Car Reviews: 1996 Honda Accord

transportation that includes a high fun-to-drive index.

That continues to be true for this popular model, which is the best-selling car in

America in terms of retail sales and second best overall behind the Ford Taurus, which

enjoys a large number of sales to company and daily rental fleets.

The Accord consistently appears on Top 10 lists for magazines. It also wins

consistently high scores in various quality surveys, including the J.D. Power Customer

Satisfaction Index, a measurement of quality after the first year of ownership.

For 1996, the Accord sports modestly revised front and rear styling touches. More

important, the trunk opening has been expanded by nearly five inches for easier

loading and unloading.

Also new for 1996, all LX and EX sedan and coupe models feature variable intermittent

windshield wipers, and the stereo radio antenna is integrated into the rear window.

All LX models now ride on 15-in. tires and new wheels. A 6-way power driver's seat has

been added to the LX V6 and EX 4-cyl. leather models.

The Accord, which last underwent a major redesign in 1994, is scheduled for a complete

make-over for the 1998 model year. In the meantime, it continues to be one of the

world's best sellers. Since most Accords are assembled in the U.S., that world-wide

popularity has helped Honda to become this country's number one automobile exporter.

although Honda did up the visual ante in the last makeover, putting a little more dash

into the design. The cosmetic restraint is largely due to the fact that Honda is onto

a winning formula as Accord buyers come back to buy again more frequently than buyers

of most other brands.

For 1996, that continues to be true. The most noticeable change in the front is a

chrome accent around the grille. The freshened rear styling features new lights and

chrome accents as well as wider parking lights for improved visibility and a larger

trunk opening.

The Accord is offered in a variety of trim levels and configurations.

The 4-cyl. sedans are available as a base DX, a mid-level LX and a top-of-the-line EX,

which offers a long list of standard equipment and few standalone options. The coupe

and station wagon are offered in base LX or loaded EX versions. For 1995, Honda

finally added a V6 engine option to the Accord lineup. The V6 models, available only

as sedans, are offered as an LX and EX.

The coupe and wagon were designed and engineered in the United States and are built

exclusively in Ohio. Most Accord sedans, likewise, are built in Ohio, though some are

imported from Japan.

We sampled a number of different models for our evaluation, but our primary focus was

on an LX automatic sedan.

familiar to previous Honda owners. The quality of the materials is excellent, and,

like the exterior, the fit and finish are outstanding.

There is plenty of legroom in the front and rear. Headroom is good in the front,

though tall folks might find it lacking in the rear.

Some drivers may wish for a seat height adjuster because the Accord sits low. However,

that is a feature only available on the EX model.

The cloth-covered front buckets of the tested model were comfortable and supportive,

much improved from past generations of Accords. Like so many midsize cars, the rear

seats technically can accommodate three adults, but the center position is not

comfortable for the third person.

Except for the center rear position, all seats have 3-point safety belts.

Unfortunately, they require a separate locking clip to secure a child safety seat.

The low cowl and thin roof pillars provide good visibility to the front and sides,

always a strong suit in Honda designs. Also in typical Honda fashion, the controls and

gauges are logical, easy to locate and easy to operate. Our only complaint was the

small horn buttons in the steering wheel spokes, which are hard to locate in an

emergency, due to the driver airbag. On any vehicle, we prefer to be able to push the

steering wheel hub and have the horn blow.

The trunk, now much easier to access thanks to a larger opening, can easily

accommodate a few suitcases and a couple of duffel bags. The rear seatback can fold

down to expand the trunk even further. However, the locking release is inconveniently

placed in the middle of the rear package shelf.

4-cylinder engine coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is rated 130

horsepower. Also available, on the uplevel EX models, is the 145-hp 16-valve, VTEC

four cylinder on EX models. In addition, Honda began offering a 2.7-liter V6 engine in

its LX and EX sedans.

These models have a somewhat longer nose and a different grille to accommodate the

larger engine, the same V6 that was used in the original Acura Legend.

The character of the Accord changes subtly depending on the engine and transmission

combination, but all are responsive and provide an excellent sense of control.

The 4-cyl. models, the most popular being the mid-level LX with the automatic, are

refined family cars with somewhat sporty manners. The manual transmission adds a

livelier feel. With the base engine, we recommend it be combined with the manual

transmission for peppier performance.

In general, the Accord accelerates responsively and smoothly whether equipped with the

4-cyl. or the V6. Honda 4-cyl. engines are typically among the best in the business.

Obviously, the V6 version is faster, smoother and quieter, though somewhat less

economical in terms of fuel efficiency and price. We found the V6, which is only

available with the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, created a somewhat

different flavor. It's an even sportier sedan.

Optional on all models (and standard on the V6 versions) is the electronically

controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, which includes a feature called Grade

Logic. The logic system provides smoother shifting when climbing or descending hills.

Indeed, we found the transmission selected the most appropriate gears for all of the

various conditions we drove in.

Thanks to its sophisticated double wishbone suspension, the ride in any of the Accord

models is firm but comfortable, with excellent reflexes in emergency maneuvers. That's

why Accord owners enjoy driving these cars.

The interior is generally quiet, though some noise is noticeable when the 4-cyl.

engine is driven hard.

The Accord provides very good road feel, with modest body roll in turns, and the

steering is quick and accurate. Honda has always put good handling high on its list of

design priorities, and that's what the Accord provides.

Braking is another key element in all-around competence, and the Accord performs well

in this regard, too. To keep the base price down, the basic DX models are equipped

with front disc and rear drum brakes, and an antilock option isn't offered. However,

mid-level and top-of-the-line versions have front and rear disc brakes, and ABS is

either optional or standard. ABS is optional on LX models like our primary test car,

for example, while V6-powered Accords and all EX versions have them as standard

equipment.

Fuel economy averages nearly 28 miles per gallon for the 4-cyl. manual transmission

models, about 26 with the automatic and around 21 for the V6 models.

destination fee) to a fully loaded V6 at $25,100. In the better-equipped models, such

as our LX tester, you still pay a bit of a premium for an Accord, but Honda has

managed to whittle that premium down considerably over the last couple of years.

And when you've signed the bottom line, you drive home in a car that will provide

years of trouble-free driving pleasure.

The Accord has earned a reputation as one of the most consistently reliable cars on

the market. You simply can't go wrong with this car.