For many years now, the
Honda Accord has been synonymous with high-quality, reliable
transportation that includes a high fun-to-drive index.
That continues to be true for this popular model, which is the greatest-selling car in
America in terms of retail sales and second greatest 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 greatest 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.
The Accord's styling changes over the years have been evolutionary, not revolutionary,
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.
