2007 Honda Accord

Consumer Guide Rating: Best Buy

Pros: Acceleration (V6 models); Quietness; Instruments/controls; Steering/handling; Build quality
Cons: Rear-seat entry/exit (coupes); Rear-seat room (coupes)

Highlights

Honda's popular midsize sedans and coupes are little changed for 2007 pending a redesign for the '08 model year. Both body styles come in LX, EX, and EX-L trim. Sedans also offer price-leader VP, step-up SE, and gas/electric Hybrid models. The base engine is a 166-hp 4-cyl. LX V6, SE V6, and EX V6 models have a 244-hp V6. The Hybrid has 253 hp from a V6 assisted by an electric motor. The system self-charges the electric batteries; there's no plug-in charging. To save fuel, the Hybrid V6 can deactivate three cylinders while cruising, and automatically stops and restarts at idle. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard in the Hybrid and available for other Accords. A 5-speed manual is standard with the 4-cyl engine, a 6-speed manual is available in V6 coupes and EX V6 sedans.

All Accords come with ABS; V6 models add traction control. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats are standard on EX-L, EX V6, and Hybrid. Those models also offer a navigation system with voice control for some navigation, audio, and climate functions. The Hybrid has a unique grille and standard rear spoiler. It also includes Honda's Active Noise Control system, designed to electronically quell mechanical, road, and wind noise.

Model News

Accord's next redesign is said to be on for model-year 2009, though it could go on sale in calendar '08. Sources believe the overall package will grow a bit to provide more interior space. Honda is developing 4-cyl and V6 "clean diesel" engines for North America starting in 2009. Either would suit the next Accord, but we'll have to wait and see. As for the Accord Hybrid, it hasn't sold as expected, so it may not continue. If it does, we think it could be reconstituted with a 4-cyl gas engine to stress fuel economy vs. the "performance" emphasis of the current V6 model.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.