The Honda Accord has long been a staple in the automotive world, renowned for its reliability and practicality. Driving this particular generation of Accord offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment for Honda, a period of transition and evolution. On the road, the driving experience is functional, albeit somewhat unremarkable. The transmission, while adequate, can feel hesitant in its response, and the torque converter exhibits noticeable slip. However, the engine compensates to some degree with its eagerness to rev, providing sufficient power for everyday driving needs. While a V6 engine option might be tempting, the Accord, in its essence, feels most at home as a four-cylinder vehicle, aligning with its history and intended purpose, much like the classic American full-size cars and their signature V8 rumble. The steering is precise and responsive, and the braking system proves competent for typical driving scenarios encountered on freeways and city streets.
However, stepping out of a more refined vehicle, the Honda Accord reveals certain compromises. Having recently driven a Town Car, the contrast in noise and overall refinement is immediately apparent. Compared to contemporary Accords, this generation exhibits a noticeable gap in sophistication. Wind noise is prominent, road noise permeates the cabin, and the engine, even at higher revolutions, has a rather industrial sound. The pursuit of lightness in a vehicle of this size inevitably necessitates trade-offs. It’s plausible that thinner glass and reduced insulation contribute significantly to the noticeable mechanical symphony that surpasses a gentle murmur and becomes quite intrusive.
Looking back, it’s easier to understand the confidence General Motors held regarding the Chevrolet Malibu during this period. It must have seemed like a mismatch, with GM offering a vehicle that boasted more interior space, superior quietness, a sleeker design, and arguably more appealing styling than its Japanese competitors. The subsequent generation of the Accord, however, mirrored this trend, evolving into a larger, more substantial vehicle, almost becoming a “Japanese Malibu” itself, making the Chevrolet appear comparatively modest in size and styling.
One reviewer previously described this Accord as a potential “Japanese BMW killer,” a perspective that warrants further examination. While this particular test vehicle might show signs of age, it reflects a company undergoing its own mid-life evolution. This Accord generation seems to straddle categories, unsure if it aims to be compact or spacious. It offers a larger engine option and an automatic transmission, yet their performance may not fully satisfy segment expectations. Its dimensions are long but somewhat narrow, providing space where needed but lacking a certain feeling of solidity. Despite its price point, noise levels are higher than desired. Perhaps the most compelling configuration would be a four-cylinder model equipped with a manual transmission, forgoing the somewhat dated LCD center display and opting for practical cloth upholstery over imitation leather.
This generation of Honda Accord can be viewed as a transitional step. Following this model, Honda shifted away from some of its defining characteristics. The low cowl and the sensitive road feel diminished. The V6 engine gained prominence, dashboards grew larger, and the design aesthetic shifted from approachable to deliberately assertive. Yet, within this specific model, the quintessential Honda charm is not quite as pronounced. While some might find this Accord a revelation, others might find themselves echoing a different kind of revelation, a sense of being lukewarm rather than decisively hot or cold.
