By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
People often ask my opinion of a good car in a specific market segment. Quality is rarely an issue anymore, so often times it comes down to personal preferences and just the way a car feels. The Honda Accord is one car that just feels right.
Consumers, with their purchasing dollars, have the final say in what makes a good or bad car and consumers obviously believe that the Honda Accord is a great product. Even with the recent introduction of strong domestic competition in the form of the Chrysler Cirrus and Ford Contour, the Honda Accord has remained the second-best selling car in the United States.
The design of the Accord has become dated. Since the introduction of this generation Accord, the Ford Contour has been introduced and then freshened for the 1998 model year which is already on sale. Recent spy pictures show that the new 1998 Accord will stay with the traditional conservative look that Honda is known for. However, the recent Prelude and Acura CL were 'bold' designs for Honda.
Everything about the Accord is done conservatively from the exterior design to the simple-yet-functional interior controls. Driving the Accord doesn't have to be as conservative as it looks only the soft suspension and tire package hamper the ability to be a sports car. I wouldn't call it zippy but the Accord can be pushed hard and made to run. Manually shifted, the 4-speed automatic gearbox goes a long way to this end.
Built in Marysville, Ohio, for over 10 years, Honda has made a serious commitment to the U.S. with 60% North American supplier content. The next generation Accord due this fall is expected to have an even higher domestic supplier content making it a true 'domestic' vehicle.
When you look at the bottom line on an Accord you're likely not to have to take out a second mortgage on the home to afford one. The price as tested came to a reasonable $21,925 including a power moonroof and other upgraded features. It also included the common-place features of airbags, anti-lock brakes, CD player and cup holders. When you get right down to that bottom line, the Honda Accord is a good car at a reasonable price making it one of the best selling cars in America.