2005 Honda Accord EX
Solid, fun and inexpensive

By Ron Amadon, MarketWatch
Last Update: 7:15 AM ET March 5, 2005

DARNESTOWN, Md. (MarketWatch) -- Seldom during the nearly two years that we've written this column have we driven a sedan that was so well made and so much fun to drive.

And then there's the history of long-term durability. Mrs. Auto Evaluator drives a '98 Accord LX with more than 99,000 on the clock, and the little V-6 runs like it was new. The interior, when cleaned up from the remnants of Old Man Winter, looks about as good as the day it was brought home. The mechanic that cares for it swears the package is good for at least 200,000 miles.

"It's a Honda," is the way Mrs. Evaluator sums it all up. And having now driven the latest example of Honda magic for a week, we agree.

Our test car was a top-of-the-line EX with navigation system. The 240-horsepower, 24-valve VTEC six-cylinder was a delight, delivering ample power in all situations while running mouse quiet most of the time. It was mated to an excellent five-speed automatic. Our test EX was rated at 21 to 30 miles per gallon by the EPA. Look for zero to sixty on the low sevens. See slide show.

Equipped with four-wheel double-wishbone suspension as well as variable assist power steering and front and rear stabilizer bars, the Accord was a delight to take out on our favorite back roads. People who love to drive will enjoy the fine handling dished out here. The steering feedback was excellent, as was the balance between good handling and a comfortable ride.

That combination, plus some of the best bucket seats we've plunked down in, made us wish for a cross-country voyage in the Accord. The controls came readily to hand -- with one exception. The touch screen for changing radio stations requires a good aim to get the one you want. And our right ankle didn't like the too-upright angle to the "go" pedal. That's it, though, for our list of dislikes.

Road noise was well controlled, and the trunk seemed capable of carrying home a record amount of groceries to the Evaluators' household -- Safeways of the world, take note!

Some Honda dealers can be cantankerous to deal with, but the car has enough going for it to justify the frustrations that this can bring. But don't take our word for it about the Accord.

Consumer Guide gave the Honda mainstay a perfect rating of 10. Car and Driver has included the Accord in its list ranking the top 10 cars for 19 of the past 23 years. Road and Track tested the Accord against its rivals and gave it the top spot. And even Consumer Reports said the Accord was among its top-rated sedans.

We'll sum up the car this way. For a bottom line of $29,215 (loaded), you get a car that gives you high-quality fit, finish and feel, plus a fun-to-drive factor that stacks up very well against wheels that would cost you thousands of dollars more.

(Note: The Accord has waged a long-running war against the Toyota Camry. We'll test a Camry in the near future.)

Comments? E-mail us at ramadon@marketwatch.com