2005 Honda Accord - Maximum Value

For less than $18,000 the Honda Accord LX provides a roomy and reasonably comfortable (although stiff) ride. It includes a great stereo with CD, and many thoughtful extras including a place to hide the cell phone charger plug under the center console armrest. The ergonomics are first-rate, with easy-to-read instrumentation and "never-have-to-consult-the-owner's-manual" controls.

This is a car model that has evolved over the last 25 years to become a darling of the automotive press and a hugely popular choice among mid-priced, mid-sized sedans. The 165-hp 4-cylinder engine feels more like a V6 than any 4-cylinder engine I've ever encountered. Sure, there have been powerful, twin-cam, multi-valve 4-cylinder powerplants around for years (especially from Japanese manufacturers), but the Accord engine provides the power with a calm, torque-happy aplomb without sacrificing impressive gas mileage. Throttle response is immediate, and sound dampening is more than sufficient.

The six-speaker stereo sounds great, although audiophiles and people who like to really blast the music to deafening levels may be unimpressed. What I like most is the stereo control layout and easy access, except for one strange inclusion. A button cryptically labeled "A.SEL RDM" which is used to scan the entire radio band and automatically store the most powerful (clearest) signals into the memory locations. While this is a useful feature at times (when traveling outside your home area, for example), the placement of this button among the cluster of most frequently used buttons can be quite annoying. Hit this by mistake when you meant to hit the Tuning button, and all hell breaks loose, as your previously stored memory locations and favorite stations are wiped out and replaced by the strongest signals at the time you hit the button!

The ride is stiff, but controlled, and nothing like the squishy-Buick ride of it's nearest competitor, the Toyota Camry. The Accord is meant to feel more sporty, but the nice steering feel that Accords used to have is gone. The steering can feel a bit vague, but not terribly so.

Trunk space is very good and the back seats fold down, although a 60/40 split would be more useful than the entire back seat becoming unusable when extra space is needed in the trunk.

Seats are comfortable and the standard cloth interior is not too cheap feeling. It has a velour-like texture that is attractive and easy to clean. Leg-room is excellent, both front and back and even tall passengers can get comfortable in the back seat.

Considering all that you get for less than $18,000 this is a smart buy. It also helps that it sips gas to the tune of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. I average about 27.5 overall, and I'm perfectly happy with that, considering the room and amenities that the Accord is endowed with.