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.
2005 HONDA ACCORD COUPE
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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