The Honda has long been a good car–built well, safe, reliable, all of that. But it had as much gut appeal as the average kitchen appliance–and it’s difficult to become excited or upset over a refrigerator.
But now, in its 27th year of existence, the Accord has discovered sex. It’s hot.
Look at the body of the 2003 Honda Accord EX V-6 sedan. It has a muscular, sloping front end. Fenders right and left are like the upper thighs of a powerful cat, packed with energy and ready to spring. The rear end completes the theme. It rises up where previous Accords tapered off in concession to the gods of mediocrity. The new Accord embraces passion, and if that displeases you, well, go on and buy a Toyota Camry. This Accord wants to party, and with its 240-horsepower V-6 engine, it can boogie on down.
The Accord EX V-6 is fast and has unexpected BMW 3-series-type handling. If you want to spend $27,100 for a comparable BMW 325i sedan instead of $25,800 for an Accord EX V-6 (without the leather package), that’s your choice. Just don’t go around thinking that you’ve necessarily got something better because you spent more money to get it.
Honda has a winner here. You buy a refrigerator because you need it. You’ll buy the new Accord because you want it. In doing so, you will fill most of your automotive needs–affordability, safety, fuel economy, interior comfort (via redesigned seats), and passenger and cargo space.
Kicking the tires
Engines/transmissions: V-6,
24-valve, 240-horsepower, linked to an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission.
Mileage: Averaged 30 miles per gallon in highway driving.
Price: Base price on the 2003 Accord EX V-6 is $25,800. Dealer’s invoice price is $23,205. Price as tested is $26,260, including a $460 destination charge.
Purse-strings note: The new Accord is good, but you still have room to bargain, based on competition and a softening auto market.
