For many, the ’70s will be remembered for disco music, long-collared shirts, the rise of feminism, and the twin peaks of the 1973 and 1976 energy crises. It was a time when Americans became introspective about their need of big, noisy and inefficient cars. The idea that oil reserves were not infinite and technological development was not sustainable without harmonizing the environment, ended the era of modernism. The introduction of the Honda Accord in 1976 addressed the prevailing paradigm of a reliable, economical and practical car that was fun to drive and easy to park.
Nearly three decades later, in 2006, we find that Honda has nearly perfected the Accord Sedan. Now available as a hybrid, it posts a fuel efficiency of 37 mpg highway; 29mpg in the city. While these aren’t as good as the Toyota Prius, or even the Honda Civic, they are better than most family cars on the road today. Where the 2006 Honda Accord really shines is in styling, handling, safety, fuel efficiency and the strong residual department, which are all vital components of the Accord’s success in the U.S. In addition, the 2006 Accord is based on the motor prowess expected of the ilk.
Walking around the exterior of the 2006 Honda Accord Sedan, you’ll notice clean, uncluttered lines from front to back, creating a sense of mystery and sophistication. The car has a distinctive elegant look. The sophisticated front nose incorporates headlights and turn signals in a single unit, improving aerodynamics. Step into the cabin and you’ll notice that the 2006 Accord lives up to its upper-middle-class, luxurious feel. The sports steering wheel, instrument cluster and touchscreen cockpit combine analog and digital features to good effect. The speedometer numbers are in the driver’s line of sight, and the audio, climate control and satellite navigation system are logically grouped and within easy reach. The front seats are supportive and comfortable for long trips, and the rear seats are roomy enough to accommodate two adults or three children. The new Accord has refined styling and feels tailored for the whole family.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll find that the 2006 Accord is no slouch in any of its VS, LX, EX, or even hybrid iterations. The new Accord rewards the driver with nimble handling and a choice of three engines: the 166-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard, the 244-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 is an upgrade, and the The 253-horsepower hybrid is the miracle worker of the trio with plenty of low-end torque. Hybrid allows you to enjoy even greater efficiencies when going up ramps or merging into traffic. The hybrid’s Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology can shut off three of the engine’s six cylinders by stopping fuel injection and keeping the intake and exhaust valves closed. Reduced displacement improves mileage and range. Press your foot down and VCM immediately opens the throttle valves for fast, smooth, instant acceleration.
Going fast is only half the battle, the 2006 Accord is a competent athlete, versatile in responding to changing driving situations. Every new Accord has standard daytime running lights; dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags that inflate based on impact severity; front side and side curtain airbags designed to prevent injuries in side-impact collisions; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to prevent wheel lockup and improve steering control; front crush zones made of high-strength steel to absorb and redistribute energy away from the passenger cabin; side-impact door beams and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) to balance brake load in hard braking conditions; and on all V-6 models, Brake Assist for improved braking. Additionally, the 2006 Accord earned a 5-star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s frontal crash test, the highest honor bestowed on any automobile.
The 1973 oil crisis resulted in a profound change in American culture. It was not uncommon for car owners, during this time, to have access to fuel pumps based on their license plates. Holders of license plates ending in an odd number buy fuel only on odd days and vice versa. When the first Accord was introduced nearly 30 years ago, it became an instant sensation. The 2006 Honda Accord represents the manufacturer’s commitment to drivers, passengers, safety and comfort. With MSRP of $18,225 for the new Accord Sedan and $30,140 for the hybrid, it’s amazing how much things change, the more they stay the same.