Autonet.ca: Quick 2010 Honda Accord Review

Accord is simply desirable
It only takes a few minutes to realize what’s so refreshing about the 2010 Honda Accord sedan - it’s almost completely gimmick-free.

There are no panoramic sunroofs, paddle shifters, cooled gloveboxes, push button ignitions or hip-sounding eco-friendly technologies to be found anywhere.

Of course there’s certainly nothing wrong with those things - most of them anyways - but listening to the average consumer and even auto journalists over the years, it’s clear there are still plenty of people who want nothing more than to own a vehicle that’s uncomplicated.

If cars had middle names, ‘simple’ or ‘uncomplicated’ would fit the four-door Accord perfectly.

Now, there’s sure to be detractors who would replace the ‘refreshing’ description with ‘routine’, but our EX-L tester feels nothing of the sort. It just feels ... good.

This eighth-generation Accord doesn’t receive a lot of changes for 2010. In fact, we drove a nearly identical model - not just in looks, but in features and price - in 2008 and it still feels nothing short of familiar a couple years later. The only real difference between the two is their transmissions. The 2010 version has a five-speed automatic (standard on all trims except the lowest-priced LX), which does its job admirably, providing smooth shifts during typical driving situations, while gearing down quickly when quick acceleration is needed.

The only downside to the auto is the higher fuel consumption numbers.

The five-speed auto is mated to a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 190-horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, which is about average for this segment. It’s not exactly whiplash-inducing power, but it allows for quick passing manoeuvres when needed. It’s quiet, too, thanks in no small part to the well-insulated interior.

Speaking of which, the best part about the Accord sedan is the interior and how it fits four passengers like a glove. Seats are covered in supple leather and have lots of padding to keep backs and bums from getting sore. On paper, the rear seats aren’t as spacious as a lot of competitors, but no matter - they still stand out as some of the most comfortable in the segment.

Up front, the office is laid out predictably. Honda and Acura products are typically button-heavy and though the Accord is no exception, it’s still easy to find everything thanks to a bias toward text (as opposed to indecipherable symbols), and a bit of colour to draw the eye to an oft-used control like temperature.

It’s worth noting the excellent quality of the Accord. Nothing about the interior is chintzy and materials have an upscale look and feel.

When it comes to extras, there isn’t much the EX-L is missing. It has a ton of safety features, an upgraded sound system, sunroof, eight-way power driver’s seat and steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, just for starters. A navigation system is the only available option, and it comes highly recommended as it adds Bluetooth connectivity for your phone - a nigh-essential piece of equipment with hands-free laws becoming more and more commonplace.

The ride itself is soft but stops short of ‘floaty’. This sedan isn’t bred to pull off any really fancy footwork but stays composed around corners regardless, keeping body lean to a minimum.

So the Accord may not be nearly as flashy as ever-evolving competitors, but there’s something to be said about its being so reliable and easy to use. It also happens to stand as an excellent in-between for those who aren’t ready to commit to the Accord Crosstour and its wagon bodystyle, but need something more practical than the coupe.

Source;
http://www.autonet.ca/autos/search/testdrives/2010/04/23/13691641-autonet.html