2009 Honda Accord: What's best for you? Four cylinders or six?

Do I really need the big engine?

It’s one of the serious questions a new-car buyer must answer because many models come with a choice. In the less expensive cars, it usually boils down to four-cylinders or six. In the premium brands, it’s a matter of six or eight and, sometimes, even 12.

Sales statistics show that when it’s time to sign, buyers most often choose the car with the smaller engine.

With that in mind, I spent some time behind the wheel of the latest Honda Accord EX-L sedan with leather upholstery, navigation system, automatic five-speed automatic transmission and a four-cylinder engine.

Although the top-of-the-line car I drove is not the biggest seller, it has essentially the same powertrain as the less expensive models that shoppers most often choose.

What did I learn? Simple answer: You don’t need a V-6 engine. Complicated answer: Nothing’s ever that simple. Before I explain, let’s take a look at what you get to go along with those four cylinders.

Using Honda’s tried and true growth formula, the new front-wheel-drive Accord sedan is three inches longer (194.1 inches), about an inch wider (72.7 inches), about an inch taller (58.1 inches, and about 160 pounds heavier than the previous model. The result is an extra three cubic feet of interior room, which translates to a bit more elbow room and a bit more leg room. It also moves the Accord, technically, into the large-sedan category.

Styling is a subjective matter, but I think it’s fair to say that the 2008 Accord has a bolder look than its predecessor, one that makes it stand out from, rather than disappear into a crowd. I give it a thumbs-up.

Inside, the Accord EX-L looks and feels more luxurious than its family-car mission would suggest. With bigger and more supportive seats covered in quality leather, upscale trim and a new sense of roominess, the Accord feels as if it has left its middle-class home and gone to live on an estate with the premium sedans.

The EX sedan’s upgraded 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine generates 190 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 24 horses and 2 pound-feet over last year’s powerplant. The bottom line: 0-60 mph drops about a second to 8.2, EPA-estimated fuel mileage drops by 3 in both categories to 21 city/31 highway, and tailpipe emissions get a top PZEV rating. A less powerful, 177 horsepower engine is available only in the entry-level LX models.

Rounding out the 2008 Accord driver’s package are variable assist, power rack-and-pinion steering; four-wheel independent suspension; and antilock four-wheel disc brakes (vented in front, sold at rear).

Not surprisingly, this Accord retains the sporty demeanor that makes it more fun to drive than some of its competitors. The suspension is taut without being annoying, the steering is responsive and communicative and the brakes are strong. For those who are really into driving, it can be purchased with a six-speed manual transmission.

It also is a leader in safety features, with front and side airbags for front-seat passengers, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, automatic stability control, brake force distribution and emergency brake assist.

Now, let’s get back to the engine and why my simple answer might not be the right one for everybody.

The four-cylinder engine is more than adequate for around-town and highway travel. If that’s where you spend your time, it will suit your needs admirably. And, with an active noise-cancellation system, harsh engine vibrations will not be felt inside the passenger cabin.

But, if you live in hilly terrain or spend a lot of time in two-lane territory you will encounter its weak spot. The four-cylinder Accord simply cannot scoot around slower traffic the way the 268-horsepower V-6 sedan does. Passing maneuvers take more planning and more space and that can be maddening when you are stuck behind a Sunday driver or a big garbage truck cruising along 10 miles an hour below the speed limit.

Compounding the conundrum is the fuel mileage. The four-cylinder engine’s EPA estimate of 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway really isn’t a whole lot different from the 19/29 estimate for the V-6 engine. For the record, the four-cylinder Accord I drove averaged between 22 and 27 mpg in mostly suburban and highway driving.

There is, however, a $2,300 price difference between comparable models and that could be enough to teach you a little patience. Here, again, there are decisions to be made. Skip the navigation system and its built-in accessories and you can have a V-6 Accord for nearly the same price as the car I drove.

In the end, sad to say, there is no single right answer. You simply have to pick the model that best suits your personal needs.

I have driven all of the Honda Accord models since the first one arrived in 1976 and have actually owned a few. Each generation has improved on the one before it and each has maintained Honda’s reputation for solid engineering and quality construction.

But, this time it seems that Honda has crossed some invisible line – from very good to excellent. The top-of-the-line Accord is exceptionally well appointed, big-enough to feel like a premium mid size sedan and competent enough to return an engaging driving experience.

And – for $28,605 – the 2009 Accord EX-L comes with all of the expected convenience features plus a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free telephone link, trip computer, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control and a seven-speaker, 270-watt sound system with Ipod connection.

With American manufacturers now building family cars that stack up well against the competition, overseas manufacturers may have a fight on their hands to maintain American market dominance.

The guess here is that Honda’s long-time success will continue.

Source;
http://www.examiner.com/x-2270-New-York-Autos-Examiner~y2009m1d17-2009-Honda-Accord-Whats-best-for-you-Four-cylinders-or-six