Value
"Accord is a Best Buy blend of confident road manners, precision engineering, and enviable refinement. Add in Honda's sterling record for reliability and resale value, and it's no wonder Accord is so popular--and so seldom discounted. At about $31,000 to start, the Hybrid is pricey vs. its potential fuel savings, but it is thrifty considering it's also the most-powerful Accord. It also benefits from federal tax incentives for buyers of gas/electric vehicles."

Ride
"Generally absorbent on bumps and ruts, but all Accords have a decidedly taut ride. LX V6 and EX versions have 17-inch tires, and thump more on rough roads than other Accords, though it's seldom irksome. Hybrid seems slightly less composed overall than other sedans. V6 coupe feels sporty-car stiff. "

Noise
"A bit thumpy on sharp bumps and washboard pavement, but little coarse-surface tire drone. Wind rush generally modest. Some 4-cyl idle shake, but both engines otherwise smooth and unobtrusive even at high rpm. Despite antinoise system, Hybrid not noticeably quieter than regular V6s."

Comfort - Front
"Ample space on comfortable, well-shaped seats, though some testers complain padding too firm for long-distance comfort. Standard tilt/telescope steering column, plus height-adjustable driver seat except on VP. Headrests, tall rear deck, rear-pillar shape impede visibility aft and over the shoulder, especially in coupes. Windshield reflections a problem with lighter interior colors."

Comfort - Rear
"Not quite wide enough for three adults, but two are comfortably uncrowded. Cushion's outboard ends surprisingly squishy, though, and some may find backrest too reclined. Head room is 6-footer adequate. Leg and toe space good to generous, depending on front-seat positioning. No-strain entry/exit in sedans, but doors could open wider. Coupes, as usual, demand a crouch and crawl past long doors, which can be awkward in tight parking spots."

Controls
"Exemplary. Clear, legible gauges. Simple, handy minor controls. Available navigation system easy enough to learn. Its voice activation is an upscale, user-friendly touch, but requires precise wording and a clear voice. Cabin materials sturdy, tasteful, with overall workmanship to Honda's usual standard, but a few test models had unexpected creaks, minor trim gaps, slightly misaligned dashtop panels."

Cargo Room
"Spacious flat-floor trunks have low liftover but not much height under rear parcel shelf, and sickle-shaped trunklid hinges intrude. Note that Hybrid has 2.8 cu ft less cargo space than other sedans and no folding rear seat, which is otherwise standard, but sedans have a less-versatile one-piece backrest. Ample small-item cabin storage, plus bottle-holding door map pockets."