether a buyer opts for the base LX four-door, four-cylinder sedan, the
EX V6 four-door sedan or the EX, V6 coupe, the sportiest model of all,
it's hard to improve upon the Accord or find any vehicle with more to
offer for the price.

Safety features – Dual-stage driver and front passenger dual-stage front,
side and side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 20 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Power train, 3
years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage
Base price – $28,880

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James Raia, freelance journalist in Sacramento, Calif., is author of
the syndicated car review column, The Weekly Driver, available on his
web site, http://www.ByJamesRaia.com

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