2012 Honda Accord Preview

In the past 30-plus years, the Honda Accord rightly earned its reputation as one of the most solid family sedans available - reliable, well-equipped, competent and in V-6 guise, even fast. For the current generation Accord, smart technology gives the external dimensions of a medium sized car, but the interior space of a large car as classified by the EPA interior volume standards.

The Accord is available in two forms: the family sedan and a coupe flamboyant, with two four-cylinder engines and a 271-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine to choose from. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual with optional five-speed automatic, unless you spring for the sporty coupe with its 6-speed manual.

The Accord was last renovated in 2011, making it more fuel economy, interior, and a bit more chrome outside. Although it gets a few tweaks for the 2012 model year, the competition offers six-speed automatic or continuously variable transmission, both of which fuel consumption benefits. However, few can match the Accord's interior features, sporty handling (suspension for a smooth family sedan) and comfort.

Bodystyle: Sedan, coupe

Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 2.4-liter four-cylinder (with VTEC), 3.5-liter V-6

Transmissions: five-speed automatic, five-speed manual, six-speed manual

Models: LX sedan, LX Premium sedan, EX sedan, EX-L sedan, EX V-6 sedan, EX-L V-6 sedan, LX-S coupe, EX coupe, EX-L coupe, EX-L V-6 coupe

The Accord was recently updated with a restyled front grille and bumper, new head and tail, gray five-spoke wheels, and a revised trunk lid on sedans to stretch a bit more space. Improves fuel economy in many trim levels, and USB audio is now standard on all models. But other than that, it's the same tried and true format that has been around since the Accord debuted in 2008.

The Accord is not trying to hide the size - for the medium car market, it's one of the larger sedans. The car retains a strange combination of straight lines and gentle curves, especially near the back and the roofline. The coupe is equipped with a smart and aggressively sloping fastback chrome on the front.

High quality materials and tight fitting panels to determine the heavy button Accord interior, which is awash in confusion. It can drive a few to get used to the radio and HVAC controls, and the use of complex multi-function center button. The navigation of the display is out of the year 1990 and urgently needs an update. Top models have smooth leather and fake wood trim that still looks pretty good from a distance.

Do not be fooled: the Accord is surprisingly quick and agile for a car of its size and purpose, especially in the V-6 coupe guise. Not slow the line, the Accord makes most of its 271 hp and even manages to sound pretty brash. But when asked to behave in the morning to school children, the Accord gets high marks for its tactile controls, quick throttle response and excellent ride and handling balance. Unfortunately, the Accord will send too much wind and traffic noise under certain conditions. Frugal-minded customers will enjoy the eight-percent improvement in combined fuel economy.

Dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard on the Accord, like the driver and front passenger active head restraints, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.

I-4 sedan/coupe: 22-23/ 32-34 mpg

V-6 sedan: 20/30 mpg

V-6 coupe: 17-19/26-29 mpg