It's been over 7 months since the 7th Generation Accords hit the streets, and by most accounts, it's doing pretty well. While the Accord's styling has been the subject of somewhat heated debate, it doesn't seem to have impacted sales in a negative way. In fact, considering the market factors, sales have been pretty respectable, and it has won several shootouts against competing models in major magazine tests. As the old saying goes, "Beauty is more than skin deep". As it should be, the car has been evaluated based upon its undisputable strengths: driving dynamics, refinement, and strong value.

Regardless of the styling, the Accord merits your attention if you can appreciate excellence in engineering and execution. Whether you choose the smooth and torquey 2.4L 160hp DOHC I-VTEC inline 4-cylinder, or opt for the ripping 3.0L 240hp SOHC VTEC V-6, you won't be disappointed.

We have already sampled the Accord EX V6 sedan several times, and we were quite impressed by its refinement, luxurious appointments, and especially the straight-line potency of the car, not to mention the sticker price. For the most part we were very pleased, but we would have liked at least the option of sportier suspension tuning and a manual transmission, although the automatic is so good we almost don't miss the manual transmission. However, as we're helpless speed freaks, we're always looking for the last ounce of performance and control, and a manual transmission is the only way to go.

For those who absolutely cannot live without a manual transmission(and can't live with a coupe), there's relief in the form of a smooth shifting 5-speed manual, if you opt for one of the three 2.4L 4-cylinder models. Despite the fact that you're giving up 80 hp (on spec sheets, at least) to the 3.0L V-6, the 4-cylinder Accord is by no means a penalty box.